What Causes the Clicking Sound When the Car Fails to Start?
2 Answers
Car failing to start with a clicking sound is usually caused by insufficient battery charge or low voltage. Forgetting to turn off the headlights or other electrical devices before shutting down the car may drain the battery, leading to insufficient power. If the battery has been used for too long and is severely aged, the voltage may drop, requiring replacement. A car battery, also known as a storage battery, is a type of battery that works by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. The commonly referred to car battery is a lead-acid battery, primarily made of lead and its oxides, with sulfuric acid solution as the electrolyte. Car batteries are categorized into conventional batteries, dry-charged batteries, and maintenance-free batteries.
Last time I encountered this situation, the car made a clicking sound when starting but wouldn't ignite, which really threw me off. After inspection, I found the issue was mostly due to insufficient battery power. Starting requires high voltage, and if the battery is aging or it's too cold in winter, insufficient power causes the starter to only click without turning. A simple method is to check if the interior lights turn on when opening the door. If the lights are very dim or flickering, it's likely a battery issue. You can try cleaning the corrosion off the battery terminals or using jumper cables for assistance. If that doesn't work, it might be a starter malfunction or poor wiring contact. Avoid repeatedly trying to start the car to prevent damaging more components. I recommend developing a habit of regularly checking the battery, such as testing the voltage every six months, to avoid such awkward moments.
