172 won't start HELP

[dannyb]

Not expecting loads of replys tonight of all nights but here goes...

After cleaning my 172 ive come to start it and its just clicking lots (cellanoid??) everything has reset (stereo code etc) so was thinking battery has given up ghost but if you leave it a couple of mins alarm/locking etc works fine lights seem really bright? Electric windows work fine even when car refuses to even click.

Obviously will try a new battery tomorrow but wondered if theres anything else i can check???

Knew i shouldnt have polished it!!!

 

[LegoHead]

I got exactly same thing happen, try and clean the batter contacts, check the earth is good.

 

[lemonnobby]

i would have said dead battery, doesnt take alot to make a battery die this time of year, what happens to the lights when u try and start it?

 

[dannyb]

Its got xenons so you cant really tell cos they dont arc till motors running, you cant use alarm for a couple of mins after trying to start it but then it works fine so at least its locked, Bday tomorrow as well as New years day and im going to be playing mechanic with the car lol

 

[BrianR]

Bump start it, sounds like you mullered the battery playing your tunes while you polished ? perhaps ?.

 

[dannyb]

didnt have the tunes on Thats why i was a bit shocked it had only been stood an hour. Have managed to start it once with battery pack at first it kept firing and cutting out took it for a quick run and everything was fine no warning lights etc, back to house stopped it tried starting it straight away but same again

 

[BrianR]

Did you wash it down first, if so, check you havent flooded the coil pack with water.

Take the plastic cover off the engine, you will find the coil pack at the back of the block.

 

[dannyb]

Sorted now, crap around earth terminal on battery

 

[LegoHead]

good!