Why does the car fail to start and make abnormal noises?
3 Answers
Car starting failure accompanied by abnormal noises can be caused by insufficient battery power, faulty spark plugs or ignition coils, engine motor idling, or poor fuel quality. Insufficient battery power: Check the battery's power status and charge it in time, as insufficient power can reduce its service life. Faulty spark plugs or ignition coils: Inspect the condition of the spark plugs and ignition coils, and replace them if necessary. Engine motor idling: Check the working condition of the engine and transmission, and inspect whether the flywheel ring gear is slipping. Poor fuel quality: Check the fuel quality and use guaranteed-quality gasoline to minimize damage.
Last time I encountered a starting failure accompanied by a clicking sound, it turned out to be caused by a weak battery. The starter motor requires a strong current to turn the engine. When the battery is aging or drained due to leaving the lights on, the starter gear can only spin freely against the flywheel ring gear, producing that distinct grinding noise. This situation usually occurs in winter or on vehicles that have been parked for too long. I recommend trying a jump start first. If that doesn't work, you'll need to check the battery's lifespan or the wear on the starter motor's carbon brushes. Never force the issue with starting system problems - repeated attempts can easily burn out the relay. It's best to have a professional repair shop thoroughly inspect the circuit connections.
A metallic friction sound or ticking noise during startup is most likely due to a starter issue. The starter's internal pinion gear needs to pop out and engage with the flywheel during ignition. If the gear lacks lubrication and gets stuck, the electromagnetic switch has poor contact, or the one-way clutch slips, the engine won't turn over and will produce a harsh noise. This type of failure often occurs in humid weather because moisture accelerates oxidation of metal components. Don't rush to replace parts—first check for corroded or loose starter wiring and whether the battery terminals are oxidized, leading to insufficient power supply. However, internal motor issues are difficult to handle yourself and usually require removing the starter to inspect the condition of the drive gear.
