Rocky horror

My mother has a Peugeot 306 1,800 automatic in which she ran out of petrol a few days ago. I got petrol but ran the battery flat trying to start it. One re-charge and it finally started (it didn't really want to). But this morning she drove to the shops and when she got back in and restarted it the car refused to turn over. The battery is fine and is connected properly, and has a full charge. I tried to start it myself and instead of the starter motor engaging I hear a loud 'click' when the ignition key is turned. It won’t turn over at all. Any ideas?

Asked on 15 May 2010 by S.D., via e-mail

Answered by Honest John
The loud click is the voltage regulator breaking the circuit either because there isn't enough juice in the battery or because the starter motor is jammed. It’s a bit difficult to rock an auto in gear, but that might unjam it. (S.D. emailed back to tell me this had worked.)
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