It’s a frustrating sound- your car clicking when you try to start it. You’ve tried turning the key in every possible way, but nothing seems to work.
What could be causing this issue? Well, let’s see!
This blog post will discuss six possible reasons why your car is clicking when you try to start it. We will also provide tips on how to resolve each of these issues!
Mainly, two things could go wrong when you hear a clicking noise from your car. The first possibility is that the battery may be dead or dying. The second is an issue with the starter.
Is Clicking Noise Normal When Trying to Start Your Car?
Have you ever gone to start your car, only to be greeted by a loud clicking noise? If so, you’re probably wondering if this is normal or if there’s something wrong with your car.
The clicking noise is usually normal and nothing to worry about. The sound is usually caused by the engine’s starter solenoid, which is responsible for sending an electrical current to the starter motor.
When the solenoid works properly, you should hear a clicking noise as it activates the starter motor. However, if the clicking noise is accompanied by other symptoms, such as dim headlights or strange odors, there may be an issue with your car’s battery.
If you’re concerned about the clicking noise, it’s always best to consult with a qualified mechanic who can diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.
6 Reasons Behind Rapid Clicking Noise
If your car is making a clicking noise when you turn the key, there are several possible reasons. Here are six common causes of this problem:
- Dead Car Battery
- Faulty Starter Motor
- Corroded Battery Terminals
- Bad Spark Plugs
- Bad Wiring
- Faulty Starter Solenoid
Let’s dig deeper into each of these causes.
1. Dead Car Battery:
Have you ever started your car only to hear a clicking noise from the engine? If so, chances are your battery is dead. But why does this happen?
When you turn the key in the ignition, you’re sending an electrical current to the starter motor. The starter motor then uses that current to turn over the engine, which gets it started.
If the battery is dead, there’s not enough power to send that initial electrical current, which is why you’ll hear a clicking noise.
2. Faulty Starter Motor:
If the battery is not the problem, the starter motor may be faulty. The starter motor is responsible for turning over the engine, and if the starter spins but doesn’t engage, you’ll hear a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition.
When you turn the key in the ignition, electricity flows from the battery to the starter motor, which then uses that electrical power to rotate the engine.
However, if there is something wrong with the starter motor – such as a damaged armature – it may not be able to generate enough power to get the engine going. This can cause a clicking noise as the starter motor tries unsuccessfully to crank the engine.
There are meshed gears in the starter motor that engage with each other when activated by an electrical current from the battery. If these gears are damaged, they may not be able to engage properly, which can also cause a clicking noise.
3. Corroded Battery Terminals:
When your car battery terminals get corroded, it can cause many problems. One of the most common is a clicking noise from your engine when you try to start it.
You hear this noise because the corrosion interferes with the flow of electricity between the battery and the starter.
The clicking noise is the sound of the starter solenoid trying to engage but failing because it’s not getting enough power from the battery.
4. Bad Spark Plugs:
If your engine is clicking when you turn the key, it’s likely that you have bad spark plugs. But why do spark plugs go bad? And what exactly is causing the clicking noise?
Spark plugs are necessary for your engine to start and run. They create a spark that ignites the air/fuel mixture in the cylinders, and this is what powers your engine.
Over time, spark plugs can become fouled with oil, carbon deposits, or other debris. This can cause them to misfire, and eventually, they will need to be replaced.
When you try to start your engine with bad spark plugs, the spark may not be strong enough to ignite the air/fuel mixture.
As a result, you’ll hear a clicking noise from the engine as it tries unsuccessfully to start. In some cases, you may also notice that the engine is running rough or misfiring once it finally starts.
5. Bad Wiring:
Another reason you might hear a clicking noise when you turn the key is bad wiring. This can happen if the wires that connect the battery to the starter are damaged or corroded. Or the spark wires are faulty.
When this happens, it prevents electricity from flowing properly between the battery and the starter. As a result, you’ll hear a clicking noise as the starter tries to engage but doesn’t have enough power.
In some cases, you may also notice that the engine runs roughly once it finally starts. This is because bad wiring can also cause spark plugs to misfire.
Bad wiring is often caused by corrosion, which can be caused by exposure to moisture or other elements. If you suspect that your car’s clicking noise is due to bad wiring, it’s important to have it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.
6. Faulty Starter Solenoid:
If something is wrong with the starter solenoid, it can cause a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition. The starter solenoid is an essential part of the ignition system and is responsible for sending an electrical current to the starter motor via the starter relay.
When the solenoid fails, the engine won’t receive the electrical power it needs to start. And, you’ll hear a clicking noise as the solenoid tries to send current to the starter.
In some cases, the clicking may be accompanied by a grinding noise. Either way, it’s an indication that your car isn’t going to start.
There are several reasons why a starter solenoid may fail. The most common is simply wear and tear; over time, the solenoid can become corroded or damaged, making it harder for electrical current to flow through it.
In other cases, a problem with the battery or another part of the electrical system can cause the solenoid to fail. Regardless of the cause, it’s important to fix the problem as soon as possible.
How to Fix Clicking Sound From Car Engine?
Now that we’ve gone over some of the most common reasons why your car might be clicking when you turn the key let’s talk about how to fix it.
1. Recharge the Battery:
If a dead battery is causing the clicking noise, the solution is simple: recharge the battery. You can do this by hooking up a charger to the battery and letting it charge.
When the battery dies, it’s often due to a build-up of sulfates on the plates. Recharging the battery can help to dissolve the sulfates and restore the battery’s power.
Once the battery is charged, try starting the car again. If it starts without any problem, then you know that was the cause of the clicking noise.
2. Clean Battery Terminals:
Another simple solution is to clean the battery terminals. Over time, they can become corroded, preventing electricity from flowing properly. If you notice that your battery terminals look corroded, you can take a few simple steps to clean them.
First, remove the battery from the vehicle and disconnect the negative terminal. Next, use a wire brush or other tool to remove corrosion from the terminals.
Once the terminals are clean, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to help prevent future corrosion. Finally, reconnect the battery and start your engine. With just a few minutes of effort, you can help keep your battery in good working order for years to come.
If cleaning the terminals doesn’t work, there may be a more serious problem with the electrical system.
3. Replace Dead Battery:
If your battery is dead and can’t be recharged, you’ll need to replace it. This is a fairly simple process that any qualified mechanic can do.
Before replacing the battery, it’s a good idea to check the electrical system for any other potential problems.
That way, you can be sure that the new battery isn’t going to die prematurely. Once you’ve replaced the battery, try starting your car again. If it starts without any problem, then you know that was the cause of the clicking noise.
The cost of replacing a battery will vary depending on the make and model of your car. On average, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 for a new battery. However, some batteries can cost as much as $500 or more.
Keep in mind that batteries don’t last forever. Even if you take good care of them, they’ll eventually need to be replaced.
If your car is more than a few years old, it’s a good idea to have the battery checked regularly. That way, you can ensure it’s in good working order and won’t leave you stranded.
4. Resolve Charging System Problems:
If the problem is with the charging system, then it will need to be repaired or replaced. This is a more serious issue and will likely require the help of a qualified mechanic.
The most common cause of charging system problems is a bad alternator. Other potential causes include loose belts, damaged wires, or a faulty voltage regulator.
Again, this is something that a qualified mechanic should check. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.
Some of these replacements or repairs can be quite expensive. For example, replacing an alternator can cost between $200 and $500. While this may seem like a lot of money, it’s still cheaper than being stranded on the side of the road.
Conclusion
If your car is clicking when you try to start it, there are a few potential causes. In most cases, the problem is either a dead battery or an issue with the electrical system.
If the battery is dead, you can try recharging it or replacing it. If the problem is with the electrical system, you’ll need to have it checked by a qualified mechanic.
In some cases, the repairs can be quite expensive. But, it’s still cheaper than being stranded on the side of the road. With a little knowledge and effort, you can diagnose and resolve most car problems on your own.
If ever in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of caution and take your car to a mechanic. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and get you back on the road.
We hope you found this article helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thanks for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does it click when I try to start my car?
If you’ve ever tried to start your car and heard a clicking noise, you may have wondered what the cause could be. There are a few different reasons why this might happen.
One possibility is that the battery is low and needs to be recharged. Another possibility is that there could be an issue with the starter motor.
If the starter motor is damaged, it may make a clicking noise when you turn the key, but it won’t be able to engage the engine and get your car moving.
Can you jump-start a car that makes a clicking noise?
If your car won’t start and you hear the car making a clicking noise, it might signal a dead battery. That’s because the clicking sound is usually the starter solenoid trying to engage the starter engine, but it can’t because the battery doesn’t have enough power to turn it over.
If that’s the case, you might be able to give your battery voltage a boost by jump-starting it. Just follow the instructions in your owner’s manual carefully, and never try to jump-start a car with a flat battery – you could cause serious damage to the electrical system.
Should you drive if the car starts after making a clicking noise?
If your car starts after making a clicking noise, it’s not something you should ignore. In fact, it’s probably a good idea to get it checked out by a mechanic.
The clicking noise could indicate a problem with the starter motor or battery; if either of those components fails, it’s not safe to drive the car.
Additionally, if other strange noises or warning lights accompany the clicking noise, it’s best to err on the side of caution and have the car checked out.
How do you tell if it’s your starter or battery?
If you hear multiple clicks when you try to start your car, it’s more likely to be a problem with the starter motor. However, if you only hear one click or no noise at all, it’s more likely to be an issue with the battery.
