Okay, so I've had the battery off for about a week now whilst I wait for replacement parts to turn up for the xenon headlights. So, I decided to replace the battery today after cleaning the throttle body. However, after starting the engine there is a dreadful ticking coming from the engine instead of the silky smooth idle I was hoping for.

What could I have possible done wrong or, where should I be looking?

Is it a 1.8? If so, could be the variator on the way out...

No, it's a 2.4. I can see this becoming somewhat expensive! I wonder if its anything to do with being parked facing a hill for the last four weeks?

Clowny said:

No, it's a 2.4. I can see this becoming somewhat expensive! I wonder if its anything to do with being parked facing a hill for the last four weeks?

Click to expand...

Sorry to say the 2.4 also has a variator, so that's your most likely cause...

Bah, would the variator suddenly go? From a brief look on the internet last night the variator is controlled by a solenoid, is this electrical?

So the chances are it's nothing to do with the removal of the battery, battery box, all the cables and comnectors under the fuse box, cleaning of the throttle body?

I'm just still clinging onto the fact that its suddenly occurred from a sweet sounding engine before i started playing around. . . . .

The engine oil has probably drained down while
the engine stood, if it does not mend it's self after
a couple of miles then it's probably gone.

Check all the electrical connections and don't
forget it doesn't kick in until you are doing
over 3000-4000rpm.

John

Right, I realise I am talking to myself but the plot thickens. I turned the car around last night and left it pointing down the hill, and lo and behold, this afternoon the tapping has disappeared and the lovely 5 cylinder purr has turned. Oh, how I missed that sound!

Now, just need to decide what to do about the long dent some kind pedestrian, motorbility scooter, jealous passer by put in the rear wing.

Thanks for all the responses and help.

Time for an oil change to top-quality fully synthetic then..?

Just waiting for all the pads and filters to turn up from Buypartsby. My weekend will mostly be spent under the bonnet!