Car Wont Start Just Clicks? Quick Troubleshooting
It’s a frustrating situation when your Car wont start just clicks and all you hear is a clicking sound. There could be several reasons behind this, including a dead battery, a faulty starter, or electrical system issues. But don’t worry, this article will provide you with quick troubleshooting tips to diagnose and fix the problem efficiently.
In this section, we will discuss common issues that can cause your car to not start and only make clicking sounds. We’ll cover the basic steps of troubleshooting for car won’t start just clicks. So, let’s dive into it and get your car running again!
Contents
Dead Battery: A Common Culprit
One of the most common reasons why your car is making clicking sounds but won’t start is a dead battery. This happens when your battery doesn’t have enough power to turn the engine over, leaving you with the annoying clicking sound. To check if your battery is the problem, turn on your headlights. If they are dim, it’s most likely a dead battery issue.
To get your car up and running again, you’ll need to jump-start it. First, connect the red jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery and the other end to the positive terminal of the working battery. Next, connect the black jumper cable to the negative terminal of the working battery and the other end to a grounded metal point on your vehicle. Start the engine on the working vehicle, and let it run for a few minutes before trying to start your car.
If you’ve jump-started your car and it’s still not starting, then it’s time to replace your battery. Make sure to dispose of the dead battery properly as it is hazardous waste.
Faulty Starter: Another Possible Cause
If you’ve ruled out the battery as the problem for your Car wont start just clicks and it still only makes a clicking noise, the starter motor could be the cause. The starter motor is responsible for initiating the engine’s combustion process by turning the flywheel. If it fails, it could be due to wear and tear or electrical issues, preventing the car from starting.
The first step in diagnosing a faulty starter is to check for voltage using a voltmeter or multimeter. Connect the device to the starter’s terminal, and if the reading shows less than 9 volts, it could indicate a problem with the starter motor.
If you suspect a faulty starter, it’s best to seek professional help. Technicians can replace the starter with a new one or repair the existing one for you. It’s always best to use quality starter parts from reputable brands like Bosch, Denso, or Delco for longer-lasting performance.
Electrical System Problems
In addition to a dead battery or faulty starter, electrical system issues can also be a reason why a car won’t start and only clicks. The ignition switch is a common source of trouble since it is responsible for sending power from the battery to the starter motor. If it fails, the starter will not receive the necessary electrical current to start the engine.
Other electrical components, such as fuses, relays, and wiring, could also be the cause of the clicking sound when starting a car. For example, if a fuse is blown or a relay is faulty, it can disrupt the flow of electricity to critical components of the starting system. Damaged or corroded wiring can also lead to electrical system problems.
To diagnose electrical system issues, you will need a multimeter to test the voltage of your battery and other electrical components. Here are some steps to help you identify the problem:
- Check the battery voltage with a multimeter. If it reads below 12 volts, it needs charging or replacement.
- Inspect the battery cables for corrosion or looseness. Tighten or clean them if necessary.
- Check the fuses and relays related to the starting system and replace them if they are damaged.
- Examine the wiring for any visible damage or corrosion and repair or replace any affected areas.
If you are not comfortable performing the above steps or if you are unable to identify the problem, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic. They have the expertise and tools necessary to diagnose and repair electrical system issues.
In conclusion, electrical system problems can prevent your car from starting and cause the clicking sound. Ignition switch problems, damaged wiring, and faulty fuses and relays are common culprits. If you suspect an electrical issue is the cause of your car not starting, follow the above troubleshooting steps or seek the help of a professional mechanic.
