escort sounds like a machine gun with no bullets

[mrtrotty]

I have a 1993 escort, 1.4. Came back from my hols tried to start and it is making a load fast clicking sound from beneath the bonnet / dash area.

Car wont turn over at all.

Any ideas anybody?

 

[JohnD]

flat battery

 

[2scoops0406]

Why would the solenoid clatter, you'd just get a click on a nearly flat battery, wouldn't you?

 

[dirkdangler]

id say flat battery aswell.

 

[JohnD]

me too

 

[mrtrotty]

i dont think its a flat battery... that is usually one small click when trying to start.

this noise is a continious loud clicking / ticking noise that remains when you have the key turned. Noise stops when you turn key off.

Any ideas? Thanks

 

[jonnyfishing]

Try good jump leads from another car if you still get the same response,
look to the starter motor and its earth connection.
If it starts on jump leads, your battery is flat or knackered.

 

[mattysupra]

FLAT BATTERY!

 

[libby lou lou]

I'm part of the flat battery gang, but iv'e had the odd solenoid give me similar symptoms, just in case you find it isn't the battery.

 

[mrtrotty]

dear all, you are all superstars. just a flat battery and all fixed. thanks very much for all your responses. to be honest i have never heard this strange clattering sound with a flat battery but you learn something every day

tony

 

[wotan]

dear all, you are all superstars. just a flat battery and all fixed. thanks very much for all your responses. to be honest i have never heard this strange clattering sound with a flat battery but you learn something every day

tony

The battery had enough power to engage the starter solenoid , but not enough power to turn the starter motor, the solenoid then starts clattering, hence the noise.

Wotan

 

[Peter.N.]

Just to be technical, with an almost flat battery, when the solonoid engages the starter the voltage drops because of the extra load so the solonoid drops out and disconnects the starter, there is now enough voltage to operate the solonoid again, but when it engages the voltage drops ........

 

[wotan]

Just to be technical, with an almost flat battery, when the solonoid engages the starter the voltage drops because of the extra load so the solonoid drops out and disconnects the starter, there is now enough voltage to operate the solonoid again, but when it engages the voltage drops ........

As above.....but explained in more detail.

Wotan

 

[Peter.N.]

Wotan

I wasn't trying to outdo you, just give a cause and effect explanation.

Peter

 

[wotan]

Wotan

I wasn't trying to outdo you, just give a cause and effect explanation.

Peter

No problem, no offence taken

Wotan