What causes the clicking sound when starting the car and the engine not firing?
3 Answers
Car starting with a clicking sound and failing to ignite may be due to insufficient battery power or low battery voltage. If you forget to turn off the car's headlights or there are too many electrical devices or external appliances connected before shutting down the engine, it can lead to battery drain. It's important to follow proper vehicle usage norms, ensuring all electrical devices are turned off before shutting down the engine. Another possible cause is an issue with the starter motor's carbon brushes. If the above two checks show no problems, you can remove the starter motor and have it inspected by a professional. There's no need to replace the entire starter motor assembly; simply replacing the starter motor's carbon brushes may suffice.
I've encountered this issue a few times where the car makes a clicking sound when starting but won't fire up. It's usually due to a dead battery where there's not enough power for the starter motor to turn the engine's gears. Old or degraded batteries, especially affected by cold temperatures, often cause this problem, and it's more noticeable in winter. If the battery terminals are loose or corroded, cleaning them might provide a temporary fix. You can try jump-starting the car using jumper cables connected to another vehicle, but be careful not to short-circuit the battery. For regular maintenance, remember to periodically check the battery's health and turn off power-consuming devices like the AC and headlights before shutting off the engine to extend its lifespan. If the car still won't start, have a professional auto shop inspect and replace the battery—don't attempt DIY fixes that could damage the vehicle.
That clicking sound when the engine won't start is really frustrating. My car has done this a few times, and it sounds like the starter motor is spinning freely. The cause could be a weak battery or wiring connection issues, such as loose battery terminals or poor contact interrupting power transmission. When starting, try gently pressing the accelerator – sometimes this helps with older models, but don't overdo it as it might drain the remaining power. Pay attention to changes in headlight brightness while driving; if they dim, be cautious as the battery might be failing. Get it fixed promptly to avoid being stranded on the road. For peace of mind, have the repair shop test the entire starting system with a multimeter.
