Hear cranking ticking noise but car doesn't turn over

[CreeR2]

Hi guys, tried to start my car today and it won't start! I can hear this ticking noise when I'm trying to crank my car. It doesn't sound what it normally sounds like. The car is not turning over. Some interesting observations:-

My temperature says 6 degrees

My CD player is going crazy with all this noise like it's trying to change CDs or something....

Does anyone know what's wrong with my car? Any help would be appreciated! It's a MY06 Liberty 3.0Rbtw...

[Kekotic]

Removed.

[jimbo]

Definitely a dead battery used to happen when I had my old car and I left the lights on over night :p I'd recharge the battery but if it's dead it won't hold charge and you'll need a new one. Don't rule out alternator either but I'd try the battery first

[MH3.0R]

Hola for a Marhsall. Or better still call RACV Batteries. They come to you 24 x 7. Very reasonable price too and will fit OEM spec or higher spec. I used them once half way to Phillip Island, took one hour on a Sunday.

[CreeR2]

I must say that I'm pretty confused. Can I ask why you guys think it's the battery?

- All the dash lights and everything come up alright.

- I don't think I left any lights on.

I did have a flat battery before, but no lights would even come on and you can't even hear that ticking noise. This time the symptoms are different. I will take your advice and plug in the battery charger overnight. We'll see what happens tomorrow. I welcome other suggestions too!

[Kekotic]

Removed.

[jimbo]

I agree with keiran your battery still has a minimal amount of charge to run accessories but it needs a lot more to crank the engine. If it's manual go push it down a hill and start it that way (make sure your in it though ) then run around for about 20 and see if it will turn over. If it doesn't your battery is toast.

[MH3.0R]

When my battery went flat, it was due to my better half (bless her) leaving the ignition on ACC mode so the fan would continue to run while father in law and son remained behind in the car at the shopping centre. Well after 20 minutes on a 4 year old battery, when she jumped back in, car would not start. Just went click, click, click. (Sound familiar). RACV came out to shopping centre, jump started the car, sent her home and said the car will need to be looked at for a replacement battery. Well, after 50 minute drive home, battery recovered enough to start next day. All week I was running to worl each day, felt battery still ok. Month later, stopped half way to Phillip Island and was having a coffee in the car, stero on (and fan), went to start the car after 30 mins, and guess what? I was there fro another hour.....

[CreeR2]

Thanks for your help everyone! Seems like I need to replace the battery! Will grab my dads battery charger tomorrow and charge it over night. Will let you know the outcome!

[Kekotic]

Removed.

[jimbo]

Ok then from here on in you shall be known as kern :p

[garbo41610]

Perfect time to upgrade to an Optima D34 or similar

[josho]

charging it might get you going for a bit but to be sure id get it tested and then replace it if neccesary. its probably a dead cell, and you could charge it up and it will start then but next time you leave it for a while again the battery will lose charge and you might get stuck.
good luck!

[swingn]

Battery for sure... That's almost exactly what my Liberty did when the battery was gone.

Tip for all (If you didn't already know) the best way to get the most life out of your battery if to keep it topped up... So obviously if your using the car everyday it's not an issue (Would still be changing the battery after approx 3.5 years to be safe), but if your not using your car much, do yourself a favor & pick up a trickle charger.

[smythie]

yep, likewise. Happened to me a couple of months ago.

No need to go over the top with an Optima either.