Ever tried to start your car only to be greeted by an annoying clicking noise?
Whether it’s a rapid series of clicks or just one, that sound is usually a sign of an electrical problem.
The good news?
It can be a quick fix.
This guide will explain the common causes why your car won’t start and is making a clicking noise. We’ll also share what you can do to get your car up and running again.
Let’s begin!
This Article Contains:
- Diagnosing the Car Clicking Noise: Rapid vs Single Click
- 5 Ways to Fix a Car That Won’t Start and Makes a Clicking Noise
- 3 FAQs on the Clicking Noise
Diagnosing the Car Clicking Noise: Rapid vs Single Click
When your car won’t start but makes a clicking noise, several components under the hood could be responsible for it. This clicking sound can typically be characterized as a series of rapid clicking or one single click.
Let’s break down what each of these could mean:
- Rapid clicking: A rapid clicking noise occurs when the starter motor lacks the power to engage. It’s often due to a weak battery, bad cable, or corroded terminals. However, if the battery is fine, it could be a faulty alternator.
- A single click: If you hear just one loud click when turning the key, it can suggest an issue with the starter motor or relay. Moreover, if the battery is completely dead, it’ll also cause a faint click.
With the clicking sound diagnosed, it’s time to dive into five practical solutions for starting a car that makes a clicking noise.
5 Ways to Fix a Car That Won’t Start and Makes a Clicking Noise
If your car won’t start and all you hear is that frustrating clicking noise, here are five simple fixes for this common car problem:
NOTE: If you’re not confident working on your car’s starter circuit, it’s best to leave this procedure to a trained professional.
1. Examine the Battery
A battery issue can be one of the more common causes of a rapid clicking noise when starting the car. So begin with the easiest step: visually inspect the battery to ensure it’s clean and corrosion-free.
- Excessive dirt or corrosion can lead to a bad connection and cause this electrical problem. If dirty, turn off the vehicle, disconnect the negative battery cable, and clean the terminals with a wire brush or toothbrush.
- If there’s severe corrosion, mix a tablespoon of baking soda with water to create a paste. Then scrub it with a brush, wipe it clean, and let it dry.
Battery terminals look fine?
In that case, you might have a bad battery.
Use a multimeter to test the car battery — it should read 12.5V to 12.6V. Anything lower suggests a battery issue. In that case, your only option is to jump-start the battery using a jumper cable set and drive to a repair shop for a replacement.
2. Test the Alternator
Since the alternator charges the battery, the easiest way to check for a faulty alternator is to test the car battery’s voltage. Here’s how you can tell if you have a bad alternator using a multimeter:
- Turn off the car.
- Set your multimeter to DC voltage between 15-20V. Connect the multimeter’s positive and negative probes to the positive and negative terminal on the battery.
- Check the multimeter. It should read between 12V and 13V. If the value is below 12V, charge the battery before proceeding.
- Then, start the car and re-check the voltage. If it’s between 14V and 15V, the alternator works as it should. However, if the reading hasn’t changed or drops when the vehicle is running, you may have a bad alternator that needs to be replaced.
3. Check the Starter Cables
The next step is to check the cables connected to your starter motor. Most starters have three connections: two from the battery and one from the ignition to the solenoid.
When inspecting the cables, you should:
- Ensure all the cables are connected securely at each end.
- Check there are no visible signs of damage on the cables, such as fraying or broken insulation.
- Inspect all connections for corrosion or oxidation buildup, as this can lead to a bad connection.
4. Check for a Bad Starter Motor or Starter Solenoid
If you have a multimeter on hand, you can do a more thorough inspection of your ignition system and starter circuit to try and isolate the car problem.
Here’s a brief guide on how to check for a bad starter motor:
- Try jumpstarting your car. If it starts, your starter motor is likely fine. But if it doesn’t start or just clicks, it might be the issue.
- Gently tap the starter motor while a friend tries to start the car. Doing so may loosen any stuck parts and help your car start.
If you have a multimeter, you can also try the following test:
- Touch the red probe to the positive terminal on the starter and ground the black wire. Then, ask a friend to start the car. If the multimeter reads 12V, your starter should be working fine. If not, it’s likely a faulty starter motor.
If the motor’s fine, the culprit could be a bad starter solenoid. Here’s how a mechanic will confirm this:
- Disconnect the battery’s negative terminal.
- Set the multimeter to voltmeter mode.
- Touch the red probe to the smaller solenoid control terminal, usually denoted with an ‘S’, and ground the black probe by connecting it to the chassis.
- Turn the ignition to Start.
- Check the multimeter reading. If the solenoid works fine, it should read 12 volts or more. A lower or no reading could indicate an issue with the ignition switch signal, relay, or wiring to the solenoid.
- Examine the solenoid’s input by reconnecting the battery’s negative terminal and placing the multimeter’s red probe to the positive battery cable terminal on the solenoid. No reading suggests the solenoid is defective.
- Finally, check the solenoid’s output terminal by placing the multimeter’s red probe on it while cranking the car’s engine. The reading should drop to around 10 volts. If not, it could indicate bad solenoid contacts.
5. Inspect the Ignition Switch
Although not a common cause, a faulty ignition switch could still be the reason your car makes a clicking sound and won’t start.
Here’s how:
When turned, the ignition switch engages electrical contacts, sending a signal to the starter relay. The starter relay allows a higher electrical current to flow from the battery to the starter motor, which then cranks the engine.
Here are a few telltale signs of ignition switch issues:
- The ignition key is hard or impossible to turn: If you can’t turn the ignition key smoothly, the cylinder or the switch behind it may be jammed.
- The car’s engine won’t crank: If the electrical connections inside the ignition switch fail, turning the key might result in no response.
- Electrical issues: A bad ignition switch can disrupt the flow of electrical current to your vehicle’s electrical systems, such as the dashboard lights, radio, or electric windows. If you have an electrical issue with any electrical components while the ignition is in the “ON” position, it could suggest a faulty ignition switch.
If the ignition switch is the culprit, it’s best to visit a mechanic for a replacement.
Now that we’ve covered some practical solutions for starting your car, let’s dive into a few common questions car owners have.
3 FAQs Related to Clicking Noise
Here’s some additional information about car clicking noises:
1. Can the Weather Cause Your Car to Click?
Yes, cold weather can cause your car to click and not start by affecting the battery’s charge. However, cold alone shouldn’t cause an electrical issue. If it does, your battery likely needs replacing.
2. Can a Clicking Noise Indicate an Engine Problem?
Yes, although less common, a clicking noise could also indicate low engine oil or issues with the valvetrain. If you notice clicking or ticking noises from your engine compartment, it’s important to address it quickly. Neglecting these warning signs can lead to serious engine damage.
3. What Does it Mean if the Clicking Noise is Intermittent?
Intermittent car clicking noises can stem from a variety of sources, including:
- Issues with the CV axles or joints
- Wheel and tire problems
- Faulty brake components
- Loose or worn belts and pulleys
To prevent these issues, take your car to an auto repair shop for routine car maintenance services.
Resolve the Car Clicking Noise Quickly with AutoNation Mobile Service
Hearing nothing but a click when trying to start your car can be concerning, as it often indicates an electrical or starting system issue.
Since this problem can easily leave you stranded, it’s best to contact the experts at AutoNation Mobile Service.
We’re a mobile auto repair and maintenance service available seven days a week with transparent, upfront pricing. All our car maintenance services, including tire repair, brake service, or fuel pump replacement, come with a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty.
Contact us today whether you need a car clicking noise diagnosis, a bad battery replaced, or any other type of car maintenance. We can do it all directly from your driveway!