S70 ignition - rapid, loud clicking noise

eyewinder · Post by **eyewinder** » 30 Nov 2012, 03:12

My '98 S70 T5M has been making a loud, rapid clicking/clacking noise when trying to start. The car doesn't even attempt to turn over. Also, many other electrical components go haywire when the key is turned. This includes: headlights, dash lights, door locks, door chime, etc.

At first, I thought the battery was the culprit – which is over 5-1/2 years old. However, after leaving it to charge this afternoon (smart charger - to about 80%), I still get the same results. I'm now beginning to suspect the starter solenoid or starter motor...

My Haynes repair manual outlines some ignition tests to narrow down the cause, but doesn't show how to access the various components. From my preliminary searches here, it appears that the battery, battery tray, radiator fan, and several hoses need to be removed in order to replace a starter motor... I'm hoping the components can be accessed for diagnosis while keeping everything together.

Additional notes about the car:
- Manual transmission
- ABS controller needs repair/rebuilding (been meaning to fix for a while)
- 107,000km; driven a couple times a week (usually short distances)
- Ignition problem was sudden, no prior symptoms
- Driven 1 or 2 days prior to failure

Any insight/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Kim

Post by **rspi** » 30 Nov 2012, 07:13

Push start the car with the key in the rum position. If it starts and drives, replace the starter.

Post by **jblackburn** » 30 Nov 2012, 07:40

My '98 S70 T5M has been making a loud, rapid clicking/clacking noise when trying to start. The car doesn't even attempt to turn over. Also, many other electrical components go haywire when the key is turned. This includes: headlights, dash lights, door locks, door chime, etc.

At first, I thought the battery was the culprit – which is over 5-1/2 years old. However, after leaving it to charge this afternoon (smart charger - to about 80%), I still get the same results. I'm now beginning to suspect the starter solenoid or starter motor...

Jump it; the battery's still dead.

eyewinder · Post by **eyewinder** » 30 Nov 2012, 10:02

Thanks for the replies...

Are the noises / electrical disturbances normal for a deeply discharged battery? Just curious - as I've only ever experienced the sad sound of a starter motor on a low battery.

I'll try jump starting (hopefully later today)...

Post by **jblackburn** » 30 Nov 2012, 10:12

Yes. Kinda freaky, isn't it? It's likely just because of a combination of old age, cold, short trips, and being discharged that the battery just isn't putting out enough amperage anymore to actually turn the starter motor. It may hold voltage, but the cranking amp power is what gets your car started.

eyewinder · Post by **eyewinder** » 18 Dec 2012, 22:20

Just a quick follow up... Turns out that my battery was 9 years old - Yikes! Didn't even bother trying to jump the car. Got a replacement from NAPA and the car starts almost instantly now.

Thanks again for the help.