What to Do When the Vehicle Fails to Start and Makes Abnormal Noises?
2 Answers
When the vehicle fails to start and makes abnormal noises, it is the sound of the starter motor turning the engine. Engine fails to start: Insufficient battery voltage: When the battery power is inadequate, it cannot drive the engine to reach the starting speed, preventing the vehicle from starting. The repeated engagement of the magnetic switch and starter relay produces abnormal noises, which are relatively small and occur once per starting attempt. Abnormal noises: Excessive carbon buildup in the intake manifold: Excessive carbon deposits on the throttle body, idle air control valve, etc., prevent the engine's air-fuel mixture from reaching the required ratio, causing the vehicle to fail to start. The engine continuously attempts to start, resulting in abnormal noises. Insufficient fuel supply in the fuel system: This phenomenon is essentially similar to excessive carbon buildup in the intake manifold, also preventing the engine from achieving the required air-fuel mixture ratio. As a result, the engine continuously attempts to start, producing abnormal noises. Ignition system failure: This directly prevents the engine from starting, and the engine continuously attempts to start, generating abnormal noises.
I've encountered many such issues when repairing cars. If the vehicle won't start and makes a clicking sound, it's mostly due to insufficient battery voltage or a problem with the starter. If you hear a clicking sound similar to a relay moving, it might be caused by an aging battery or loose connections leading to insufficient current. In this case, don't force the key; first, open the hood and check if the battery terminals are corroded or loose. Clean them with a damp cloth and try again. If there's a grinding or metal friction sound, the starter's gears might be severely worn. Additionally, ignition system problems are common, such as carbon buildup on spark plugs causing difficulty starting. For safety, if you notice an issue in the parking lot, don't force-start the car to avoid draining the battery or causing a short circuit. It's best to ask a friend for help with jumper cables or directly call a tow truck to take it to a professional repair shop. Remember to maintain the battery regularly and avoid battery drain in winter.
