What Causes the Clicking Sound When the Car Won't Start?
3 Answers
When the car won't start and makes a clicking sound, it could be due to the following reasons: 1. The starter motor is faulty and cannot turn the flywheel. Check if the starter motor is working when attempting to start the vehicle. 2. The battery is faulty and cannot hold a charge. If you only hear the sound of the starter when trying to start the car, it is likely due to a dead battery. 3. The fuel supply system of the vehicle is malfunctioning. Disconnect the fuel line connector on the engine, turn the ignition switch to the position where the dashboard lights come on, and observe if fuel flows out. If fuel flows, the fuel supply system is fine; if not, further inspection is needed. 4. The ignition system of the vehicle is faulty. Remove one of the ignition high-voltage wires from the engine, insert an old spark plug or another pen-shaped metal rod into the spark plug cap, and place the spark plug body or metal rod close to the engine's metal part. Start the engine and observe if there is a high-voltage spark. If not, check the ignition system for issues.
I've encountered this issue several times. The car won't start and makes a clicking sound, usually indicating a dead battery. The starter motor tries to work but there's insufficient power, so it just clicks. First, check if the battery terminals are loose or corroded, clean them, and see if it starts. If it still doesn't work, the battery might be old, as capacity drops faster with age. Especially in winter, cold weather reduces battery activity, making this more likely to happen. I recommend getting a jump start from a friend or calling roadside assistance. Don't keep trying, as you might damage the starter motor, leading to more expensive repairs. Pay attention to battery health regularly; buy a smart charger for periodic maintenance to extend battery life. Once, my friend's car had the same issue—after a jump start, he drove to the shop and replaced the battery, and now he never worries about it. Battery maintenance is key—it saves hassle and ensures safety.
When I was learning auto repair, my mentor taught me that this phenomenon is often caused by electrical circuit failures. The clicking sound indicates the starter relay is continuously opening and closing, which proves the battery voltage is low or there's an issue with the charging system. The voltage across the battery terminals should be above 12.6V to be considered normal; otherwise, it needs charging or replacement. Also, check if the alternator is working stably. If the alternator is faulty, the battery won't charge, naturally causing failure to start. Aging or short-circuited wiring can also trigger this, especially if the starter control wire connection is loose. A simple voltage check with a multimeter can diagnose the issue. Don't ignore minor problems—once the battery is completely drained, being stranded on the road is troublesome. It's advisable to regularly listen for unusual noises when the engine is running and periodically test the battery capacity to ensure safe travel. Battery performance degrades faster in winter, so keeping an emergency jump starter in the car can help you stay calm in emergencies.
