Why does the Envision make a clicking sound and fail to start?

[JoannaLee]

The Envision failing to start with a clicking sound is generally caused by the following reasons: 1. Low battery voltage. You can turn on the headlights and some electrical devices during the starting process to check if the dashboard and interior lighting noticeably dim. If confirmed, it indicates insufficient battery voltage, which cannot drive the engine to the required starting speed, and the repeated engagement of the magnetic solenoid and starter relay produces the clicking sound. 2. Excessive carbon buildup in the intake manifold. Too much carbon deposit on the throttle body or idle air control valve prevents the engine's air-fuel mixture from reaching the required ratio, causing the vehicle to fail to start, and the repeated engagement of the magnetic solenoid and starter relay produces the clicking sound. 3. Insufficient fuel supply from the fuel system. This phenomenon is essentially the same as excessive carbon buildup in the intake manifold, also preventing the engine from achieving the required air-fuel mixture ratio, leading to the vehicle's failure to start. 4. Faulty starter motor or related wiring. The magnetic coil cannot maintain the engaged state and cannot provide starting torque, resulting in the engine's failure to start and the clicking sound. 5. Ignition system failure. This directly causes the engine to fail to start. If the ignition key remains in the starting position, the repeated engagement of the starter relay will also produce the clicking sound.

[VanSamuel]

I encountered this situation last time when driving the Envision. The ticking sound was particularly obvious but the engine just wouldn't start. It's basically due to a weak battery - insufficient voltage causes the starter solenoid to click but fails to turn the engine. Pay attention to whether the dashboard lights are particularly dim or the horn sounds weaker, these are classic signs of a dead battery. If you need to use the car urgently, use jumper cables to connect to another car's battery for emergency power. Wait five minutes after connecting before attempting to start. Remember not to run the AC or charge devices for extended periods when the engine is off. Especially for older cars, the battery should be replaced every three years or so to avoid being stranded on the road. If this problem occurs frequently, you should also check whether the alternator is producing enough power.

[DeVictoria]

The most common cause of this ticking noise during car repairs is essentially the starter solenoid clicking but the gear not engaging. Besides an aging battery, check the battery terminals for white corrosion—clean them with sandpaper if necessary. Worn starter carbon brushes can also cause this issue; if the resistance exceeds 0.5 ohms when measured, they're done for. A failing fuel pump might also produce a ticking sound, though it's usually duller. If you're handy, you can remove the air filter and spray some carb cleaner into the throttle body before starting the engine—if it fires up, it's likely a fuel system problem. If none of these checks resolve the issue, consider a faulty crankshaft position sensor signal.

[DelBarrett]

Last time my car made a clicking noise in the parking lot and wouldn't start, which made me sweat with anxiety. Later, a car-savvy friend came to check and said the battery terminal was loose. He tightened that metal lump with a wrench and solved the problem immediately. It turned out that water had splashed into the engine compartment during car washing, causing oxidation and poor contact at the terminal. Now during every maintenance, I ask the mechanic to tighten the battery clamps. Also, pay attention to whether there's a buzzing sound from the fuel pump when turning the key to the ON position. If there's no sound, it might be a blown fuel pump fuse. These simple checks can be done by yourself to avoid being overcharged by repair shops.