Click and then nothing?

[Surf01]

Touch wood1 Can't believe it. Ever since posting, no real problems with starting. I have a funny feeling that it may still be the battery as on more than one occasion, on starting the starter has turned okay but it is as if the battery is on its lasty legs. No more clicking though but still got meter on stand by to measure battery in the event it doe sthe clicking thing again.

[Surf01]

This problem is doing my head in. On Saturday went to start it and all I got was a click. Did this two or three times more and still nothing. I tried to put the vehicle in neutraql but the shift stick woudl nto budge. Left it for 5 minutes and tried it, engien turned over but almost as if no oomp in it. Then back to clicking. Left it again for a about 5 minutes, tried it, engine turned over but stil wouldn't fire. Back to clicking.
Left it a bit longer and then tried it and then fired up. No more problesm starting it today and fried up first round. I am wondering if the battery is at fault and not having enough amperage or possibly there are two faults. Sometimes it indciates thyat starter si faulty but then it indicates that battery is not strong enough.
Apache, it this happens again, would you mind if I left my truck with you for a few days for you to try and suss it out. You can use it back and forth to work etc if you want and I will get my insurance to cover you also.

[Rustinho]

If you take the truck into a battery suppliers I think they can test the batteries (I would imagine without charge - har har) but they'll probably try & sell you a new one if they can. Don't forget that if one battery is knackered it'll suck the life out the other one so you'll need to renew both if it's a problem.

These guys are pretty good - I bought from them recently and they sell nice batteries.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DEAL-PAIR-1-X-...item1c0cc3415a

I've got 2 batteries on mine that are both equivalent to the single battery on a UK 4-Runner. It's a bit of a squeeze and you'll need to make new seats for the batteries to sit in (I got some aluminium plate from fleabay and made them myself) and the battery leads under the bonnet will need altering to fit as well cos these batteries aren't right/left handed like the standard Surf ones.

(ie two of these)

Alternatively don't halfrauds & the like sell battery test kits? (for testing the SG of the acid i think)

Don't take my word for it - I'm no professional! I'm sure someone else will be able to shed some light on what I've said?

NOTE: I've done the above on a 2.4TD diesel auto Surf.

[Surf01]

Thanks. They battery is about 2 months old. I am confused about my problem but I suppose the easiest way is to take it back to the supplier. The only problem is that once you are able to start it, ther is no issue after that.
The concern is that when it does turn over, it is as if there is no oomph in the battery. Although I am no mechanic, I would have thought that it would either turn over and eventually start or click continously. Very puzzling.

[Rustinho]

I have to say that I'm probably with some of the other guys in thinking that it may well be the starter motor but it's easier to rule out the battery than take the starter motor out so I'd check the battery first.