Yaris won't start :/

[waxaddict]

Hi guys, hoping someone can help me with this as I'm clueless with cars.

I recently let my dad use my 2002 Yaris, manual, for a month while I was away. Whether its coincidence or he did something I don't know, but in the 3 weeks since it would turn over for a good few seconds before starting up.

Never had any problems before, and he said its just the weather, but it would happen mostly once the car had run for a bit. Start immediately, pop to the shop, then when starting again it would take a few seconds.

Today I started it and it jumped straight on but then instantly just cut out.

I turned the key again and it just kinda spins and just gives a long whirring sound. Nothing is kinda kicking in or trying to, its just a whirrrrrr.

Sods law, I'm supposed to be selling her later this week and now I get my first big problem.

Any ideas? Things I can check before I take her to a shop and get fleeced?

Cheers.

[CTScott]

With the loud whirrr, is the engine turning or is that just coming from the starter spinning, but not turning the engine?

[waxaddict]

With the loud whirrr, is the engine turning or is that just coming from the starter spinning, but not turning the engine?

I'm not sure, how can I check?

Its not a really loud sound, and its just constantly the same, just like something is spinning, there's no like grunty sounds like the engine kicking in, and its not like brrrrrrrrbrrrrrrrbrrrrrrrr, just brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr if that makes any sense! I'm pretty clueless.

It's parked at a friends at the moment, tomorrow I'm gonna try and bump start it if possible and get it home.

[CTScott]

Open the hood and have someone watch while you crank. If the belt spins, then the engine is turning, but not firing. If it does not, then the starter is not engaging.

[waxaddict]

Ok, cheers. I'll give it a go in the morning and report back.

[waxaddict]

Turning the key, the belt here turns, albeit slowly.

http://i.imgur.com/ej0rpBB.jpg

[junorico24]

Flat battery or old starter.

Mine acts up when it's a hot day it'll fire up but hesitates. What could it be?

[CTScott]

Most likely it is that the battery is too low. Try charging or jumping it.

[waxaddict]

OK I'll give it a bump start in a bit.

Am I right in thinking that if it bumps alright then its definitely a battery issue?

[CTScott]

OK I'll give it a bump start in a bit.

Am I right in thinking that if it bumps alright then its definitely a battery issue?

Yes. Battery or possibly alternator, but if it has been doing more sitting than driving, then it is more likely the battery. Over here, most auto parts stores have a device that they can hook up to the car to test the battery/alternator and will do so for free. If you have access to a multimeter a simple test is to measure the battery voltage before and after starting the vehicle. It will typically run between 11 and 12.5 volts before starting and will go up to 13.6 to 14.1 volts once running.

[waxaddict]

OK, managed to jump start it. Drove around for 20 mins OK, chugged a bit at first but was normal then

Parked up at home, turned off, waited a few seconds and started her up again, no problem.

The real test is in the morning, but otherwise it seems like a definite battery issue? Not the starter motor?

[CTScott]

OK, managed to jump start it. Drove around for 20 mins OK, chugged a bit at first but was normal then

Parked up at home, turned off, waited a few seconds and started her up again, no problem.

The real test is in the morning, but otherwise it seems like a definite battery issue? Not the starter motor?

Correct.

[waxaddict]

Lovely, cheers for the help!