In that case, I dont know! My first check in cases of sudden death is usually the cam belt, but that would not explain the random crank/noncrank.
Dont think I can be much help on this one. There are a couple of things you can check yourself but I'd need to see/hear it for myself and get some diagnostics done before commiting myself.
Check the wiring to the starter.
Could be a dodgy earth, try getting a single jump lead and clip one end to the battery negative terminal and the other end to a good metal earth point on the engine (the lifting out bracket is usually good for this).
Have you tried bump starting it?
You say the electrical warning light was on, are you referring to the battery shaped one or the engine management light. Not trying to be a patronising dick by the way, it has to be asked. An over or under charging alternator can cause all sorts of problems.
What year and engine (pref including engine code) is the car?
Good luck
gol, April 2011
