Help ID starting sound problem

[TO THE FLOOR]

Now it's been real cold here for a few months and the mini has been sitting in the garage. I charged it today and I just went outside and tried to start it. I turned the key and all I got was Tic Tic Tic Tic going real fast. It didn't start. Any ideas on where to look. I am not going out there tonight as it's snowing and may not go the rest of the week (unless it is an easy fix). The garage is not heated or I would be sitting in there. Thanks for your help in advance.

[Herbert]

sounds like the fuel pump going. You may have a blockage i the fuel line. Its not cold, you're wearing the wrong clothes!

[Fanfaniracing]

Is there fuel in the tank? Normaly the SU pump starts ticking till it has fuel pressure.

If the tic tic tic is wile you're turning the key, may worth checking the battery

[woodypup59]

I had a mini outside years ago with the engine out.

I opened the bonnet one freezing morning and saw what looked like a pink carnation stuck in the petrol pipe.

When I touched it, it melted away.

It was frozen petrol.

I know diesel waxes when cold, but didn't think it had been so cold that night to freeze petrol.

[Polarsilver]

Todays Cars often there is a insulating Jacket as standard fitted over the Battery because Cars Battery does not like the cold.. try with a jump start as in my experiences Minis like lots of Cranking Speed to be able to start... not forgetting your starter motor may be jammed.
Depends what type of Aux; starter solenoid you have but with a bit of thought you can crank the engine from the aux; solenoid as a second test the starter motor system is working,
If this was a UK Car i would say Fuel as our E Petrol is crap.

Tell us what the final solution is as it helps for our education

[andy1071]

Sounds like solenoid/starter problem.

As polarsilver says, when it's very cold, the battery doesn't like it...
-Try turning the headlights on for 15-30 seconds. This "gets the battery working".
Then try and start...

[TO THE FLOOR]

And the award goes to...drum roll...fanfaniracing. I went out and tried turning on the lights but tic tic tic tic again. I looked at the fuel gauge but it was pegged to the left, nothing new but I thought I'll put some gas in the tanks. As soon as I started to pour it in you could hear it bouncing off the empty tank. I thought there was a 1/2 tank but... as soon as I put gas in there it turned over as it should. Thanks again for everyone(s) help!!!