Help, 16v won't start - update

[spear]

hey dudes

not been on here recently so sorry to come back with a problem but i need your help.

my 96 valver suddendly wont start, it was fine 3 hours ago when i did a 40 mile round trip and has been fine for ages and just gone out to use it and it's not starting. It's not even turning over which is odd, i thought i heard it try the first time i turned the key but as i wasnt paying attention cant be sure. Haynes manual says try turning lights on and turning the key and if the lights dim the battery it dead, the lights pretty much go out. I dont have a voltmeter or battery chharger unfortnately but does thi sound like a dead battery/alternator issue or something more sinister?

it also makes an odd whining noise when trying to start it, almost as if the starter motor is jammed.

any help appreciated

thanks

[Seanl]

Yeah I'd say battery or alternator. Starter motor wont spin up and engage as theres not enough juice left!

[spear]

i'll see if i can jump it off the wifes car when she gets home then. battery is less than 2 years old so wouldnt have thought that would be the issue.

[spear]

Update: tried jumping the car off my wifes car and still nothing, it's not making the slightest effort.

i need to get it to the garage somehow but is it likely to start from a push start? thinking it could be the ignition switch gone but no idea if a bump start would work

[dan-swire1908]

if your getting all lights when your key in position 2 and then they all go out except for oil pressure and battery lights when turned to position 3 then it would suggest to me that your ignition is fine. Are you getting any sound when trying to start....clicking....whining....if so more than likely a starter motor issue. If you have some spare time and a little mechanical knowledge, try removing your starter motor and testing it.....

[Seanl]

Update: tried jumping the car off my wifes car and still nothing, it's not making the slightest effort.

i need to get it to the garage somehow but is it likely to start from a push start? thinking it could be the ignition switch gone but no idea if a bump start would work

Possibly. If the battery is REALLY pooped though, jumping it will take quite a while. Sorry if I sound like I'm teaching you to suck eggs, but was your missus's car running? Start it and give it some revs to get the charge current from hers going to your battery for a minute or 2. As you said your lights are barely on, I wouldnt think its the starter motor. If you can bump start it though, then I would suggest it could be the starter. 

[Newitt]

spear, mine did this a few years back, completely dead, battery and starter motor were knackered, changed them both it was fine.
Best to be certain throu starter motor wasnt cheap

[gasketface]

A long shot but when you turn the ignition on can you hear the fuel pump running ?.If not it could be a relay gone dead.

[Richie_C]

Mine did this and it was the starter motor try rocking you car back and forward while in gear or get a hammer out and give your starter motor a tap