battery checked & am told it is OK (just!).

That could well be the answer.

 

Hi Richard,

Do you think it might require a new battery? The present one seems original (May 2000) & the mileage is 32,000.

 

Hi Richard,

Do you think it might require a new battery? The present one seems original (May 2000) & the mileage is 32,000.

The batteries used on the R75 of that age are of a much higher specification than the ones used in older Rovers - which were cheap and nasty and barely last 3 years.

I would be surprised if it needed replacement now, but unless you know the history of the car since new, it is possible if the car has been run flat at some point - running flat damages lead acid cell batteries.

 

It is most likely to be your battery (5 years is a good life span for one). The 'click' is just the battery not having quite enough oomph to power the starter system up. This is a oft reported symptom of battery on the way out. Eventually it will not work at all. Worth trying also because a new battery is the cheap cure compared to anything else

hth

Mike

ps The battery on my 2.5V6 is just 5 years old and I am planning to repalce itr soon.

 

I had this, although it was on a 216. Turned out to be the starter motor was on its way out. It got to the point where it happened almost every time I tried to start the car.

 

Thanks a lot for the advice. I've been quoted around £38 to replace a 75amp battery (what do you reckon?).
My next "challenge" would be the radio security code, which I don't have! Might have to take out the radio to get the serial no. & use an internet code site to get it for around £6. It's a standard Rover radio (Phillips?). With any luck it may not have a code (0000)!.
Presumably, when the battery is replaced it'll affect the radio?

 

Sounds like you have the Harmony radio and most likely it is coded. The higher end units (Symphony and SatNav) often weren't but Harmony's were.

You could get the code from an MGR dealer (some charge/others don't) with your V5. £38 sounds very good for a battery!

 

Is there any likelihood that it could be a solenoid problem; or is this unlikely?

 

Tim,

tbh it could be a number of things. If you are uncertain yourself then best get it looked at by an auto electrician.

hth

Mike

 

I got a brand new battery installed Thursday and, alas, the "click" has popped up again. I'm starting to think it could be a starter solenoid/alternator issue. Will phone mechanic Monday morning to get it tackled :-(.

 

Is there any likelihood that it could be a solenoid problem; or is this unlikely?

Yes, indeed it could be - or connections to it. Have seen similar on ZS180

 

If it is a fairly substansial click, I would say starter solenoid problem.
If it is a quiet tick, it could be a dirty relay somewhere.

 

Hello yet again Folks,

Little ignition difficulty still unresolved. Thought I'd locate the starter motor first myself, in order to check the connection & give it a gentle tap. Blew the cobwebs from under the bonnet and have not a clue where the starter motor is!
Can anyone tell me or is there a link to an illustration of the contents under the bonnet!