recently my megane 04 wouldn't start by the usual method of inserting the card pushing the clutch and the start button.
it would start by pushing the brake and start button. but now neither work and all i get is a clicking sound.
any ideas?? is it the starter motor or a fuse. had battery checked and it is fine.

nathan swinson bullough, November 2009

had same problem with mine today....stick it in gear, turn the wheels to free the starter if its stuck.

disconnect battery, get under car, and take the spade terminal off the agitator on the starter (ie the wire that's not bolted on)

clean the now visible spade with emery paper to remove oxidisation (rust, corrosion, the grey/blue stuff) until its shiny and new

stick the spade back on, smear some vaseline on the connection, recoonect the battery and it's job done

who'd have thought a thin piece of metal a foot from the road would get corroded after months of driving through floods and snow???

hope this helps someone like me pulling heair out, cursing and imagining a £££ garage bill.

PS - sell useless french car and buy Volvo to prevent this problem in future =D

Wilse, February 2013

The click you hear may be the starter solenoid (high current switch for the starter motor) - sometimes the "dog" on the starter motor jams up against the teeth of the engine's flywheel. If you have this prolem it's an easy fix.

Put the car in gear and use your bottom to bump it forward - just an inch will do. Then try to start it. It costs nothing and it may work. By turning the engine over just a degree or so will allow the starter gear to mesh properly with the flywheel.

If it's not this you may need to pay attention to the starter itself.

Good luck...

Peccavi, November 2009