Hello all,
Many thanks for all the reply's, problem now solved. It was indeed the battery, coupled with jumper leads that were too thin so not getting max assistance through them led me down the garden path.
Contacted the supplying dealer, new battery supplied absolutely no quibble, fitted it today and all action again. Cobwebs blown out on the A 14.
Some good info on here will keep it all in mind for next time. 40 years of Plus 8s tells me there "will be a next time".
Tom.
You seemed so keen to get your spanners out and remove the starter motor that I was convinced you had missed this:
How new is the battery and how many volts is your meter showing as you try to start the car?
Aeros are notoriously sensitive to a below-par battery (even one which your conditioner says is fully charged). I trickle charge mine and it still needs a new battery every three years.
Can you borrow a different battery or jump start it to check?
The microvoltage sensors in the CANBUS hate an even slightly knackered battery (ie just one cell on the way out). Even with a conditioner, treat the battery as a 'disposable' and replace every three years - unless you really are going to use the car as a regular ride.
