What's the reason for the engine making a rattling sound and failing to start?
2 Answers
Here are the reasons why a car cannot start and makes a rattling sound, along with the solutions: 1. The battery power is too low. Charge the battery with a charger or use another car's battery to charge it. 2. Call a tow truck to take the car back to a repair shop for charging. 3. The starter motor may be removed or its screws may have loosened. If the engine cannot be turned over by shifting into gear and depressing the clutch, check whether the starter's pinion gear is stuck in the flywheel ring gear or if the starter is seized. Also, check if the engine's bearings are seized. Here are the maintenance methods for a car engine: 1. Regularly change the engine oil and oil filter. 2. Keep the crankcase well-ventilated. 3. Clean the crankcase regularly. 4. Clean the fuel system periodically.
That day when I started my car, it made a clicking sound, and the engine didn't turn over at all. After checking for a long time, I found the main issue was with the battery. The battery was either old or dead because the clicking sound indicates the starter motor is trying to work but there isn't enough power to turn the engine. If the terminal connections are loose, oxidized, or corroded, power can't be transmitted stably. When the temperature is too low, the chemical reactions slow down, worsening the problem. I tried charging it with a charger and solved the issue; if that doesn't work, a new battery is needed. It could also be a relay failure—the clicking sound is it repeatedly trying to start but the contacts are burnt out. Regularly check the battery date and terminals, and do more maintenance before winter to avoid breaking down on the roadside. Ignoring this can cause the motor to wear out faster or blow a fuse. It's best to keep a multimeter handy to measure voltage—normal voltage should be above 12 volts. Simple prevention can make the car more reliable.
