Ignition problem - Clicking

Hi all

I hope everyone's new year is going better than mine.

I tried to start my FL 1.8 petrol (I know!), this afternoon and although the dashboard lights came on, when I turned the key the only other response was a fast clicking noise. It just won't start but was fine 2 days ago. Any suggestions?

Sound like either the battery is on its way out. How old is it?.

It's a 53 plate and it's done about 67000 miles.

battery by sound of it

Thanks both. xx

Nomatterwhat said:

Hi all

I hope everyone's new year is going better than mine.

I tried to start my FL 1.8 petrol (I know!), this afternoon and although the dashboard lights came on, when I turned the key the only other response was a fast clicking noise. It just won't start but was fine 2 days ago. Any suggestions?

Click to expand...

From my experience, its the starter motor solenoid that's clicking. Now it's either not getting enough power or its kaput!
Get the multimeter on the battery

Then try a jump/bump start, sometimes when left standing the solenoid can seize, it might work free with a bump.
Failing that if the battery is ok and it don't work free, you'll need the solenoid refurbed or a new starter motor.
Hth
Mick

Oops, double post???

Usually a low or buggered battery

bump start or leave it on charge overnight and try in the morning

You're getting sound advice.

99% sure you have a flat battery.

The problem is diagnosis of why.

In order of probability trouble is with either:

Battery
Alternator
Starter solenoid
Starter itself

Don't go to Kwikyfit or Halfrauds to have it checked as they will sell you a new battery without any checking as to why its gone flat. It might be old age - but they would have you replace even a healthy battery that could be charged up and be OK

What usage does this vehicle get - short journeys - lights on - heater etc.

It's possibly not running long enough to replace the energy you're taking out.

Solution to that is get a charger and charge the battery perhaps once a week. When my daily commute was only 10 miles the battery went flat in about 6 days of early cold dark mornings with the heated seats, heated windscreen and fans on.

Get a multimeter - even a cheapy one and check the volts at the battery with the engine off.

Get the engine running with a bump start and keep it running for half an hour or so. Then check the volts at the battery with the engine running and with the lights on.

Report back the figures and we can tell better what the root of the problem is.

Good luck.

Singvogel.

I bet 10 bob its the starter/solenoid

As above lol

Thanks for all your help. I jump started it this morning and went for a long run. It seems OK. Tomorrow will tell! Thanks again

I got this problem at the start of last winter so bought a new battery as it was shot. That solved the problem until a few weeks ago when it returned.

Checked voltages before and during a start and all seemed as it should so I bought the solenoid repair kit from fleabay. First morning after fitting it dashed out to the car and "click click" same again but eventually started after a few goes (as it did before the solenoid was repaired).

So it might not be the solenoid at all and I'm beginning to think I have either a dodgy earth or the battery is just a tiny bit undercharged. It seems strange that the Freelander is so sensitive with regards the starter motor??

A simple thing..... Be sure to put some vaseline/grease on the battery terminals and make sure they are tight.

Sometimes it can be the 'bleedin' obvious.

Yes, a questionable earth is always a possibility as the starter motor draws a massive amount of current.