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Problems starting

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Hi all,

I be having some intermittent problems with starting me car. I looked but could not see any similar probs in other topics, sorry if its been covered before.

It is a Nissan Micra, 1999 model, 998cc with 42K roughly on the clock.

This problem occurs whether it is a cold start or after a short break.

When I turn the key to the first position, all the usual dash indicator lights come up fine and the radio comes on. Then when I try to start the car the following usually occurs. The dash lights go out along with the radio and nothing happens, no sound at all from the front then when I release the key back. The dash lights start to flicker, the central locking may engage (but in a weird way) and there is a rapid clicking noise from under the hood. This will continue until I turn the key to off. On an odd occasion the engine may fire once or twice then sit down. I have also noticed that if when locking my car the locking does not make an audible click but kinda squidge instead then the next time I try to start I'm going to have the problem.

Any suggestions as to what may be at fault would be appreciated :) posted by  Darthcynic

sounds like it could be a bad battery cable, battery or starter. i would first have the battery tested to make sure it is okay. when everything is cold the battery has a relatively low amount of juice. when the engine is run for a short period, you build up compression, and all the wires get hot increasing resistance.

1. check battery
2. check battery cables (resistance)
3. check starter.

good luck. posted by  carls47807

Cheers for that.

I'm taking her in for a service tomorrow which hopefully sheds some light. posted by  Darthcynic

Good suggestions, sounds to me like an issue with the solenoid or wires going to or from. However the battery is always the best place to start. posted by  DBain