What Causes a Car to Fail to Start and Make a Clicking Noise?
2 Answers
When a car fails to start and makes a clicking noise, it is usually due to excessive valve clearance. The specific causes and solutions are as follows: Specific reasons for the car failing to start and making a clicking noise: Excessive valve clearance is caused by wear between the camshaft and the valve tappet. Engines with high mileage often exhibit some valve noise, which is a normal phenomenon. To resolve this issue, you can replace the camshaft and valve tappet with new ones. Solutions to eliminate the car's abnormal noise: To reduce engine wear, it is essential to change the engine oil regularly during routine use. Engine oil is often referred to as the lifeblood of the engine. Without oil, the engine cannot operate properly. Inside the engine, oil not only lubricates but also cleans, seals, cushions, prevents rust, and dissipates heat. When the engine is running, the oil forms a thin film on the surfaces of various components, preventing direct contact and friction between them. If engine components come into direct contact and friction occurs, it will accelerate engine wear and cause overheating. Continuous operation of an overheated engine can lead to severe damage.
I've seen many cars with this issue of failing to start and making a clicking sound, usually due to a dead battery or a faulty starter. The clicking noise comes from the relay in the car, which continuously clicks when the voltage is low, indicating insufficient battery power to provide enough force for the starter to turn. Possible causes include an aging battery, loose connections, or leaving headlights on and draining the battery. I've dealt with a friend's car before, and it's important to check if the battery is swollen or corroded. Additionally, if the alternator isn't charging properly, this can also happen. In an emergency, you can try jump-starting the car with cables to recharge the battery. Develop a habit of regularly checking the battery's health, turning off unnecessary electronic devices when starting the car to extend its lifespan, and don't wait until the car breaks down to affect your travel plans.
