MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGF Technical - ignition lights flicker, no starter motor

My MGF 1.8i won't start. It has been left unused for 2 weeks and when I try to start it, the ignition lights flicker very fast with a clicking sound, but the starter motor doesn't start. The headlights switch on so I don't suspect a battery, but I could be wrong.
Has anyone any ideas please?
Regards
Chris
C.J. Hall

Clicking sound is most probably the starter solenoid. The sound takes me back to my father playing with a Standard 9 many years ago.

Put a meter over the battery connections - you need about 14v to get the starter to spin correcly and start the motor. Much below 11v and you will just get a clicky solenoid.

Charge the battery and all should be OK again.
Sprinter

Thanks Sprinter.
I'll check it in the morning.
Chris Hall

I have recently returned from a month away and my *F* had the same problem - recharged battery (which is fairly new) and all is now OK.

Ted
Ted Newman

Almost certainly the battery. Sprinter's check procedure will confirm it.
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed between 01/02/2004 and 02/02/2004

MG MGF Technical index

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