Help needed please

[juicetin]

Can anybody help me - my S1 Elise has failed to start. On trying to start i get a very fast clicking noise which sounds like the starter motor going mad, and nothing else. The dash lights go frantic but just the manic clicking noise. Any ideas anyone, p***ed off as i was hoping for a good drive to see friends tomorrow. Thanks

[DanH]

Battery is flat most likely.

[smeagol]

Don't own an Elise but does sound like starter motor prob not ignition (possibly gone). BUT There is one thing to check before going wild with spanners, as I've seen it happen on other Loti and cars. Check your battery leads are tight on the battery and on the back of the starter motor. If they are loose (ie moveable) you can get a clack as it engages the starter but hasn't enough umph to turn. Its a bit of a long shot but definately worth a look.

Another thing it could be is that the starter motor is stuck. To unstick to rock the car backwards and forwards to release then try again.

Hope that helps.

[DanH]

Seriously I'm 99% sure your battery is flat.

Turn the headlights on, do they work?

If so try to start it with them on, do they dim?

If not yeah it could be starter etc, but I'm guessing not.

[SABARRAS]

DanH is right I had exactly the same symptoms as you when my battery was flat.

[juicetin]

Thanks a lot chaps, battery charged and running as good as ever. Dont know why it discharged in only 2 days of non-use. Will probably get a new battery, any suggestions as to a decent one ?

[adrianr]

There is a 'known problem' where the brake lights stay on even when the ignition is switched off, which would discharge your battery unexpectedly. Or it could just be knackered and you've done a few short trips in succession.

AdrianR

[WildfireX0]

Just incase anyone wanted to know, the clicking sound is the solenoid and generally a good indication of Flatus Battryus maximus!