What are the possible reasons for a car making a clicking sound but failing to start when igniting?
2 Answers
Possible reasons for a car making a clicking sound but failing to start when igniting are as follows: 1. Engine weakness: When turning the key, the clicking sound indicates the relay or starter motor is working, but it lacks the power to rotate the flywheel, resulting in the failure to start. 2. Insufficient battery power: The clicking sound when the car fails to start may be due to insufficient battery power, caused by leaving headlights on when parked, or excessive use of external electrical devices. 3. Low voltage: Low voltage can also cause the car to make a clicking sound but fail to start. This could be due to an old battery that has degraded over time, reducing its storage capacity, or using the car's audio or air conditioning system without starting the engine. 4. Gear not in P position: Another possible reason is that the gear is not in the P position when starting. This issue is unlikely to occur with manual transmission cars, as they are typically parked by shifting to neutral, applying the handbrake, and turning off the engine in one smooth motion.
When starting the car, there's a clicking sound but it won't ignite. I've seen this issue many times, and 80% of the time it's due to insufficient battery power. Think about it, as old cars age, their batteries degrade and can't hold a charge. The starter just drains the current, making that sound, and doesn't have enough power to turn the engine. This is more common in cold weather or after prolonged inactivity. Once, I got stuck halfway on a trip to the countryside in my old car and had to call a friend for a jump start. I recommend checking the battery terminals and connections for looseness or corrosion, and using jumper cables if needed. Also, make sure there's enough fuel, but don't tamper with the electrical circuits to avoid injury. Regularly test the battery voltage, at least every six months, to prevent unexpected issues. If you can't figure it out, go to a repair shop immediately to avoid delays and ensure safe travel.
