What Causes the Clicking Sound When Starting a Car?
2 Answers
Normal sound. This is caused by the impact sound when the electromagnet on the starter pulls the clutch gear into the flywheel teeth during engine startup. However, if the sound is loud, applying some lubricant to the clutch, gears, or flywheel teeth of the starter can make the operation smoother and reduce the noise. Clicking or grinding noise: This sound is caused by the meshing of the starter gear and the flywheel gear. Over time and with frequent use, the gears wear out significantly, leading to misalignment and grinding noises. Tapping or ticking noise: This sound could be from the closing of valves in the engine's valve train, which is typically the noisiest part of an engine. It is the sound produced when the intake and exhaust valves close and is usually audible after startup. Alternatively, it could also be the sound of the spark plug firing.
I've dealt with quite a few similar issues. That clanking sound at the moment of startup is most likely caused by a faulty starter motor or flywheel ring gear. When you turn the key, the starter motor's pinion gear tries to engage with the engine's flywheel. If the ring gear has wear or damage, it produces that harsh clanking noise. Additionally, loose or aged belts can also slip and make noise, especially more noticeable during cold winter temperatures. Delaying repairs for this issue may lead to starter motor burnout or engine damage, which is quite hazardous. I recommend visiting a professional repair shop for inspection as soon as possible. They can use diagnostic tools to quickly identify the problem source. For prevention, reducing frequent short-distance starts and ensuring the battery is adequately charged can help. Remember to allow a few seconds between each startup to give components some buffer time, which can extend overall lifespan.
