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MG MGF Technical - Electrical problem

Need some help on a electric problem. When trying to start the engine, the only thing that happens is that warning lights are displayed. Also, I hear this strange ticking/ vibrating sound in the rear left side of the car. What could it be?
Freek

1. Flat battery,
2. jammed starter motor,
3. Faulty starter selenoid.

Try wacking the starter with hammer or wooden pole whilst someone else turns the key.
Mike

Last time mine wouldn't start it was the connection to the starter solenoid. I cleaned it up and tightened it a bit by squeezing the spade connector a bit and it's been Ok since touch plastic.
john

Thanks for the advice! But I feel quite embarrased... where can I find the spade connector/ starter selenoid?
freek

Freek,

Open the boot, remove the grille over the engine and look down on left hand side. Starter motor is the cylindrical object attached to the lower part of the engine. The starter solenoid is also cylindrical and is attached to the starter motor. The spade connector is on the small wire attached to the solenoid. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery before fiddling with connectors on the solenoid. Battery is under front bonnet.

Bruce
Bruce Caldwell

Freek,

Having thought some more on your problem I would guess at a flat battery being your problem. When you attempt to start the car the starter tries to work, using a lot of electrical current which then makes the battery voltage fall and the starter drops out. The voltage then rises and the starter attempts to pull in again and so the cycle continues (very quickly). Check the battery by turning on the headlamps. If they are dim then the battery is flat. Either it will need charging or replacing.

Bruce
Bruce Caldwell

Thanks Bruce!! I'll start working on it tonight.
Freek

Thank you guys for your very helpful comments! It turned out to be a flat battery. You guys saved me trip to the dealer!
Freek

Freek,

Thanks for coming back and telling us what the problem was!
So many people with problems don't tell us what happened in the end. It is always useful to know.

cheers

Bruce
Bruce Caldwell

This thread was discussed between 30/07/2002 and 05/08/2002

MG MGF Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGF Technical BBS is active now.