What's the reason when the battery has power but the car makes a clicking sound and won't start?
3 Answers
The reasons why the battery has power but the car makes a clicking sound and won't start are: 1. Excessive carbon buildup in the intake pipe, throttle valve, idle motor, and other parts; 2. Insufficient fuel supply in the fuel system; 3. The magnetic coil cannot maintain the engaged state and cannot provide starting torque; 4. Fault in the ignition system; 5. The gear was not returned to P when parking; 6. The starting carbon brush is damaged, resulting in insufficient voltage. The clicking sound during startup is caused by the repeated engagement between the magnetic package and the relay. A relay is an electrical control device that causes a predetermined step change in the controlled quantity in the electrical output circuit when the change in the input quantity reaches the specified requirements.
The battery has power but the engine won't start, only hearing a clicking sound – I've encountered this issue several times. That clicking noise is actually the starter motor spinning, but it's not engaging with the engine, mostly due to problems in the starting system. It could be that the carbon brushes inside the motor are too worn, causing insufficient speed to turn the crankshaft; or the solenoid switch is stuck, preventing the gear from pushing out to mesh with the flywheel. Check if the battery terminals are loose or corroded – sometimes there's enough charge but poor contact leads to low voltage, preventing the motor from turning. If these are ruled out, then inspect the ignition system and fuel pump, as spark plug carbon buildup or a faulty fuel pump relay can also be culprits. Avoid repeatedly trying to start the engine, as it can easily burn out the motor coil. It's best to visit a professional auto repair shop early for diagnosis – repairs are usually inexpensive and ensure peace of mind and safety. During regular maintenance, pay attention to the starter motor's condition; replacing carbon brushes and periodic maintenance can prevent unexpected failures.
Last month, my car had the exact same issue—the battery was fine, but when starting, it just made a clicking sound and wouldn't start no matter what. I first tried tightening the battery terminals and found one connection was loose. Tightening it fixed the problem. Later, I learned that if the starter motor or relay is faulty, it can also cause this. The clicking sound is the solenoid engaging, but the motor isn't receiving power to turn over. Possible causes include an aging starter motor, worn gears, or a short circuit in the wiring. Ignition issues shouldn't be ignored either—if the spark plugs are wet or heavily carbon-fouled, or if oil pressure is unstable, it can affect starting. I recommend checking these yourself: measure the battery voltage, listen for the fuel pump priming sound. If simple fixes don’t work, call a tow truck for repairs. Delaying could risk engine damage, so timely action is best. Regular checks on these components during routine driving can save a lot of hassle.
