My ZT won't always start
 

Hi everyone, can anyone help? I have had a very occasional fault that has gotten a lot worse. When I try to start the car I get a click, a bleep and the headlights flash. At first I thought it could be the battery but even with a booster it does the same or I get nothing at all. If I continue turning the ignition off and on eventually she will start as if nothing has happened. The only difference is when she starts I can smell an electrical burning smell.
So any ideas? If there were an MG specialist near by I would go to them but my nearest is Exeter.

Clicking and lights flashing are the signs of a dead battery, so first I would fit a new one:cool:

You need to be careful when trying to start, which then causes the headlights to flash. It is possible that the communication between your key transponder and car can become scrambled and you'll have to use a different key to start it!

I had a similar problem and turned out the be an iffy battery. New battery, problem solved. :D

Hi Martin,

How much use do you give your car? If it's used only very occasionally or for repetitive short journeys the chances are that your battery is discharged or has failed.

If your booster has a charging function, use that to charge your battery for 24 hours minimum, then try again.

If your booster doesn't have a charging function, invest in a smart charger. They're a very useful tool.

If, after charging, the same symptoms are produced, renew the battery.

You don't need an MG specialist for this problem. Any competent garage should be able to make the correct diagnosis.

Simon