Car Clicks When Trying to Start? 5 Common Causes
Editor’s note: This article was last updated on May 23, 2020. It has been reviewed by Cars.com Senior News Editor Jennifer Harrington and is still accurate.
When your car’s engine won’t start and all you hear is a rapid clicking noise, you’re likely to mutter, “Darn” (or perhaps another four-letter word) and instantly think that something is wrong with the battery.
Related: Video: How to Find a Mechanic You Can Trust
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, here’s what to look for:
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.
2. 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.
3. Bad Battery
Then there’s the battery itself, which might not be able to hold a charge. Batteries last from less than three years to more than six, depending on where you live and your driving. Most parts stores will test a battery for free to tell you if you need one.
4. 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.
5. 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.
More From Cars.com:
- What’s Causing Your Check Engine Light to Come On? Here’s 10 Common Culprits
- How Long Do Spark Plugs Last?
- What Is a Powertrain Warranty?
- What Is Limp Mode?
- More Service News
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
