Hi all,

2004 Fiesta Finesse not starting. When I turn the key the dash goes dull and I can hear a constant clicking noise. When I turn the key back I can hear a crackling noise for 2/3 secs.

I tried to jump start it but same outcome.

Google seems to suggest the starter motor but cant find it. Could someone throw me a bone as to its location and I can check the connection?

Cheers!!

Dead alternator, not a connection issue probably corroded to death, can get them repaired for like £50 or take a punt on one from a scrappy, may need to get the Aux belt changed on it too at the same time but depends on the car if it needs one or not.

Thanks bud. I'll work on sourcing a replacement.

Aarrgghhhh....having problems getting the locknut off the adjustment bracket. Starting to round the nut :(

Anyone got any suggestions on how to get it off? Using sockets and spanners but not for budging. Hit it with wd40 and left for couple hours but still nothing.

A dead alternator will not stop the car from starting if it has a charged battery or from a jump start.

The symptoms you give, dashboard going dull and clicking noise are commonly experienced when the battery is flat. However if jump starting with another vehicle then this shouldn't be a problem (providing the leads have a good connection).

I've got just over 12v across the battery, is it safe to assume that its not the alternator? Im guessing if its 12 just now the last time the engine was turned off it was charged to 12 via alternator?

Could it be the starter connection?

I've made a video, no not that kind..., showing the voltage when trying to start. You can also hear the clicking noise...any thoughts? I've brought the battery in for a charge just incase.

Ok, been googling....so Cold Cranking Amps....looks like i've not got enough. Only got the battery in Nov'13 :( its a alphaline MF. Will charging it resolve the issue as it only dropped to ~6v and indicate a poor alternator or is the battery just a ruddy dud?

Threw some cash at it and that fixed it :D

Put a new battery in and running fine now. Getting 14.5v when running and not much below when i put lights, heater, etc on so looks like alternator was fine. Thank !Removed! i went back to the start before taking a blow- torch to that nut :-D

Thanks for all your help guys.