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Starting troubles

PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 8:36 pm
by looneyboy89
Hey guys,

Car is a preface spec b, having trouble starting it, starts fine when it is hooked up to another battery to jump.

Current battery is a year old Century, 20,000kms on it. When I try to start, get a couple of quick noises that sounds more like the dash flickering on and off. Engine doesn't even crank over. The clock resets as though the battery has been disconnected. Battery showing 12v when car's off, 14v when running after being started.

Any ideas on where to start looking are appreciated!

Cheers, Ben

Re: Starting troubles

PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 8:59 pm
by Tonic
Starter motor would be at the end of its life..... had to replace mine after 12 yrs.... about 10,000 starts I reckon.....relatively cheap replace...
Not sure about the electical bug...maybe related

Re: Starting troubles

PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 9:48 pm
by Spec BSC
Had trouble starting mine and discovered this under the rubber boot going onto the starter motor.
Image

Re: Starting troubles

PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 11:34 pm
by Surge
You have described the exact thing that happens when the battery is dead.

I'd be cleaning the contacts and try placing it on a proper battery charger.

Not sure why the battery would die so soon. But those should have a 2 year warranty.

Re: Starting troubles

PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 5:12 pm
by looneyboy89
I've tested using a fresh battery today and no luck. It's as though when I try to crank it over, it loses power to the dash and no lights will come on until battery is disconnected and reconnected.

I've also noticed a constant whine coming from throttle body before trying to crank, it doesn't stop as long as the key is in the on position

Re: Starting troubles

PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 8:19 pm
by norbs
Constant whine is normal for TB.

Battery is not the issue it seems.

Check all cables, earths and battery terminals. I suspect either broken, loose or corroded.

Failing that, take to an auto elec.

Re: Starting troubles

PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 8:56 am
by tom_kauf
Hmm, you mentioned that it starts fine when hooked up to another batter to jump. That proves it's an issue with the battery (which you've now ruled out), or how the battery is connected.

Do you just clamp the jumper cables onto the outside of the terminals, or the negative onto the engine block? If you connect the jumper cable to the existing battery cables, it uses all the same existing cables to supply power to the car. The battery terminals must be corroded on the inside, or not fully tight. That'd be my guess - it can't really be anything else.

Re: Starting troubles

PostPosted: Mon Jun 26, 2017 10:11 pm
by looneyboy89
Thanks for the replies, it was the terminals.

Gave the insides of the terminals a quick sand/file and tightened up too.

Basically wasted $140 on a battery too, at least I have a spare now if I need one.