Hi all

Trying to start my p38 after a period of inactivity - battery is fully charged. Starter motor is making a ticking - can I rock the car in D to free up/turn the starter?

Cheers

Josh

josh00mac said:

Hi all

Trying to start my p38 after a period of inactivity - battery is fully charged. Starter motor is making a ticking - can I rock the car in D to free up/turn the starter?

Cheers

Josh

Click to expand...

Rocking is unlikely to do anything in an auto. First of all, check the battery really is ok. A bolloxed battery will often show 12-13 volts when tested, but shows a very significant drop when under load. Check battery leads are tight, and that the lead to the starter is tight and has a good clean contact. Check all earthing straps are secure with good contact. If all of the above is ok, lightly tap the solenoid housing whilst someone is holding the key in the start position. If none of this works, then it will may be necessary to remove, strip and clean the starter motor.

Thanks Martin. Despite being hooked up to my mates huge battery in his XJR I think it was electrical power - possibly because the leads weren't heavy duty enough. The AA soon had it going with a set of heavy duty leads and their truck battery.

Connect a jump lead from a good, clean place on the engine to the negative of the battery. If it then turns over then you've got an earth issue somewhere.

late again, story of my life!!!

wonder if he read your help bodge...


in a way its like my long line of wire with a crocadial clip on each end....

that can be used in all sorts of applications on low tension low power lines.

a certain connection on a starter motor is one such check....