Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 Just back from an MOT and now the car won't start.

Well, at least it waited till after the MOT to play up!

I went to start it about 2 hours after driving back down the motorway from the garage. On the first attempt all seemed fine till I pressed the start button..; the starter started turning the engine over for a fraction of a second, then it disengaged and all I got was relay clicking.
Now I just get relay clicking on turning on the ignition, and random flashing warning lights.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVg20Bt7I8c

Before I go on a series of wild goose chases, does anyone have an "AHA! I know exactly what that is!" from the video?
And if not which geese I should chase first?
(so far all i've checked is the battery voltage with the ignition off)
All suggestions gratefully received.

Charge the battery overnight as a start. Then take it from there.

They can fail without warning!

Just stuck in on charge
It's certainly a possibility as it's been a bit sluggish starting from cold the last few weeks.

What was the battery voltage when you checked?

The 2 most likely culprits are the battery or the regulator.

How old is the battery and what type? If it's the original Banner they only last 2 or 3 years
Battery voltage needs to be checked under load so switch the dashboard display to volts and try to start the car. The voltage shouldn't go any lower than 10 and a bit volts, if it does you need a new battery

If the battery is OK and charges up then the regulator has probably gone. Start the car and the voltage at 2,000 or more revs should be about 14.4 volts. If not then change the regulator, ideally for a Harley type as per the Alternative parts list.

Sounds to me like its not the battery etc as its happening before you press the starter, it could be the ignition circuit relay failing, and thats the clicking we hear, you could try swapping the 4 relays round as they are all the same, or its a wiring break or short in that area

Battery voltage doesn't tell you much on an old one. It's the capacity that counts, and is lost in the ageing process. It doesn't matter how long you charge it, either with a long run or on a charger, a voltmeter will show it fully charged around 12.7 volts but only on the fraction of the as new capacity remaining.

Symptoms described are a classic example of knackered battery failed as above. It's a consumable, fit a new one.

Thanks Richard! Spot on.
Westco Platinum WCP 30 - age unknown.
Battery voltage pre sticking it on the charger was 13volts, this dropped to roughly 9volts on turning on the ignition. Battery voltage after charging 13.7volts, again dropping to 9 volts on turning the ignition.
So as you say zero capacity!
.
I was just surprised at the sudden death. Though now I'm reminded by that Hemmingway line about Bankruptcy

“How did you go bankrupt?” Bill asked.

“Two ways,” Mike said. “Gradually and then suddenly.”

Many thanks for all the suggestions.

my uncle drove 4miles to shops in his nissan all ok 20 minutes later would not start dead battery they fail without warning

Ironically battery degradation typically takes place over a long period of time as storage capacity diminishes. It's performance is masked on a regularly used easy starting car though providing there is enough capacity to perform one brief start. By the same token the charge circuit replenishes the battery quickly so it's always fully charged within the remaining capacity leaving the impression all is well - until the inevitable happens!