But on my B Reg Polo, not the main car thank God... phew!

Turn the ignition on, and it just clicks very rapidly but does nothing

I degreased the engine a couple of days ago, and i asume this has something to do with it.Is it as simple as removing it and greasing it up with a little graphite??... or is it buggered?

Rich.

 

It will prob be the solenoid sticking. Not sure which bit actually sticks, but usually a gentle tap with a a blunt instrument ( hit it with a hammer ) frees it up. Saves removing it, although it may also be signs of it being on its way out. ( assuming battery is also good )

 

sounds like either battery is nearly dead, or you have a bad connection on the main battery lines.

Either way, low voltage at the start motor, enough to fire the solenoid, but not enough to engage the starter and turn it. I had the exact same symptoms on my rover.

Check:
Battery voltage, really ough to be over 13, might work as low as 12.5v, charge as required.
Battery to chassis connections, both ends, clean, grease and refit as required.
Battery to starter connections, both ends, clean grease and refit as requred.

If battery is almost flat, it might be your alternator is not working properly, check voltage without engine running then with engine running, should go from 12ish to 14ish upon running.

If alternator is dodgy, charge battery, probably good for a few days of running about while you fix. Check for corroded connections, 2 pin connectors can be replaced by ring terminals quite often, which is what I did on the rover, as knackered bearing overheated connector and melted it. New alternator still wasn't right 'cause connector was shagged.

Hope this helps

paul

 

Nice one guys, thanks

As it happens the battery light has been staying on for a couple of minutes each morning, then going out, so i`ll bang her on charge now and see what happens in the morning

 

Hopefully it`ll be a dodgy connection though

 

Just been outside and she started fine.

Voltage stood = 12.94v
Voltage running = 14.34v

I guess its dodgy connection or sticking solenoid/motor.I`ll have a better look tomorrow when its light.Put her on charge just to be sure.Thanks once again guys

Rich.