Why Won’t My Car Start and Makes a Clicking Noise? Common Causes and Solutions
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If your car won’t start and you’re hearing a clicking noise, you’ll want to diagnose the issue quickly. Most of the common causes of the clicking noise are easily fixable. But you might need to enlist the help of a mechanic to get your car back in tip-top shape.
Read about the common causes of why your car won’t start and makes a clicking noise. Get tips about how you might resolve the issue yourself. And learn how car insurance coverage might help.
Understanding the Clicking Noise When Your Car Won’t Start
Unfortunately, there could be many different problems if your car won’t start and makes a clicking noise. Common causes can range from simple fixes to more complex mechanical issues. You might be able to resolve the issue on your own, or you may need to seek the help of a mechanic.
When trying to figure out why your car is making a clicking noise and won’t start, pay attention to the details. Is the clicking recurring? Or is it just a single click? Are there other mechanical symptoms that could point to a specific problem?
Let’s take a deeper look at some of the more likely problems and how you might fix them.
Common Causes of the Clicking Noise
Possible reasons why you’re hearing a clicking noise and your car won’t start include:
- Dead or weak battery - If your battery doesn’t have enough power stored up to start your car, then you’ll hear a loud clicking noise.
- Faulty starter motor - The starter motor is a small electrical component that starts the engine when you turn the ignition. Faulty relays or oil leaks may cause issues with your starter motor.
- Corroded or loose battery terminals - Corroded battery terminals can build up sulfuric acid, oxidation buildup, or dirt. Too much buildup or loose terminals can reduce the power reaching your engine.
- Bad alternator - The alternator provides power to your battery while your car is running. If it can’t provide the proper electrical output, your car might not start at all.
- Blown fuse or electrical issue - Electrical issues can occur when power is attempting to move through a blown fuse. For example, sufficient power might not be able to reach the starter relay.
How To Troubleshoot a Clicking Noise
Since a bad battery is often the culprit of clicking noises, start with checking your battery. Clean your battery terminals with a wire brush and baking soda mixture to remove any corrosion. Tighten your battery cables adequately after cleaning.
If you can get your car to an auto parts store, they’ll likely check your battery for free.
Try jumpstarting your car. If that doesn’t work, you’re likely going to need to replace your battery or another part to get your car running again.
Checking Your Car Battery and Starter Motor
Rapid clicking often indicates a problem with your battery. First, go through the battery check. Inspect the terminals and fix any loose connections. Get your battery tested using a voltmeter. And try jumpstarting your car.
If you’re only hearing a single click, you should check your starter motor. Issues with the starter motor may also cause grinding sounds. If you’re noticing other symptoms, you might need to replace the starter motor.
A broken starter solenoid is another common issue. While it isn’t typically accompanied by clicking, it can prevent the starter motor from working properly. If this part is causing the issues, it will need to be replaced.
When To Call a Professional for Help
If you need the battery replaced, an auto parts store can often do it easily or you can even replace it yourself. A quick online tutorial can walk you through changing your battery with little to no experience. But if you’re uncomfortable doing it on your own, work with someone else to get it done.
You might need to call a mechanic if you’re car isn’t responding to a jumpstart. This could mean alternator issues, problems with electrical connections, or a faulty motor starter. You’ll likely need to get parts replaced by a professional.
Preventative Tips To Avoid Clicking Noises
One of the best ways to avoid trouble starting your car is to keep up with battery maintenance. A car battery generally lasts about three to five years.
Keep your car battery clean and secured tightly. Terminal sprays may help to prevent corrosion. If you live in a significantly cold climate, battery warmers help your battery preserve power before starting your vehicle.
Regular Maintenance and Care for Your Car’s Electrical System
Use these tips to care for your car’s electrical system:
- Inspect and clean your battery regularly.
- Look for wear and tear on wires near connectors and junctions.
- Check fuses and replace them quickly when needed.
- Drive your car frequently.
Get the Best Car Insurance for Your Vehicle
Insurance for car repairs, such as mechanical breakdown insurance, might cover expenses if your car breaks down. Some companies offer these types of coverage as add-ons for traditional policies.
Use EverQuote’s free online quote comparison tool to compare rates from multiple providers in one place. Get started by entering your ZIP code.