What's the reason for the engine making a rattling sound and failing to start?
4 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.
I've encountered a similar situation before - when starting the car, there was a rapid clicking sound but the engine wouldn't turn over. In most cases, this is caused by insufficient battery charge. The relay attempts to engage but lacks enough power, resulting in that continuous clicking noise. Dirty or loose terminals can worsen the problem - I've sometimes fixed it by cleaning and tightening the connections. This issue frequently occurs during large temperature fluctuations, like cold winter morning starts. The most straightforward solution is replacing the battery - choose reputable brands for safety. Also remember to check if fuses are blown or if the starter motor itself is damaged. If the clicking is accompanied by dim lights, it almost certainly indicates an electrical system issue. I recommend avoiding repeated starting attempts as this drains the battery faster. I keep a portable jump starter for emergencies - quite useful. During regular maintenance, remind your mechanic to inspect all electrical connections. Periodic battery health testing can prevent many headaches.
My car makes a clicking noise and fails to start, most commonly due to battery issues. The clicking sound indicates the starting system is trying but lacks sufficient power, such as from an aging battery or loose terminals. Check if the voltage is too low or if the terminals are clean. Try charging or replacing the battery. It could also be a faulty relay causing the clicking without the engine turning over. The basic solution is to use tools for testing. Related: Maintain regular vehicle maintenance to avoid nighttime breakdowns.
