Key Takeaways
- A rapid clicking noise when starting your car typically indicates an electrical problem, often due to a dead or dying battery.
- A single click may point to a faulty starter or starter relay, requiring professional inspection if a jumpstart doesn't work.
- Corroded or loose battery terminals can prevent proper power flow, causing starting issues. Cleaning and tightening the terminals might resolve this.
- Other potential causes include a malfunctioning alternator, which fails to keep the battery charged, or a blown fuse or relay.
It's 8:00 AM. You load up your SUV. 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 is making a clicking noise. Why? And what can you do to get back on the road quickly? We'll cover the common culprits behind an engine that won't start but makes clicking noises and how you might be able to fix the issue.
Rapid Clicking When Trying to Start Car vs. Single Click
What type of clicking sound you hear can help determine where to start diagnosing your vehicle problem. Do you hear rapid clicking or just one click?
Rapid Clicking: You Could Have an Electrical Problem
A rapid clicking noise when trying to start your car could mean there's something wrong with the electrical system. Perhaps you have a dead battery, or your alternator (which charges the battery) isn't working correctly.
If the source of the clicking is electrical, the starter (a small motor that gets the engine running) won’t receive enough juice from the battery to fully engage. Instead, it rapidly turns on and off without spinning the engine and produces a clicking noise.
Single Click: You Could Have a Starter Problem
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. A very, very dead battery can also result in one faint clicking sound.
If you can jumpstart your car, drive to your nearest repair shop to get the problem diagnosed. If your engine doesn't turn over despite a jumpstart, you'll probably need to arrange for a tow to have your vehicle diagnosed by a qualified technician.
4 Common Reasons Your Car Clicks But Won’t Start
- Dead or Dying Battery
- Corroded or Loose Battery Terminals
- Malfunctioning Alternator
- Faulty Starter
A few different problems can cause your car to click but not start. We’ll break down four of the most common problems to help you diagnose the issue and get your vehicle back on the road.
1. Dead or Dying Battery
The battery is one of the most likely causes of a car that won’t start but clicks rapidly. If your car battery is dead, damaged, or old, it may not turn the starter motor enough to get your engine going. But it can provide enough power for the solenoid to generate that clicking you hear.
Next Steps: If you think a dead battery is to blame, try jumpstarting your vehicle. Once it’s running, head to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care for a battery test. We can tell you the condition of your battery or perform further diagnostics to get to the root cause.
2. Corroded or Loose Battery Terminals
Your battery might have enough charge, but a bad connection can prevent the current from reaching the starter and turning your engine. Road vibrations can cause your battery cables to loosen over time, interfering with the connection and preventing it from energizing your starter. If your battery terminals corrode (as evidenced by white, powdery buildup), it can also mess with your battery’s connection. Visually inspect your battery for a loose cable connection or white buildup around the terminals.
Next Steps: Carefully clean the battery terminals to remove the corrosion or tighten the clamps. If you still have trouble starting your vehicle, have a professional take a look to find the problem.
3. Malfunctioning Alternator
If your battery looks fine and has a low charge, you might be dealing with a weak or failing alternator. The alternator keeps your battery charged and powers other electrical components in your vehicle. A faulty alternator can’t charge the battery effectively, and the battery might not have enough power to start the engine, even if it can produce rapid clicking.
Next Steps: Bad batteries and alternators can present similarly, so it’s essential to determine which one you have. Try jumpstarting your vehicle to tell the difference between a bad alternator and a bad battery. Remove your jumper cables once the engine is started. If the engine keeps running, you might have a battery issue. If it stalls, you’re probably looking at a bad alternator and need to schedule a service appointment.
4. Faulty Starter
Sometimes, you don’t have an electrical issue but a problem with your starter. Starters can last 100,000 miles or more, but factors such as harsh weather and your engine's condition can shorten a starter's lifespan. One of the symptoms of a bad starter is a single clicking noise when you turn the key or push the start button. Gently tapping the starter can sometimes get it going again, but not always.
Next Steps: A single click while trying to start your car is often a sure sign you have a bad starter, and you’ll likely need to get your starter repaired or replaced. If your engine doesn't turn over despite a jumpstart or tapping on the starter, you'll probably need to arrange a tow and have the vehicle diagnosed by a qualified technician.
Don’t Let Car Troubles Stall Your Day — Turn to Firestone Complete Auto Care
Here at Firestone Complete Auto Care, we know few things are more frustrating than a car that won't start. That's why we work hard to help ensure your day gets off to a great start. Whether you need a new battery, an alternator replacement, or another solution, our expert technicians are ready to help get your vehicle effortlessly starting again. Visit your local store for a free battery check and to find the solution to your vehicle troubles.
