When I try to start my Rover 25 there is a clicking sound from the engine bay and the car doesn't try to fire or turn over. I previously had a fault on another car where the start motor was sticking and this doesn't sound like this. It sounds more like a machine gun firing as you turn the key. Is there some sort of solenoid in line? I'm guessing! Any ideas?

Rover Tony, January 2009

Yes, there is a solenoid on the starter motor and it usually clicks if the battery is very low on power - enough to energize the solenoid but not enough to turn the engine over. Batteries struggle when it is as cold as this , particularly if you haven't used it for a day or two. If the battery is more than three years old it's probably had it - but if you can charge it up (or get a jump start and go drive for 20 minutes) it may recover sufficiently.

Richard, January 2009