Nick Posted January 23, 2002 Share Posted January 23, 2002 Just tried to start the car and it's not happening. First turn of the key resulted in one very slow turn over and then that was it. Second try all I got was a rapid and very loud clicking coming from under the bonnet. The car was serviced a couple of weeks ago and the battery was changed as part of the service as it had a dead cell. I've checked the battery Voltage and it's fine, as are all the fuses. After trying to turn it over the alarm (Meta) churps twice. I last used the car yesterday and there wasn't any problems except the turn over on start up did feel a little more sluggish than usual Could it be the alarm? Any ideas welcome....! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flipfinger Posted January 23, 2002 Share Posted January 23, 2002 The loud clicking noise is exactly the same as I got a month or so back, when my battery was dead......clearly yours isn't though? Checked the contacts etc? Probably have..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THOR Racing Posted January 23, 2002 Share Posted January 23, 2002 Does the META (which I have as well) LED's stop flashing when you insert the immobilser key (rather than using the key-fob)? Do you here the click of the relay when the immobilser is deactivated? I had a spate of problems with mine and it was done to me hitting the button and jumping in and turning the ignition or too quick. Once I'd done this it was stuck immobilised. I had to leave it to fully arm the car again (about 30s) before attempting again. Then it started. A few times I thought it was a dead battery but turned out to be me being to quick for the immobiliser. Also check the 120A fuse in the engine compartment fuse box. It's the one that's for the alternator. Mine went (dropped a spanner and shorted the alternator lead (which I had off at the time) to the engine), bad set of events really. Anyway this made my META chirp as if it was just setting up for the first time whenever I turned the ignition switch on. What was happening was the META was only getting power when I turned the ignition switch to ON. In the OFF position it was like disconnecting the battery. Turn the ignition back on and it chirped away setting up. Check all abovious things. If it worked yesterday and not today chances are it's just something simple and quick to fix. (Crossed fingers) Regards Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Posted January 23, 2002 Author Share Posted January 23, 2002 I've just spoken to a mate and he pointed out that even though the battery is nearly 12V it doesn't mean that it's ok. He's coming round shortly with a jump pack (no jokes to flying men please...!) so we're see if it is the battery, probably is. Odd though, it's brand new. Maybe I have a leak to earth somewhere.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THOR Racing Posted January 23, 2002 Share Posted January 23, 2002 The first line should have read.... "I had a spate of problems with mine and it was down to me hitting the button and jumping in and turning the ignition on too quick. " Must sssslllllooooooowwwwww dddddddddooooooooowwwwwwnnnnnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Posted January 23, 2002 Author Share Posted January 23, 2002 Just missed your post Pete, thanks. I'll check that fuse now, must be something simple like you say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Martin F Posted January 23, 2002 Share Posted January 23, 2002 It does sound like the battery. Maybe your alternator is shot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Posted January 23, 2002 Author Share Posted January 23, 2002 Right. 120A fuse is ok. Car "clicks" when imobliser light is off so I'm not being too quick. The indicator lights also flash after trying to turn it over. When I try and lock the car I have to press the button twice as the first time the doors remain unlocked. Alarm doesn't seem to remember what state it was in before. Looks like the battery, know for sure when I get a jump pack on there. Thanks Pete and Flip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Branners Posted January 23, 2002 Share Posted January 23, 2002 I have the meta on mine, and I run my battery down on a regular basis and thats exactly the same problem I get, it will click away quite happily but just doesnt have enough power to start. I have a portable jump start that I use for such occassions. Its also worth checked the battery terminals to make sure they are done up nice and tight as trying to turnover a 3.0 engine takes a bit of juice. I have to admit I have had zero problems with my Meta alarm which has been quite surprising considering its a reasonable cheap unit. JB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darren S Posted January 23, 2002 Share Posted January 23, 2002 Nick, Just a word of warning, I once replaced a dead battery with a brand new Heavy Duty battery. Only after several more days did it become obvious that this new battery already had a short in it, wouldn't hold any charge at all. Definetely sounds like the battery is the likely cause, or the clamps!!!! Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Jackett Posted January 23, 2002 Share Posted January 23, 2002 Get the battery checked at any good DIY shop, they can check each cell. I had the same problem with an OLD battery on my Supra. One of the cells was dead even though it still read a good 12V+ . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Harwood Posted January 23, 2002 Share Posted January 23, 2002 This is very common for us, working with cars and the doors open all day often flattens the battery. The noise you are hearing is the starter solenoid engaging, then, the starter motor pulls loads of power from the battery, (which, in this case, the battery does not have), and the solenoid disengages. Then the process starts again. This process happens vary quickly, hence the loud clicking noise you are getting. Get the battery checked. Are you sure that the door was closed properly? If it was only closed on the first latch, the interior light would have been held on and could have flattened your battery. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Posted January 24, 2002 Author Share Posted January 24, 2002 I took the car to the local garage today and watched whilst they checked it, turns out one of the cells was duff. I've just fitted a new one and everythings sweet. Top description Matt, cheers. I wondered what the clicking noise was... Thanks for your help everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.