Does your car make a clicking noise but won’t start?
Probably the most common car problem in the world is a car that won’t start. Millions of people are plagued by this problem every year, and one of the most common causes is a car that makes a clicking noise and won’t start at all.
But just because it happens more often doesn’t make it any less frustrating. With that in mind, we’ve created this guide that tells you everything you need to know about this common but frustrating problem, including how to solve it in the first place.
What causes the clicking noise? If you turn on the ignition and only hear a clicking sound, it helps to know what is causing the clicking sound in the first place. The clicking sound is the sound of the starter sprocket hitting the flexplate or flywheel (depending on whether you are driving an automatic or manual). This may happen in one click or the starter may quickly withdraw and try to re-engage, depending on a variety of factors.
Single Click vs. Multiple Clicks
If you try to start your car and only hear one clicking sound, the starter has tried to engage but simply does not have enough power to start the engine or try again. On the other hand, if the starter keeps hitting the flexplate or flywheel and the vehicle will not start, it means different things. What causes a single clicking sound?
If you hear one click when you turn on the ignition and then nothing, it indicates that the starter does not have enough power. This is most often the case, but there are many different reasons for this.
#1 – Dead Battery
The most common reason for a single clicking sound when your car tries to start is a dead or defective battery. The battery has enough power to engage the starter once, but once it does, it does not have enough power to start the engine or keep the starter engaged.
#2 – Faulty Generator
This goes hand in hand with a dead battery. The generator charges the battery while you are driving. If you don’t, it’s only a matter of time before your battery dies. However, if you’ve only just charged or replaced the battery and the generator has failed, it won’t be long before the battery dies again.
#3 – Corroded/Loose Connections
Sometimes, everything in the vehicle is working fine, but the connection between the battery and the starter isn’t quite right. This could be a loose wire or a corroded connection, but either way it creates a lot of resistance and prevents the vehicle from starting.
What to do if you hear multiple (fast) clicking noises
If you hear multiple clicking noises instead of just one when trying to start your car, this could be a different issue. The causes are similar to a single click, but it could also be a bad starter.
#1 – Dead Battery
Just as a single click can cause a dead battery, a series of rapid clicks can cause battery issues. When this happens, the battery provides enough voltage to operate the starter, but not enough power to start the engine.
The battery is dead, but not as dead as a doorknob, such as when you only hear a single click. In this case, you may need to replace the battery, but there’s a good chance you can charge it and continue to use it.
#2 – Broken Generator
Because generators charge your battery, if your generator fails you will have a dead battery. Always double check your generator before replacing your battery.
#3 – Corroded/Loose Connections
Just as loose or corroded connections can cause a single click, they can also cause rapid clicks. Your starter motor needs the right amount of power to do its job, but loose or corroded connections limit the amount of power that can be delivered to the starter motor.
#4 – Failed Starter
If your starter motor doesn’t work properly, it can lock up and no longer provide the power needed to start your engine. When this happens, it gets pushed out, hits the flywheel, then goes back in. If you hold down the ignition, this process repeats over and over until you hear a loud clicking noise.