Why does the car make continuous abnormal noises when failing to start?
3 Answers
When the car fails to start and makes a continuous clicking sound, you can check by turning on the headlights or interior lights before attempting to start the car. Observe if there is any noticeable dimming of the lights during the starting process. If the lights significantly dim, it indicates insufficient battery voltage. The starting process consumes a large amount of current. When the battery cannot supply enough power, the starter struggles to bring the engine to the required starting speed, and the repeated engagement of the magnetic switch and starter relay produces the clicking sound. Reasons for the abnormal noise: Low or faulty car battery voltage. Improper daily use of the car can lead to battery discharge. Generally, the lifespan of a battery is between 3 to 5 years. If it exceeds this period, it should be replaced promptly; insufficient fuel supply in the fuel system, failing to meet the required air-fuel ratio for the engine. Check if there is enough fuel; excessive carbon buildup in the intake pipe, throttle valve, and idle speed motor, preventing the engine's air-fuel mixture from reaching the required ratio. Check if idling and poor driving conditions accelerate carbon buildup. Solutions: Prepare two jumper cables to connect with another car for a jump-start: First, turn off the engine of the dead car. The jumper cables must be connected in the correct order to avoid the risk of short circuits. Connect one end of the first cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery and the other end to the positive terminal of the live battery; take the second jumper cable, connect one end to the negative terminal of the live battery, and then connect the other end to the engine block or body of the dead car.
Last time my car also had the issue of not starting and making a clicking sound. It turned out to be a severely depleted battery. Starting the engine requires a large current, and an aging battery or forgetting to turn off the headlights after parking can lead to insufficient power. In such cases, the starter motor can't crank the engine, and you only hear the repeated clicking sound of the relay engaging. Another possibility is a fault in the starter motor itself, such as damaged internal gears or a failed solenoid switch, which can also produce a harsh metal grinding noise. I suggest first trying a jump start—if the car starts, it indicates a battery problem. If the same abnormal noise persists after jump-starting, then the starter motor and the engine flywheel ring gear need to be checked. It's best to regularly check the battery condition, especially for older batteries over three years old.
When a car fails to start and makes abnormal noises, the most common issue lies in the starter system. If the small gear on the starter fails to properly engage with the engine flywheel ring gear, it will produce a sharp metal scraping sound. In cases of severely depleted battery, the starter solenoid will continuously make a clicking noise. I've encountered more troublesome situations: damage to the internal crankshaft bearings of the engine, which produces a heavy metal clunking sound during startup—this requires a major overhaul. It's recommended to first check the battery voltage; anything below 12 volts usually indicates insufficient charge. Then, use a stethoscope to pinpoint the source of the abnormal noise. Remember not to crank the engine continuously for more than 10 seconds, as this can burn out the starter. If the problem persists, it's best to tow the vehicle to a professional repair shop.
