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My FB has just started to make a disturbing sound when I start up. When turning the key, there is a very quick 'tik tik tik ti'k from the starter(?) before the engine starts. Never has done this before as she usually starts really easily . Has happened after being left for quite some time but starts fine after a bit of a run. Is it a problem with the starter or is it a lack of charge? The engine is not cranking when this is happening, and it catches pretty quickly too. Thanks.

Could be your battery losing power and is having trouble pulling in the starter motor solenoid after sitting for a while.

Measure the battery voltage after sitting for a while you would want more than 12v with ignition off and with the motor running @ 1000rpm + you should read more than 13.8v

If you don’t get the 13.8v then it’s a charging problem if you do it’s a battery problem this could also include the battery slowly discharging while sitting, again with the multimeter test for current draw with the ignition off (multimeter available at jaycar $10 or dick smith $15) if you measure more than 50mA of current draw then possible some accessory is draining the battery.

Check fluid levels on battery, if you can see the plates in the battery are they furry ? and age of battery will indicate if a replacement is required.

Check the starter leads and make sure the connections are tight, disconnect battery neg lead first so you don’t short out the pos when tightening with spanner.

Also it could be the solenoid itself, then you will need to pull out the starter motor and clean / lube the shaft of the solenoid check that it can slide freely, also check the condition of the teeth on the solenoid and flywheel, if they are damaged then a replacement is required but by your description its more likely a battery / charging problem.

I'd say it's either the solenoid on your starter, or a soon to be flat battery. More so the starter.

Souns like it may be the battery starting to die, has been a couple of times when it was very sluggish to start a few months ago, as if I'd left the lights on. Will check fluid and charge. Hopefully it is the battery!

Thanks for all your help. Turns out after all it was a connection at the battery. The wire was a little loose, so not enough charge getting to the starter;just needed tightening!

If you really want to hear a scary starter motor have a listen to any 6 cylinder hemi cranking over (Used to own one)