Ford KA. Whats the ticking noise?

swingaloo

My son has a Ford Ka and due to him being ill and in hospital over the last month it has been stood outside and not moved.

I decided to start it up just to get the engine running (yes, I kow, I should have done it sooner!) but the battery would hardly turn it over and it died!!!!

Now when I give it another try there is just a loud clicking noise coming from under the bonnet.

Now, Im useless about cars but can I assume that this noise is the result of the engine trying to start when the battery is dead or could it be something more sinister.

I ask because I am willing to go and get a new battery but dont want to go to that expense if its a sound which means there is another problem as my son isnt going to be able to drive for some time and as its an older car which isnt worth spending a fortune on.

The car is a lifeline for my son but hes very ill at the moment and so not using it but still making his insurance payments.
So if the sound is more than a battery problem it may mean getting rid of it.

thefishdude

its just the engine trying to start but there is not enough power to even turn it over. rather than by a battery can you not just jump start it ? then leave it running to a bit to charge battery up or even if you had a battery charger, charge it up both would be cheaper then buying a new battery especially just getting a jump start.

Jeff_Bridges_hair

Is big ben hiding in the boot or a similarly big clock?

jase1

Almost certainly a dead battery. As mentioned try a jump-start.

marlot

The clicking is the starter solenoid. Give it a jump start.

McKneff

Give it a run out too if your allowed,

As others have said, dead battery, clicking is the solenoid.

Hope your boy returns home well soom