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MG MGF Technical - football rattle

I have recently bought my first mgf ( a'98 vvc),and everything has been fine,until yesterday,when whilst trying to start the engine,a noise that would best be described as an old style football rattle,(probably a solenoid or motor rapidly actuating/revolving half a dozen times a second)is heard.
It sounds like the door locking system,and/or the starter motor.Either way it won't start.Has anybody got any ideas?
Much appreciated.
doug owens

Hi Doug,

Almost definitely the battery having insufficient charge to engage the starter, so the noise is indeed the solenoid trying in vain. New battery might be a good investment even if a re-charge solves the immediate issue, as they don't fully recover from being pancake flat.
Mike Hankin

Mike,
Thanks a lot.I'll try that tonight.

cheers.
doug owens

And then you need to discover what made the battery go flat in the first place... Good luck ;o)
Mike Hankin

Mike,
I owe you one.
doug owens

Doug,

Check that all your interior lights go out, especially the one in the boot.

The wiring loom at the left hand hinge of the boot can become rubbed, causing a short.

Sam
Sam Murray

Sam,
Thanks for the tip.That boot lights going to be a tricky one,its a bit like making sure the fridge door lights gone out,only without the problem of trying to squeeze in amongst last nights takeaway and a pack of out of date cheese.

Cheers
doug owens

Doug,
If you have a decent multimeter in series with the battery reading the current you should easily detect the current change - 400mA.
Charles

Doug,

Do you have a video camera, digital camera or mobile phone which takes video clips?

If so, switch it on, put it in the boot and close the lid. If everything goes black on playback - RESULT!

Sam
Sam Murray

Charles,
Thanks for the info..

Thanks

Doug
doug owens

Open the boot, close the catch with the shank of a screwdriver, light out.
Open the catch with the key and close the boot.
Geoff F.
G. Farthing

Sam,
THATS AN EXCELLANT EXAMPLE OF "THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX",(BUT INSIDE THE BOOT)

DOUG
doug owens

Geoff,
Thanks for the tip.I'll give it a go.

Doug
doug owens

This thread was discussed between 15/05/2006 and 16/05/2006

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