check all connections are clean and tight, then remove tops from battery and check the water level, ESPECIALLY if it is a low maintenance type battery! these often run dry in warm weather, or if you have one of the many cars where the battery is just that bit too close to a hot part of the engine. top up with distilled or deionized water to bottom of filler tubes, or enough to cover the battery plates. this fault is caused by there being enough current reaching the starter to click the solenoid "in" but not enough to turn the starter over. It's possible (but unlikely) that the flywheel ring gear is damaged, and preventing the starter gear meshing properly. also check the earth lead between the engine and the chassis or battery. if this is loose or corroded at the engine end it will cause this fault, and also cause throttle and choke cables to get hot and become stiff to operate as they try to carry the current that the engine earth strap should be carrying!
phil whitley
May 2004
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