Why does the Cruze make a clicking sound but not start?
2 Answers
Cruze not responding after making a clicking sound when starting may be caused by the following reasons: 1. Insufficient fuel: The fuel gauge shows below the red line, naturally preventing ignition. 2. Dead battery: Could be due to prolonged headlight usage without turning off or the battery reaching the end of its lifespan. Generally, it is recommended to replace the battery every 2 years. Additionally, installing xenon headlights, high-power audio systems, or DVD players can also cause vehicle circuit failures. 3. Incorrect gear position: For automatic transmission vehicles, the gear must be in P (Park) or N (Neutral) to start. If left in R (Reverse) or D (Drive), the car won't start. Some manual transmission vehicles also won't start if the clutch isn't depressed.
I've been driving my Cruze for almost ten years and have encountered several instances where the engine would only make a single click sound when trying to start, then nothing. That time was in the early morning of winter when the temperature was low, and the battery was prone to losing charge. The clicking sound was the starter trying but getting stuck due to insufficient power. I recommend first asking someone to help test the battery voltage, using a multimeter or trying a jump start; if it starts with jumper cables, the battery needs replacing. If the battery is fine, then it's more likely the starter is faulty, such as a stuck solenoid or worn brushes. In my case, I replaced the battery myself, but the issue wasn't resolved. Later, a friend helped me remove the starter and clean the wiring connections before it worked again. Don't overlook routine maintenance—check the battery terminals for looseness or corrosion even in summer. The older models of the Cruze are prone to starter issues, so timely repairs can prevent bigger troubles.
