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MG MGF Technical - Non-starting car - rapid clunking sound heared

Help!

The car's not been used in 6-8weeks. Turning the ignition key cause a rapid "clunking" sound.

Is this the sound of an "almost" flat battery? or something else more sinister?

I'll search the archives next... but any ideas gratefully recieved

Francis

MGF Mk2 2000 1.8i
Francis

If it sounds like a machine gun type noise, I expect that it is the battery.

Mine made a similar noise in the summer and battery was dead. Once I replaced it, everything was back to normal.

Kris
Kris

Kris,

Not yet found a good hit from the archive... so thanks for your advice. "Machine gun" is a very good description. I was thinking about the line... "Only the stuttering riffles' rapid rattle"... when creating the thread.

Also, I should add, the alarm works OK, and dashboard lights OK. Rapid loud clunking noice syncs with the PAS warning light diming on/off as sound is heard.

Do you think I really need a new battery or just jump start?

Many thanks
Francis

Francis

Some of my electrics also worked, but the more I tried to start the car, the more that died. Eventually even the central locking stopped.

You could try a jump start, but from experience the battery will continue to die, I just though it easier to take the hit an buy a new one before the winter. I think it was about £35 from halfords and they fit them free.

Kris
Kris

Started solenoids have been making that noise when powered by a dead battery from my first car back in 1962.

Battery may have gone flat and just need recharging properly not just a jump and go. If it happens a second time within days then it's "bite the bullet" time I'm afraid.

At least it is only the battery not the starter motor or missing teeth from the starter ring etc etc
JohnP

Francis,
yep,sounds like a dead battery to me too...but not often we see W.Owen quoted on this site (or was it Sassoon?)
Blue Max

Yep, I concur, battery time. Mine went the same way at the weekend together with all my other other car disasters. :0(
tim woolcott

Francis
After 6 weeks standing the battery will be flat, mine only lasts a fortnight but after a charge alls well again so don't panic just charge the battery.
John

I'd be surprised if the battery were dead already - just probably a little too discharged.

Jump start the car, take the car for a 1/2 hour drive (keeping the revs above about 2000 rpm) to fully recharge the battery, and see how you go.

If your battery can be serviced, just check the de-ionised water level. A top-up may help.

Otherwise, it is new battery time!
Rob Bell

Footnote: A good sign of a battery "too flat to start th car"... is that when you place ignition key to "on" position.. the PAS will not turn on... ie the steering wheel remains very very heavy to turn left/right.


And finally...

Many thanks... yup... it was a "drained" battery but doubt if it needs replacing. A quick re-charge boost (5-10 mins) did the trick to start the car. Car now starting find.

Also... a big big thank you to all... for a great "team" of MGF supporters... really quite impressive... hear bizarre worring sound from a non-starting car... and in less than 5 mins (in my case from Kris)and you can get a realistic understanding of what to do... and support.

So big thanks... MGF is more than just a great car!

Best wishes
Francis

Battery may not need replacing !!
Ensure the earth cable is tight on the terminal and not able to rotate. I have just found my 6inch earth lead from the battery to the body work to need replacing.
Repeated undoing and tightening up of the clamp end at the battery terminal had resulted in the nut and bolt locally deforming the clamp - effectively tightening up on themselves giving the impression the connection was tight. Testing the connection by hand and it was loose !!
I'm off to get a new lead today.
(PS I've just replaced the alternator and battery before I found this out !!)
kieran

First time my F has stood unused for 4 days and it wouldn't start this morning. Life in the battery but reluctant. Tried for a while, battery got lower and lower, a few coughs from the engine, gave up and went by bike. Planned to change plugs and leads 2 weeks ago but procrastinated as usual and now paying the price.
JohnP

This thread was discussed between 13/03/2003 and 17/03/2003

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