Fiesta won't start at all

richiepoorman

I have a Ford Fiesta MK4 and the mnain problem is it won't start! When you turn the key in the ignition, it justs clicks repeatedly and the engine won't turn over. This is a very recent thing (up until now this car has been perfect, no problems), it was jump started and ran ok for a couple of miles, the engine was turned off and then when we went to re-start it, it wouldn't and just started this clicking noise.

When you turn on the ignition all the lights on the panel flash really quickly - in time with the clicks, if that makes sense.

Someone has suggested that it could be the alternator - any ideas??

Thanks in advance

TirNaNog.

Sounds like flat battery.

richiepoorman wrote: »

I have a Ford Fiesta MK4 and the mnain problem is it won't start! When you turn the key in the ignition, it justs clicks repeatedly and the engine won't turn over. This is a very recent thing (up until now this car has been perfect, no problems), it was jump started and ran ok for a couple of miles, the engine was turned off and then when we went to re-start it, it wouldn't and just started this clicking noise.

When you turn on the ignition all the lights on the panel flash really quickly - in time with the clicks, if that makes sense.

Someone has suggested that it could be the alternator - any ideas??

Thanks in advance

Anan1

Your battery's flat. Check you're not leaving anything on when the car's switched off and that the charge light isn't on when the car's running. If the battery won't hold charge then you'll need to replace it.

richiepoorman

I haven't checked the battery yet, but it was recently serviced and had new battery cables replaced, but not the actual battery.

I'll check and post again, thanks.

Carstuck

Say its the battery. Happen to me before. Is it the original one. They usually last about 7 - 9 years

SV

Carstuck wrote: »

Say its the battery. Happen to me before. Is it the original one. They usually last about 7 - 9 years

:eek:
I'd never have a car battery down for that life span, 4 years at most to be honest.
I reckon you'd have to really be pushing it for 9 years?

My parent bought a new Hyundai Accent in 1999, used daily for short spins, battery lasted until Christmas / New Year just gone.

Carstuck

SV wrote: »

:eek:
I'd never have a car battery down for that life span, 4 years at most to be honest.
I reckon you'd have to really be pushing it for 9 years?

I bought a new Ford in 1995 and didn't touch the battery until 2003. Wife had a new Toyota (2000) and battery only replaced in 2008. Second battery should do 2-4 years. Now have a 2003 (new) and battery perfect.

unkel

The battery in my 735 lasted nearly 10 years. That kinda lifespan is an exception though, normally you can expect 3-4 years, anything more is a bonus!

richiepoorman wrote: »

it was jump started and ran ok for a couple of miles, the engine was turned off and then when we went to re-start it, it wouldn't and just started this clicking noise.

You need more than a couple of miles for the battery to be charged up. Jump start it again and drive for 30 minutes before you try starting it again.

Brabus

richiepoorman wrote: »

I have a Ford Fiesta MK4 and the mnain problem is it won't start! When you turn the key in the ignition, it justs clicks repeatedly and the engine won't turn over. This is a very recent thing (up until now this car has been perfect, no problems), it was jump started and ran ok for a couple of miles, the engine was turned off and then when we went to re-start it, it wouldn't and just started this clicking noise.

When you turn on the ignition all the lights on the panel flash really quickly - in time with the clicks, if that makes sense.

Someone has suggested that it could be the alternator - any ideas??

Thanks in advance

By the sound of that, it could be a starter motor problem and not necessary a battery problem as you say you have lights on the dash. Have a check of the starter motor and the alternator or ask a mechanic to check them for you.

ChristyCent

Getting into your car and realising the batterys dead is one of the worst feelings ever. The security in the carpark outside my job (liffey valley) told me they spend between 2 and 3 hours a day jump starting peoples cars

PCPhoto

clicking/ticking over is normally an alternator isnt it ?

either way - bring it to a mechanic - get it sorted and ...get back on the roads

Anan1

Brabus wrote: »

By the sound of that, it could be a starter motor problem and not necessary a battery problem as you say you have lights on the dash. Have a check of the starter motor and the alternator or ask a mechanic to check them for you.

PCPhoto wrote: »

clicking/ticking over is normally an alternator isnt it ?

either way - bring it to a mechanic - get it sorted and ...get back on the roads

The battery has enough power to bring the dash lights on. The clicking is the starter motor solenoid engaging - as this happens the current drawn in an attempt to turn the engine over causes the dash lights to dim, hence the flashing. First thing is to charge the battery so the car can be started, after that the OP will have to determine whether the battery's not getting charge or is just incapable of holding it.

snowman707

SV wrote: »

:eek:
I'd never have a car battery down for that life span, 4 years at most to be honest.
I reckon you'd have to really be pushing it for 9 years?

last battery we replaced .. 8.5 years ..170k miles.

mickdw

ChristyCent wrote: »

Getting into your car and realising the batterys dead is one of the worst feelings ever. The security in the carpark outside my job (liffey valley) told me they spend between 2 and 3 hours a day jump starting peoples cars

Dont mention the war.
Large car park, Dublin, free jump starting!

richiepoorman

Thanks everyone for you advice.

I feel such a jelly brain, but it seems it was the battery - in fact the guy at the garage this morning laughed at my museum piece-1998-came-with-the-car battery LOL :D:D and the fact that I'd done over 100,000 miles on it didn't seem to register with me - never mind, the new battery is working a dream so far (I won't be running for mechanic of the year 2009 lmao).

Thanks again.:D