Updated at: 10-08-2023 - By: micdot

What if your automobile makes a clicking sound, but it won’t start for some reason? What is the problem and how can it be solved? Here’s everything you need to know. If you’re looking for an expert on this subject, you’ve come to the right place. More information is available on the about page.It’s never a wonderful feeling to leave your house to head to work and discover that your car won’t start. It’s possible that your automobile will merely click when it cranks, or it may crank without starting at all. Most of the time, an electrical component is to blame when a car won’t start. The good news is that you should be able to jump start the automobile if you really need to get moving. It’s ideal to bring the automobile to a repair as quickly as possible if you manage to jump-start it, but that’s not always the case.

We’ll go over the most common causes and solutions to the problem of a car that clicks but won’t start in this article.Let’s go to work on the problem solving.

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What Makes The Clicking Noise?

A pinion gear on the starter engine turns the crankshaft through the starting ring gear as soon as you turn the key to start your car. As a result of the starter motor’s inability to generate sufficient torque, you will hear the pinion gear continually striking the ring gear. This occurs when the starting motor does not receive enough power to turn the engine over. To begin with, the engine’s power is simply sufficient to turn on the starter gear.

Car Won't Start but Makes a Clicking Noise (with Audio)

What Causes The Clicking Noise?

Electrical issues are to blame for the clicking noise, as previously stated. It’s likely that the battery, alternator, or even the starter motor is to blame for these problems. To sum up, the most popular explanations include:

a dead battery

Faulty power supply

The problem is with the starter.

Wiring issues

Here, we’ll take a closer look at each of these possibilities one by one.

Dead Battery

In many cases, a dead battery is the most typical cause of a car’s engine starting to click. A voltmeter (or multimeter) is all you need to check the battery’s voltage. A automobile battery should have a voltage of at least 12.6 volts. The battery is the most likely culprit if the test results show that it is lower. Jump-starting the automobile and then driving it to recharge the battery works just fine. This, however, isn’t a long-term fix for the problem.

Broken Alternator

If you successfully jump-start the automobile, but it then shuts down, the alternator may be the problem. A dead battery might be caused by an alternator that has failed. As a result, it’s critical to locate the problem, which an alternator test will help you achieve. If the problem returns soon after you replace the battery, the alternator is likely to be to blame.

Faulty Starter

A malfunctioning starting motor may also be to blame for your car’s inability to start. When a poor starter fails, there is usually no fast click. It is more likely that you may hear a single, strong sonic boom. Alternatively, you may hear a grinding noise or merely the sound of whirling.

Bad Wiring

A faulty wire in any part of the electrical system might have a severe impact on the entire system. The clamps should be linked to the battery with extreme care. If corrosion is harming the battery terminals, it’s possible that no electricity can be transmitted through the cables. Remove the battery and use a battery cleaning chemical if this is the situation. When working with a battery or other electrical components, always follow all safety precautions.

7 Causes of Clicking/Popping Noise When Turning, Braking, Driving,  Accelerating

Summary

Cars that make a clicking sound but won’t start are likely to have an electrical problem such as a faulty battery or alternator. This clicking sound is caused by the starter motor’s pinion gear continually striking the starter ring gear.Most of the time, a jump start is possible. If the car still won’t start or starts, but then turns off, the starter or alternator is most likely to blame.There will be one loud click when a starter fault arises. A defective alternator or a dead battery will cause a constant clicking sound.To be safe when working with electricity, regardless of the origin of the problem, make sure you follow all safety procedures.