Can't start car - advice (or mechanic) needed.

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paul - 31 Jul 2003 16:57 GMT

A few months ago my 1999 mini wouldn't start - the starter motor made a
horrible clicking noise, but didn't turn the engine.

I vary rarely use the car (once/twice a week on average), and often
journeys are short.

I was advised that the battery had probably run down, so the starter motor
hadn't enough power to spin fast enough to properly engage with the
engine. Sure enough, I charged the battery, and all was well.

Yesterday I had the same problem, so I tried the same fix - but the
problem remains.

Is it possible the starter motor is defective (if so can it be helped by
hitting it, WD40???) or have I got a duff battery? Any simple way to
diagnose the problem?

I'm based near Reading, Berks, UK. Anyone know a good local
mechanic/garage (preferably mini specialist, preferably not rover dealer).

paul AT duplex services DOT co DOT uk.

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minimini@veryspeedy.net - 01 Aug 2003 09:34 GMT

> A few months ago my 1999 mini wouldn't start - the starter motor made a
> horrible clicking noise, but didn't turn the engine.
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>
> paul AT duplex services DOT co DOT uk.

The horrible clicking noise is probably the solenoid engaging but
there is not enough power getting through to turn the engine, hence
why charging the battery sometimes works. It'd be worth checking the
connections around the solenoid, starter and the engine earth strap.

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paul - 04 Aug 2003 08:26 GMT

> The horrible clicking noise is probably the solenoid engaging but there
> is not enough power getting through to turn the engine, hence why
> charging the battery sometimes works. It'd be worth checking the
> connections around the solenoid, starter and the engine earth strap.

Thanks. I've cleaned up all the contacts. The car started fine when I
jumped it from another car. I drove it for 20 mins, after which it still
won't start. As if the battery won't hold a charge.

I think the battery is at fault, possibly damaged by the cheap battery
charger. I'll replace it and see what happens.

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