Why Does My Car Make a Clicking Noise When I Try to Start It?
It may be daunting when you start the engine but the car won’t start but clicks instead. The sound usually comes from the driver side, somewhere around the steering wheel and is very annoying. In this blog, we have analyzed some of the potential causes for the issue that will help you diagnose the problem and take the next step. Here, we will describe the potential causes for a clicking noise, methods to diagnose it and signs when you need to seek a professional’s help.
What Could Cause a Clicking Noise When I Try to Start My Car?
Most probably, the battery is dead. The clicking noise is a classic sign. Check the battery voltage or try jump-starting it. If the car starts with a jump, your battery likely needs replacing. Also, check the battery terminals for corrosion and make sure they’re tight.
If the battery’s fine and you’re still having trouble, it could be the starter motor. But start with the battery; it’s the most common culprit.
Is it a dead battery if I hear a clicking noise?
Dead or low battery is likely the most frequent cause that will cause a car to click when it is started. The battery might not be charged enough to spin the starter motor but just cause it to make a clicking noise when it attempts to engage. It usually comes with dim lights or non-functional accessories.
A full battery should be over 13V. Bouncing between 11V and 0V says you’re probably not making a good connection with the meter, and it’s just at 11V, which is very low. And the clicking is the starter gear popping in and out, because it doesn’t have enough power to hold it in place and actually crank the engine.
The battery may just be low and need a charge. Or it may have been killed by the heat of the summer, and the problem is now manifesting in cold weather when the demand on the battery is much higher.
Besides, one of cells may be bad due to corrosion. You can try cleaning up the corrosion and then jump it. This will possibly save you a new battery and a couple hundred dollars.
The third reason is a parasitic draw somewhere in the electrical system, causing the battery to drain slowly over time and leading to intermittent starting issues when the car won’t start but clicks.
Could a bad starter be the reason for the clicking sound?
Yes, even a poor starter will click. If the starter motor itself is poor or worn out, it won’t have sufficient power to crank the engine over, and when you attempt to turn the key, it will click. The battery may be fine in this case, but the starter won’t work.
If the symptoms are “I try to start the car and I hear a click. When repeating, I sometimes hear a click again, but sometimes the car starts right up,” it is most probably due to a failing starter solenoid. The click is the solenoid engaging but if the contacts inside are failing it sometimes doesn’t connect properly and send power to the starter motor.
What does a single click mean when turning the key?
One click of the key usually means the starter is not engaging at all. This can be as a result of various factors such as faulty starter solenoid, faulty ignition switch, or loose electrical connection. More diagnostics must be carried out in trying to find the cause to the letter.
How to Diagnose a Clicking Noise When Starting the Car
What is the first step in diagnosing the clicking noise?
First, test the battery. It must be good and charged. You can do this by attempting to jump the car or by removing it and testing it with a multimeter to ensure you have voltage.
How can I check the battery connection?
Loose or corroded electrical connections, including battery terminals and starter connections, can prevent the starter from receiving enough power to crank the engine. To check the connection of the battery, look for the corrosion or loose connections of battery terminals.
Open the hood; if the battery terminals have buildup on them, this can cause the battery from having enough volts to start the car. There is a nut on the wire that could be loose and the wiring could not have a good connection. Ensure positive and negative cables are tightened and clean.
Clean the terminals with water and baking soda if they are rusted. Clean them with a wire brush. You can also clean them with sparkling water (aka bubble water). It cleans well without the sticky sugar mess of soda.
You can also check the battery for a manufacturing date. Usually batteries go bad within the 3-5 years mark depending on the style and brand of battery.
What should I listen for when trying to start the car?
When you attempt to start the car, listen to determine if you can hear the starter motor turn over. When you hear a clicking noise when starting car, it is the situation of a weak battery in most cases. One click is generally a sign that either the terminals or the starter are bad.
Can a Jump Start Fix the Clicking Noise Issue?
How do I jump start the car properly?
To jump a car, join the positive terminal of the dead battery to the positive terminal of the good battery. Next, join the negative terminal of the good one to a metal component on the dead car (never the negative terminal). Start the good car, then try to start the dead one.
What should I do if the car still won’t start after a jump?
If the engine clicks but won’t start after jump-starting, then probably some other issue is there besides the battery. Try to take it over the connections, and you can even try to try and check the starter or ignition system. If they are ready, then you’ll have to diagnose it further.
How to identify if the battery needs replacement?
If your battery is three to five years or older, or corroded, or simply refuses to hold a charge even when you attempt jump-starting it, then you will need to replace the battery. Otherwise, you can try checking the voltage level of the battery using a multimeter and see how it is working.
What to Do If My Car Won’t Start and Makes a Clicking Noise?
Should I check the starter motor?
Yes, it is advisable to try checking the starter motor if your car will not start but you do hear a clicking. Inspect the starter for outward damage or listen for an alternate sound when attempting to crank your vehicle. In case the starter is suspected to be faulty, it could need to be replaced.
How can I tell if the ignition switch is faulty?
The ignition switch might not be sending the proper signal to the starter, preventing it from engaging. Bad or worn-out ignition switch will rob starting power from your car. The signs may include dashboard lights that won’t come on, broken electric accessories, or a key that turns but won’t respond. You may have the ignition switch checked by a mechanic if you think the ignition switch has worn out.
What tools do I need to troubleshoot the issue?
To determine the click sound, you can use common tools such as a multimeter for voltage testing, wrenches to tighten battery terminals, and a flashlight to search in tight spaces. A jump starter is also convenient when checking batteries.
How to Prevent Clicking Noises When Starting My Car?
What regular maintenance can help avoid starting issues?
Regular checkup of battery terminals, i.e., testing of batteries, cleaning the terminals, and checking secure electrical connections, will avoid starting trouble. Regular checkup of starters and ignition systems will also catch any trouble when it’s not yet too late.
How important is checking battery terminals regularly?
Check battery terminals on a regular basis so that there is a good electrical connection. Loose or corroded terminals may cause starting issues, including clicking noises. Clean and tight connections on your regular car maintenance.
What are the benefits of a new battery for my vehicle?
And actually, a new battery can make your car run smoother and more evenly. A new battery will get you started in the morning, repair electrical issues, and even make electric accessories on your car perform better. And a new battery is typically warrantied, which will make you feel secure in the future.
When Should I Seek Professional Help for a Clicking Noise?
How can I determine if it’s time to call a mechanic?
After you’ve done the initial fix-it moves – the starter, battery, and ignition switch tests – and still the car is not starting (clicking sound is the only thing you hear), call in the pro. If other symptoms arise, like smoke, strange smell, or electricity, call in the pro.
What are the signs that I may need a new starter?
Indications that you will require a new starter are:
Single click when trying to start car (especially if the battery is guaranteed to be in prime condition).
Grinding sounds when trying to start the engine.
Occasional starting issues, where the car will start occasionally but not consistently.
Electrical accessories working, still the car clicks but won’t crank.
Can a mechanic help identify the cause of the clicking sound?
Yes, do not worry! If you are not comfortable doing the DIY repairs yourself, take your car to a qualified mechanic to troubleshoot and pinpoint the exact cause. They can perform diagnostic tests on the starter, charging system, and electrical connections to identify the underlying issue accurately. They have the tools and knowledge required to inspect the battery, starter, ignition switch, and other electrical devices and hence provide a thorough check of the problem.
Conclusion
A click when you try to turn your vehicle is an indication of one or more of countless potential causes, and most of them have to do with the starter or battery. Reading through these steps in this article will help you decide what the issue is and allow you to follow the right process, be it jump-starting your vehicle, checking your connections, or having a mechanic check it. Regular upkeep and prompt repair of starting issues will have your car running at peak performance and minimize the risk of an unexpected breakdown. And always remember, in times of doubt, it’s always best to have a professional mechanic help ensure your safety and your car’s longevity.