2006 S60 2.0T won't start

[muchuct]

My engine stopped while car was in motion. I pulled over and tried igniting the car but the engine won't start. Ignition clicks but engine doesn't turn. No warning messages. What might be the cause? This is the first time I am experiencing this.

[T5R92011]

If there is a clicking noise from the engine bay, this sounds like your starter motor is not engaging. Starter motor clicking is usually due to a dead battery (or a bad solenoid on the starter).

If battery has run out, then that suggests the alternator is not charging the battery, so you need to get those three items tested.

[muchuct]

What could be the reason for the sudden engine stop?

[Dippydog]

If the battery has gone flat for some reason there would not be the power to run the ecu[s]/sensors/fuel pump so the engine would stop.I had this happen on a Senator once where the alternator stopped re-charging the battery the car still ran on battery power until of course the battery flattened and the engine stopped while on the move.

[reggit]

I’d expect a low battery warning though if this was the case?

OP: did your engine just stop or did it make a lot of clattering noises just before stopping?

[muchuct]

Originally Posted by reggit

I’d expect a low battery warning though if this was the case?

OP: did your engine just stop or did it make a lot of clattering noises just before stopping?

It just went dead stop. No noise or anything. Dash still lit but no crank when you start.

[Dippydog]

Have you checked any/all of the things suggested above by T5R92011? If so with what result[s]? Can the engine be turned by hand-i.e. with a spanner or socket on the crank bolt?

[reggit]

Next one, check the engine earth strap.

If fact get one jump lead and connect it from the eye next to the alternator to a large bolt on the inner wing (doesn’t matter which) and try it again.

[muchuct]

Originally Posted by Dippydog

Have you checked any/all of the things suggested above by T5R92011? If so with what result[s]? Can the engine be turned by hand-i.e. with a spanner or socket on the crank bolt?

Will only be checking these with a mechanic tomorrow and will update as I was not around. Are you suspecting engine seizure if engine is not turning? There was a slight turn until the battery died.

[reggit]

Originally Posted by muchuct

Will only be checking these with a mechanic tomorrow and will update as I was not around. Are you suspecting engine seizure if engine is not turning? There was a slight turn until the battery died.

I was, hence why I asked if it made clattering noises.

I also suspect a possible failed engine earth as you said it just died. This will stop the engine cranking as the starter can’t get enough current, it may move a bit as there are other paths to earth, but they can’t handle enough current for the starter to operate fully. This would stop the battery fully charging (don’t know if the ignition would work though as mines a diesel which obviously has a different ignition system. This is why I suggest using a single jump lead to put an auxiliary strap to earth so you can verify or rule out that fault.