2000 XK8 4.0 coupe, 100K miles.

It makes a screeching noise when I turn the key, won't crank normally. Sort of like the sound you get when you try to run the starter when the engine is already running (it is not)

Ran fine when parked, been sitting for a couple of weeks. The only thing I did in between was to connect a code reader to see if it was ready for a smog (ODB-II based smog). Connecting the reader threw a code and turned the CEL, so have to start all over trying to get the smog.

Fresh charge on battery, though it doesn't seem to want to stay charged. Battery is a couple years old, premium AGM. Trying a charge disconnected from car.

Fuel pump is about 15K miles old. I replaced it myself.

Also going to try with a booster battery.

Ideas?

 

Screeching could be a weak battery but more likely a bad solenoid. If it is going bad, the solenoid will not positively engage the drive in the ring gear and it will buffet along the ring gear.

 

That sounds like what I am hearing, thanks.

When the rain lets up I will try to jump start with my truck and then try the hammer method.

Starter not easily accessible in this car.

 

If you are going to let the car set for a while, be sure and lock it. Will not go to sleep if just cut off and key out.

 

When I was diagnosing a parasite drain (turned out to be the head unit) I measured draw both with the car armed and unlocked. It went to sleep in both cases.

 

Thanks, didn't have the same results. I did add a new battery, so that may have been the issue all along. Advance checked it twice and said it was OK, I didn't think so, lost my business.

 

Finally stopped raining and after all that it was flooded.

I always warm the car up all the way, and in this case it would have run for at least 30 minutes before being parked. I wonder if the connection to the OBD-II reader caused the TB or ECM to dispense too much fuel? It's been cold for here (mid 40's some nights) but not really cold by most standards.

Thanks to all that responded.