Hello,
I just bought a used X-type 2009 2.2d automatic with 110k miles on it,
according to the previous owner, the car started and ran fine,
but when I go to start the car, I turn the key and hear a single click, and then nothing. I believe for some reason the starter motor isn't engaging.

The thing is, I've tried this with 2 different car batteries (both suitable for the x-type) and the battery it has in it looks quite new (Yuasa silver 740A) and none of them work.
I even fully recharged both batteries I tested with using a battery charger and still nothing, and the batteries work fine on my friends x type 2007 manual.
However, the car DOES start when the battery is hooked up to a jump start booster, so the actual starter mechanics seem fine, it just doesn't engage when only on battery.

Does anyone have any ideas? I don't really want to have to jump my car each time it starts, and calling out the RAC to diagnose if it IS a battery issue will cost around £160.
I'd be grateful to anyone who can help

 

Our Cats are known for having problems with the battery cables. If you are placing the (-) jumper cable on the block, as you should, you are bypassing that ground cable.

You could try cleaning up both ends of the cables to see if that helps, but most likely they are corroding on the inside of the cable giving you this problem.

 

Battery cables are shot. Most likely the negative one, but could be the positive one thought too.

If you are not sure which cable is bad, a simple test is to let the car sit overnight to get to ambient temp, then start the car and immediately put on the rear defroster, seat heaters, dash fan on high, and your high/main beams. Let the car idle for about 5 minutes that way and then shut it off. You will then want to cup your hand OVER!!!!!! the battery terminals. The terminals should be about the same temp as the surrounding metal. But if you find one (or both) that are very hot, there is your problem. Replace the associated cable.