WHY CAR WON’T START & YOU HEAR A CLICKING NOISE

 Your Car Won't Start & You Hear a Clicking Noise

There are many types of clicking noises make sure what type of clicking you hear,when you turn the ignition off to on.

• CAR WON'T START RAPID CLICKING NOISE.

• CAR WON'T START ONE CLICK THEN NOTHING.

• TICKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE WHEN TRYING TO START MY CAR.

• CAR WON'T START JUST CLICKS BUT BATTERY IS GOOD.

• CAR WON'T START CLICKING NOISE BUT LIGHTS WORK.

COMMON CAUSES Car Clicks When Trying to Start

You turn the key in the ignition and find that even though you're ready to take on the day, your car isn't. It won't start and it's making a clicking noise.

You would probably be right. That dreaded clicking noise can usually be traced to the battery, and the fix could be as simple as a jump-start or tightening a cable. Just one click, though, probably means the fault lies with the starter motor (more on that later).

IF YOU HEAR RAPID CLICKING...

IT MIGHT BE A BATTERY OR ALTERNATOR PROBLEM.

A rapid clicking noise when trying to start your car could mean there's something wrong within the electrical system. Perhaps your battery's dead, or your alternator, which charges the battery, isn't working correctly.

1. Battery Drained

First, did you leave the headlights or an interior light on, or something else that drained the battery while you were sleeping? If so, then a set of jumper cables and another car with a good battery should get you up and running in a short time.

If the source of the clicking is electrical, the starter (a small motor energized by the battery that gets the engine running) doesn't have enough juice to stay powered. So instead, it rapidly turns on and off and produces a clicking noise!

Keep in mind that, in cases like this, a misfiring starter is a symptom of the issue—not the cause. In all likelihood, your vehicle’s electrical system is to blame, which is why a jumpstart might get your car moving temporarily.

Once it’s running, have a qualified technician take a look at every part of the electrical system. You may need to replace your alternator or battery. Or, the solution could be as simple as removing corrosion from the battery cables to strengthen the battery's charge. Cables, Connections and Corrosion

Second, check the clamps for the cables connected to the battery. They may have come loose from road vibrations and are no longer making good electrical contact, so they need to be tightened. If corrosion has built up on the terminals, disconnecting the cables and cleaning off the muck might restore good connections.

If your car battery is giving you trouble, you're not alone. AAA says battery failures are among the top three reasons that members call for roadside assistance, with the bulk of those calls coming during summer.

Alternator Issues

If all of the above checks out, another possibility is that the alternator, which generates the power that recharges the battery, isn’t doing its job. Activating the starter motor drains much of the battery’s stored power and the alternator is supposed to replenish it, so if your battery itself is capable of taking a charge and tests OK, it needs to be rejuvenated between starts. An alternator should be tested by a technician to determine if it’s working properly.

IF YOU HEAR A SINGLE CLICK…

IT MIGHT BE A FAULTY STARTER.

Unlike an electrical problem, an issue with the starter or starter relay (a switch-like device that transmits power to the starter) will trigger a single loud clicking sound rather than rapid clicking sounds.

One of the symptoms of a bad starter is a single clicking noise when you turn the key or push the start button. Jumping the car can sometimes get it going again, but no guarantees. Most likely, you'll need to get your starter repaired or replaced.

If you can jumpstart your car, drive to your nearest repair shop to get the problem diagnosed. Don't assume you can hit the road without the clicking noise returning.

If your engine doesn't turn over despite a jumpstart, you'll probably need to arrange for a tow and then get the starter repaired or replaced by a qualified technician.

Starters can last anywhere from 30,000 miles to 200,000 miles. It depends on the vehicle and the driver. Factors such as harsh weather and the engine's condition can shorten a starter's lifespan.

Starter Motor

If the battery appears to be charged (the headlights, stereo and other accessories work) but you only hear one click, then the problem probably lies with the starter motor or the solenoid. The solenoid is the switch that engages the starter motor so it turns the flywheel and starts the engine. Unless you’re a skilled do-it-yourselfer on auto repairs, this is something a technician should diagnose.

When the cause of a no-start situation isn’t apparent, it’s better to consult a pro instead of guessing which parts you need to replace. That can turn into an expensive misadventure.

HOW TO REPLACE STARTER:

Single Click

If you hear a single click, similar to a light knock, it is likely the sound of a failing starter or failing starter relay. Other symptoms of a failing starter include a grinding or rumbling sound and an inability to turn the crank. If you are able to pinpoint the issue to the starter, follow the steps below for replacement.

You’re fully capable of doing this job yourself. Gather your tools, follow the steps below, and you’ll be cranking your new starter in no time. 

Replacing Your Starter Basics

Estimated Time Needed: 1-2 hours

Skill Level: Beginner

Vehicle System: Starter

Safety

Working on your car can be dangerous and messy, so here’s exactly what you’ll need to ensure you don’t die, get maimed, or lose a finger.

Non-conductive mechanic gloves

Safety glasses

Closed-toe shoes

Slim-fitting clothes without hard surfaces, conductive materials, or loose material

Everything You’ll Need To Replace Your Starter

We’re not psychic, nor are we snooping through your toolbox or garage, so here’s exactly what you’ll need to get the job done. 

TOOL LIST

Socket set

Screwdriver set

Pliers

Car jack

Jack stands

Wheel chocks

PARTS LIST

New starter

Organizing your tools and gear to change your starter so everything is easily reachable will save precious minutes waiting for your handy-dandy child or four-legged helper to bring you the sandpaper or blowtorch.

You’ll also need a flat workspace, such as a garage floor, driveway, or street parking. Check your local laws to make sure you’re not violating any codes when using the street because we aren’t getting your ride out of the clink.

How to Replace Your Starter

Let’s do this! 

Lift the car if necessary. 

Pop the hood and disconnect the battery terminals.

Locate the engine’s starter motor using your dusty manual or a quick Google search. 

Remove any parts necessary to access the starter motor.

Disconnect any connections running to the starter motor. 

Remove the starter. 

Replace the old starter with the new unit. 

Reconnect any connections to the new starter you removed from the old starter.

Replace any parts you had to remove to access the starter. 

Lower the vehicle. 

Reconnect the battery terminals.

Crank the engine. 

It may not fire right away, so give it a few tries. 

How Much Does It Cost To Replace a Battery?

A car battery costs between $50-$200, depending on its application. 

How Much Does It Cost To Replace a Starter?

The part itself ranges between $200-$1,000, though that depends on your vehicle. Professional labor will cost you more.

What Causes a Bad Starter?

A bad starter could be caused by oil, dirt, and debris getting into the starter, along with loose connections, battery corrosion, and damaged parts. Age can also play a factor.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace an Alternator?

A brand-new alternator will set you back approximately $250-$1,000, though you can purchase a remanufactured unit for between $150-$500. However, if you get it professionally installed by a mechanic, you’ll also have to pay for labor.

Can Disconnecting the Battery Fix the Clicking?

Not likely. The old IT adage of “turning it off and on again” isn’t the right way to fix this particular issue. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it that my car won’t start; it just clicks, but the battery is good?

A dead battery is the most common cause of a vehicle that makes a clicking noise but doesn’t start. If, however, you determine the battery is good, you could be dealing with a faulty starter, loose/corroded battery cables, or an engine mechanical problem. A faulty starter solenoid is also possible if the clicking noise you’re hearing is coming from the starter relay.

What does a starter solenoid clicking sound like?

As was mentioned, when the vehicle won’t crank or start, you may still hear the starter solenoid chattering or making a click sound.

MORE HELP ON THE SAME PROBLEM 

CAR NOT STARTING JUST CLICKS WHEN YOU TURN THE KEY OFF TO ON

• 1. My Car Clicks But Won’t Start—What Does it Mean?
• Common Causes of a Car That Clicks When Trying to Start

Dead Battery   Faulty Starter Loose or Corroded Battery Terminals or Cables Engine Mechanical Problem A Faulty Starter Solenoid

How to Find Out What’s Causing Your No-Start & Clicking Noise Problem

 1. Check the Battery, Terminals, and Cables

 2. Check that Power is Getting to the Starter Solenoid

 3. Test the Starter

 4. Check the Engine for Mechanical Problems

My Car Clicks But Won’t Start—What Does it Mean?

To understand the clicking noise, you first need to know how a typical, modern starting system works. When you turn the key (or push the button) to start the engine, a control module or the ignition switch energizes the starter relay.

Electricity then flows from the battery, through the starter relay, and to the starter solenoid.

Most modern vehicles have the starter solenoid mounted directly on top of the starter. Once the solenoid is energized, it moves a plunger that forces the starter motor’s pinion gear to engage the engine’s flywheel (or flexplate).

At the same time, the plunger pushes a disc against a set of contacts, allowing the battery current to flow through the solenoid to the starter. As a result, the starter motor cranks the engine to get it going.

So what does it mean if your car clicks but won’t start? If you hear a clicking noise (but nothing else) when trying to start your car, that means the starter solenoid or relay contacts are operating, but the starter isn’t cranking the engine. The click may be a rapid chattering sound or it may just be one or two audible clicks.

Common Causes of a Car That Clicks When Trying to Start

There are two primary types of no-start conditions: no-crank-no-start and crank-no-start.

Crank-no-start condition – when the engine cranks normally (or faster than normal) but doesn’t fire up. Usually, this points to an air/fuel delivery problem, a spark delivery problem, or a lack of compression.

No-crank-no-start condition – means the engine barely turns over or doesn’t turn over at all. Typically, this points to a problem somewhere in the starting circuit.

Dead Battery

A dead battery is the most common cause of a clicking noise when trying to start your car. Usually, you will hear a rapid succession of clicks. The noise indicates that the starter solenoid or relay is operating, but there isn’t enough battery current to turn the starter motor.

In some cases, if the battery is depleted enough, there won’t be sufficient electrical energy to open and close the solenoid or relay multiple times. When that happens, you’ll likely hear either just one or two clicks or nothing at all.

Faulty Starter

Although not nearly as common, a faulty starter can result in a clicking sound when attempting to start your car. Usually, you’ll hear just a single click rather than chattering. The sound means the starter solenoid is (unsuccessfully) attempting to engage the starter.

Loose or Corroded Battery Terminals or Cables

Loose or corroded battery terminals or cables can create excessive electrical resistance in the starting circuit. As a result, the starter solenoid or relay may operate, but there won’t be enough current to spin the starter.

Engine Mechanical Problem

Many people forget that an engine mechanical problem can also prevent a vehicle from starting. If the engine is seized, the starter motor solenoid or relay will close, creating an audible click. But because the engine is locked up, the starter won’t be able to turn it over to start the vehicle.

A Faulty Starter Solenoid

If the starter relay is working but the solenoid is not, you may hear the relay click⁠—but the solenoid will not engage the starter to crank the engine.

How to Find Out What’s Causing Your No-Start & Clicking Noise Problem

Now that you’ve read the section above, you might be wondering: Is the clicking noise/no-start problem with my car due to a bad battery, a faulty starter, or something else? The only way to know for sure is to test each potential culprit⁠—starting with the battery.

1. Check the Battery, Terminals, and Cables

When your car won’t start, and all you get is a clicking noise, the battery is usually to blame. Begin your inspection by making sure the battery terminals are clean and tight, and that the battery cables are in good condition.

Next, check the battery’s state of charge using a digital multimeter (DMM). If your battery has less than about 12 volts, you’ll want to charge it, then test it with a load tester. Most people don’t have access to a load tester, but nearly all auto parts stores do, and they’ll test your battery free of charge.

2. Check that Power is Getting to the Starter Solenoid

Did the battery, terminals, and cables check out okay? If so, you’ll want to check whether power is getting to the solenoid on top of the starter. You can do this with an assistant and a DMM, as outlined in our article on symptoms of a bad starter.

If you hear a clicking noise, but there’s no power at the solenoid, there’s a problem with the starter control circuit. Because the clicking indicates that the relay is working, you’ll want to focus on the portion of the circuit between the relay and the starter.

On the other hand, if you’ve got power to the solenoid, but the vehicle won’t start, you may have either a bad starter or an engine mechanical problem.

3. Test the Starter

The next step is to check the starter. These days, the starter solenoid and motor usually come together as a single assembly. You can check both components by performing a starter bench test, as discussed in the same article (on bad starter symptoms) linked above.

4. Check the Engine for Mechanical Problems

At this point, you’ve checked all of the low-hanging fruit. The final step is to see whether the engine is seized. To do this, put a breaker bar on the crankshaft pulley bolt, then try to turn the engine over by hand. An engine that won’t budge is seized and has major internal mechanical problems.

for more help follow the link below

Car Repair World

Troubleshoot All types of Car Problem with proper Solutions

http://carrepairworld.blogspot.com/2015/03/how-to-repair-car-problem.html

 

Know Exactly How Each And Every Part In Your Car Works

http://carrepairworld.blogspot.com/2015/04/how-does-it-work.html

 

Troubleshoot Car OBD Codes. Know Exactly What Each Code Means?

http://carrepairworld.blogspot.com/2015/04/vehicle-obd-ii-codes.html