Problem starting my 1987 205GL

[205generationgl]

Hi, I have two 205's, always loved them, have had two previous ones as well (1986XR and 1993GTX).

I am having a problem with my 1987 205GL. I parked her up at the end of May but have now put her back on the road as our family car has died. I had been starting her up and moving her regularly but now that I need her she won't start!

I thought the battery was flat so charged it but still no good. So I swapped in the battery from my 1998 205 Generation (1.4 LHD with only 55k (90km)), the battery is less than 6 months old, but still she won't start - both batteries start my 205 Generation fine. Then I attempted to jump her from our Seat Alhambra and she started straightway!

However, after taking her out on a 10 mile run I parked her up on the drive, turned the ignition off, tried starting her again, and nothing, just as before!

Please can someone give me some advise what to try next.
Many thanks,
Pete

[oldpug]

Does the engine turn over? if not can you hear a click? or is it just dead.

[205generationgl]

Hi oldpug, thanks for replying to me.

The engine doesn't turnover, I do get a faint click and the cables under the bonnet make their slight movement at the same time.

[oldpug]

I would start by cleaning all the electrical connections and earths,including the small lead on the starter solenoid.
The fact it started with a jump is a mystery.Did you put the jump leads directly on to the battery leads?if so could be just a simple poor battery connection.

[205generationgl]

Thanks oldpug, you were spot on, a bit embarrassing, but that has fixed her, which is all that matters. It was the connector to the positive on the battery, I gave it a good clean with a metal brush, and added fresh washers to tighten the clasp.

I'm guessing that the battery had gone flat, however, reattaching the cables after charging they didn't find their old position and contact in amongst the muck on the inside of the connector. An elderly gentleman had the vehicle before me, 2000-2016 and he only did about 1500 miles annually, so it may well of built up over the years. Thanks again, Pete