Won't Start - Starter? or Battery?

Discussion and technical advice the SW20 MR2. 3S-GTE, 3S-GE, 3S-FE etc
Anything and everything to do with maintenance, modifications and electrical is in here for the Mk2.

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Boudicca
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Won't Start - Starter? or Battery?

Post by Boudicca »

Hi Everyone - (New Member)
Just bought a 1990 MR2 Mk2 3SGE
Everything was working fine. Got in the car started up first time - drove to the garden centre in there for about half hour - came out tried to start car and nothing.!.
When I turned the key I could hear a click in the rear of the car - it clicked every time I turned the key... I could also hear a faint spinning sound - maybe the fuel pump? - It wasn't the starter motor (thats louder)
Anyway manage to bump start the car and drove home (half hour drive) it drove well on way home... pulled up and turned engine of and tried to restart - same happened again would not start - click and faint wearing noise.
So I looked on this forum and thought it must be the battery! bought battery charger - left to charge allnight - put on batt in morning exactly the same happened when trying to start...
Help....
B
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Jaspa
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Re: Won't Start - Starter? or Battery?

Post by Jaspa »

What happens to the clock when you try and start it? does it dim and go out?

When the battery is low it will click several times as it tried to engage the starter but you'd normally notice the clock and console lights flickering in time.

Have you tried jump starting? if this then works it would suggest the battery isn't holding a charge.

HTH

Stuart
I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
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sticks
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Re: Won't Start - Starter? or Battery?

Post by sticks »

exact same thing happened ta me mate.battery wasnt holding charge.get a new one or even get a lend of one first and try it in yours so you'll know for certain.
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Boudicca
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Re: Won't Start - Starter? or Battery?

Post by Boudicca »

Jaspa & sticks thanks for getting back to me...
Jaspa - Yes when I try and start car clock goes dim and out!!!
I thought that if I charged battery all night... I'd get maybe a little action... i.e. cars I've had before turn starter but slowly...
I haven't got any jump leads or know anyone close by who could try jump starting me...
Maybe I should just invest in new battery? any recommendations on battery make,type etc...
Thanks B
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Scott Barton
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Re: Won't Start - Starter? or Battery?

Post by Scott Barton »

It does sound as though your battery is knackered. You could charge it for a week but of one of the cells are down there wont be the required start up current to turn the engibe over.
The click you describe is when you turn the key? That is the starter motor wanting to go but not enough oomph left in the battery.

Best bet is to pop along to Halfords, they do a good range and most with a warranty. I think mine came with a 5 year warranty.

I also invested in one of those jump start packs. I got a Black & decker one and it has a air compressor and light on it as well. It has saved my skin, and others, a few times now and wont go anywhere without it neatly stored in my frunk.

Do you leave the car for long periods without starting it? I only get to drive mine at weekends as i commute so i invested in a trickle charger to keep my battery in tip top condition. Essential for the winter months, the cold will kill a battery.
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Scott Barton
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Re: Won't Start - Starter? or Battery?

Post by Scott Barton »

edit: Before you go and fork out on a new battery, take it somewhere where they will do a 'drop test' on it. This will prove it one way or another.
If the battery is ok, then i would start to look at an alternator problem. Your charge volts should be anything between 13v > 14v. If the alternator is not charging you will get the same problem.
IMOC - winners of JAE best overall club stand 2010, 2013, 2014 & 2017!
1994 GT-S T-Bar 397bhp with NOS *sold*
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Jaspa
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Re: Won't Start - Starter? or Battery?

Post by Jaspa »

Where abouts are you based? There may be a local member that'll offer an assistance :thumleft:
I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
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Jaspa
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Re: Won't Start - Starter? or Battery?

Post by Jaspa »

Thinking about it, as it's an NA, where is the needle on the voltmeter in the centre of the dash? If this is to the right it would suggest that the alternator IS charging so more likely a problem with the battery.
I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
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DTMr2
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Re: Won't Start - Starter? or Battery?

Post by DTMr2 »

If you're going to buy a battery,try performancebatteries.co.uk
£54.95 and nextday delivery if you order before 1pm(IIRC).
Hope that helps because halfords battery price (005) is £89.99.
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Boudicca
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Thanks Everyone...

Post by Boudicca »

Thanks Everyone for all your advise - Yes it was the battery...(dead)
DTMr2 - Thanks for performancebatteries.co.uk - great service! and cheaper than halfords! (arrived in very chic matt Black box)
Put the new battery on and she fired up first time and is running like a dream...
Before the MR2 - I had a Mercedes 190E - and this forum beats the 190 forum hands down...
Just wanted to BIG-UP this forum and all the users...
THANK YOU!!!
B
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Scott Barton
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Re: Thanks Everyone...

Post by Scott Barton »

Boudicca wrote:Thanks Everyone for all your advise - Yes it was the battery...(dead)
DTMr2 - Thanks for performancebatteries.co.uk - great service! and cheaper than halfords! (arrived in very chic matt Black box)
Put the new battery on and she fired up first time and is running like a dream...
Before the MR2 - I had a Mercedes 190E - and this forum beats the 190 forum hands down...
Just wanted to BIG-UP this forum and all the users...
THANK YOU!!!
B


We aim to please. :wink: Glad you got it sorted. :thumleft:
IMOC - winners of JAE best overall club stand 2010, 2013, 2014 & 2017!
1994 GT-S T-Bar 397bhp with NOS *sold*
2016 Porsche Cayman 981GTS 347bhp Flat Six
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paul port
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Re: Won't Start - Starter? or Battery?

Post by paul port »

DTMr2 wrote:If you're going to buy a battery,try performancebatteries.co.uk
£54.95 and nextday delivery if you order before 1pm(IIRC).
Hope that helps because halfords battery price (005) is £89.99.


SERIOUSLY!!!!
Go to a Toyota Dealer ! I have replaced my battery in the last 6 months and it only cost £55.
Thats for an Original Toyota battery, Better CCA than the one it replaced, Terminals the correct way round, and more importantly terminals the correct diameter.

You lot may be surprised to know that Mr-T is cheaper than aftermarket on many parts these days... EG rear wheel bearing was about £20 cheaper from Toyota than from 'BluePrint' !!!
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