Car not starting

hemophobic

It's hard to describe what happens but it makes a noise as if it is trying to start and if I keep the key turned it starts making a clicking noise. I don't think it is the battery but can't be sure.

Should I try jump leads?

iceblue24

my first guess would be the battery. The clicking sound is the starter solenoid. Its not receiving enough power to engage the starter motor. If the battery is ok, check the wiring to the starter. could just be a loose connection.

forgotmyname

Clicking sound and the engine not spinning over is either a sticky solenoid or the battery does not have enough
power to spin the starter motor upto speed.

Charge the battery overnight and try again. 8 hours+

scot88

Try "rocking" the car..it might free off starter motor. If it doesn't work..no harm done

property.advert

Another vote for at home motor breakdown assistance me thinks.

jase1

Your original comment about jump leads would be my first port of call. Jump it from a second car or neighbour's car, and drive around for half an hour. Should give the battery the boost it needs -- if it is that.

The real question is why did the battery go flat in the first place (if it is that). It could be the battery, it could be the alternator (potentially £££) or it could be a short somewhere. You may well have to take it to a garage to get it checked out -- not Kwik Fit though; I went there as the car (a Nissan Sunny) failed to start in a hotel car park at the other end of the country, and they were convinced that the battery was fine and that the alternator was shot, when in fact a replacement battery sorted the car and it ran quite happily for years afterwards.

boyse7en

In addition to above, check the engine earth strap. If the engine block is not earthing correctly, the starter won't be able to draw enough power to crank the engine. Worth unbolting the strap, cleaning the ends and cleaning around the bolthole on the car.