What Causes Abnormal Noise and Failure to Start When Starting the Car?

[EmersynRose]

Abnormal noise and failure to start when starting the car can be caused by battery failure, starter motor malfunction, ignition system issues, etc. The specific analysis is as follows: Battery Failure: Unable to store power. If you only hear the sound of the starter when starting the car, it may be due to insufficient battery power preventing startup. Starter Motor Malfunction: The starter motor cannot drive the flywheel to rotate. When starting the vehicle, check whether the starter motor is functioning. Ignition System Issues: Spark plugs may be clogged or damaged. Deposits on the spark plugs, black deposits on the electrodes and inside the spark plugs indicate that the mixture in the cylinder is too rich, the spark plugs are eroded, or the insulator tip is cracked.

[DeTeagan]

I've seen many cases where cars make strange noises when starting but fail to ignite, usually related to the starter motor or battery. Once, a friend's old car made a clicking sound when starting, but the car didn't move at all. It turned out that the starter motor's gear was stuck in the flywheel ring gear, and the wear was too severe for proper engagement. When the battery is old and the voltage is too low, the relay may buzz, but the motor lacks the power to turn. Another issue is a failed solenoid switch, causing strange noises accompanied by a failure to start. When encountering such problems, first try turning on the headlights. If the lights are dim, it indicates the battery is dead—use jumper cables for a quick rescue. If the lights are normal but the noise persists, check the starter motor circuit or replace the component. For safety, avoid forcing a start to prevent further damage to the flywheel. The key is to find a professional repair shop for a quick fix.

[LondonFitz]

Once on a winter morning, my car wouldn't start no matter what, making a rattling noise when attempting to crank, but the vehicle remained completely still. It turned out the starter motor coil had burned out, causing the abnormal sound. A colleague's car experienced a similar issue – it just buzzed without turning over upon starting, which was eventually traced to corroded battery terminals causing poor contact. These failures aren't uncommon, especially in older vehicles or those lacking timely maintenance. For basic checks: first inspect if battery terminals are loose, then listen for sound origins – front-end clicking may indicate starter issues, while rear buzzing or relay noises often point to electrical faults. If troubleshooting seems overwhelming, don't panic: use phone flashlight for better visibility or call roadside assistance to avoid more troublesome breakdowns. Timely repairs can significantly extend your vehicle's lifespan.

[DiLuna]

The car makes abnormal noises and fails to start, mainly due to issues with the starting system. Possible causes include insufficient battery voltage causing the relay to squeak; worn solenoid or gears in the starter motor resulting in a clicking sound and failure to engage the flywheel; damaged flywheel ring gear causing incomplete engagement and grinding noises; or loose or corroded wiring leading to sparking noises. Listen for the noise location: sounds near the front engine compartment point to the motor or flywheel, while noises from the rear battery area may indicate fuse or wiring faults. First, check the battery charge by testing the headlight brightness; second, use a multimeter to measure voltage. If unsuccessful, tow the vehicle for repairs to prevent further damage.