Topic

Hi there. Novice MGF owner hoping someone can help. My 1998 MGF will not start, battery is good but literally won't turn over at all. I have attached a video (hopefully) and photo of dashboard. Any help would be great.
Thanks.
Tom

Can't see your videos, but the obvious answer would be that the starter motor has jammed?

Do you get a solid single click, loads of clicks or no noise at all?

Try checking the large spade connector on the back of the starter, pull it off spray with electrical cleaner and push back on. If you can't get the can down there, spray some on your fingers and rub it on the terminal and push the connector back on

OK thank you. Will take a look this week.

One solid click. Thanks

Check the braided woven wire from the solenoid (smaller cylinder bit) to the starter motor (bigger cylinder) for any damage/break or really heavy corrosion.

One click usually means the solenoid is working, the click sound is it throwing the gear forward into the flywheel, the next step which seems to be the problem is it then passes power to the motor (through that brraided wire). Either that or the motor is toast.

A series of clicks like a machine gun is usually a flat or weak battery.

Could be a worn bit of motor - try hitting the large cylinder, a jolt can knock it to a good bit (you will still need a new starter as it will do it again).

Also check all connections as SteveFMk1 suggested with spade connector. Three in total, the spade one and two rings on a bolt near to it. The spade is from ignition (which seems to be working) and the two ring connectorrs are earth and battery power.

Recon starters are about £50-£70.

Another cause for a loud solid single click is a siezed engine but that is very very rare and I hope not.

You can check buy putting it in a high gear (fifth) and with handbrake off try pushing the car. If it moves, it's fine.