A car that makes a clicking sound when you turn the key usually indicates a problem with the starter motor. The most common causes for a starter motor failure are:
Page Contents
- 1 Low Battery
- 2 Loose or Corroded Battery Cables
- 3 Faulty Starter Solenoid
- 4 Broken Starter Drive Pinion
- 5 Damaged Flywheel Ring Gear
- 6 Faulty Ignition Switch
- 7 Broken Starter Motor
- 8 Damaged Starter Wiring
- 9 Weak Car Battery
- 10 Conclusion
- 11 Frequently Asked Questions
- 12 Why does my car make a clicking noise but won’t start?
- 13 How do I diagnose a clicking starter?
- 14 Can a weak battery cause clicking when trying to start?
- 15 What does it mean if the car clicks but the lights and radio work?
- 16 Can a bad alternator cause a no start with clicking?
- 17 How much does it cost to fix a clicking starter?
- 18 What should I do if the engine clicks but won’t crank?
- 19 Starter Issues – Diagnosis and Repair Costs
- 20 Tips for Diagnosing Starter Problems
- 21 When to Call a Mechanic
- 22 Preventing Future Starter Problems
- 23 Conclusion
Low Battery
If your battery is low on charge, it may not have enough power to engage the starter. This will cause a single click or repeated clicking as you try to start the engine. Before attempting to diagnose other issues, try jump starting the vehicle or charging the battery overnight.
Loose or Corroded Battery Cables
The large cables that connect the battery to the starter need a solid connection to deliver the high current required. If the battery cable terminals are loose or corroded, it can interrupt the power supply. Check that the cable connections at the battery posts are tight and free of corrosion.
Faulty Starter Solenoid
The starter solenoid is an electromechanical device that engages the drive pinion with the flywheel when you turn the ignition switch. If the solenoid is bad, the small “click” you hear is the solenoid trying to activate without success. Replacing the starter solenoid may fix the problem.
Broken Starter Drive Pinion
The pinion gear driven by the starter motor has to mesh properly with the flywheel for the engine to turn over. If the drive pinion is worn out or broken, the starter solenoid will click but cannot spin the engine. You’ll need to replace the entire starter motor assembly.
Damaged Flywheel Ring Gear
The flywheel has a set of teeth called the ring gear that the starter pinion meshes with. If the flywheel gear is excessively worn or has broken teeth, the starter mechanism will click repeatedly without cranking the engine.
Faulty Ignition Switch
The ignition switch signals the starter to engage when you turn the key. A bad ignition switch that fails to provide the right signal will produce the characteristic single click. Try wiggling the key while turning to see if it’s an issue with the switch.
Broken Starter Motor
If the electric motor inside the starter assembly fails, the solenoid may still work but the motor won’t spin. This could point to a broken starter motor. Unfortunately, the entire starter may need replacement if this is the culprit.
Damaged Starter Wiring
The thick starter cables carry a large electric current from the battery to the starter solenoid and motor. Damaged wiring that breaks this circuit can prevent enough power from reaching the starter. Inspect the wires for damage or loose connections.
Weak Car Battery
Even a battery with adequate charge may not have the capacity to provide enough power if it is old or damaged. A weak battery under load will cause the starter to click instead of engage. Testing the battery will determine if it needs to be replaced.
Conclusion
If your car is clicking when you turn the ignition switch instead of cranking, the most likely culprits are battery or starter issues. Jump starting the vehicle or charging the battery can help determine if low charge is the problem. Otherwise, inspecting the battery cables, starter motor and flywheel will help pinpoint the faulty component.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my car make a clicking noise but won’t start?
The most common reasons a car makes a clicking noise but won’t start are a low or weak battery, loose or corroded battery cables, a faulty starter solenoid, a broken starter motor pinion, a damaged flywheel ring gear, a bad ignition switch, or damaged starter wiring.
How do I diagnose a clicking starter?
To diagnose a clicking starter:
- Try jump starting the battery or charging it overnight to see if it’s a low charge issue
- Check battery cable connections are tight and free of corrosion
- Wiggle the ignition key while trying to start to test the ignition switch
- Inspect the starter solenoid and motor for visible damage
- Test the starter motor for operation while disconnected from the engine
- Examine the flywheel ring gear for excessive wear or broken teeth
Can a weak battery cause clicking when trying to start?
Yes, a weak battery that lacks sufficient charge or current capacity can definitely cause a single click or repeated clicking from the starter when you try to engage the engine. The battery may have enough juice for the lights but not enough to power the high current draw of the starter motor.
What does it mean if the car clicks but the lights and radio work?
If the battery has enough power for accessories like lights and radio but the car still clicks when trying to start, it likely indicates an issue with the starter system itself rather than the battery. Potential causes include a bad starter solenoid, worn drive pinion, damaged flywheel, or faulty starter motor.
Can a bad alternator cause a no start with clicking?
While a bad alternator won’t directly cause clicking when trying to start, it can gradually drain the battery over time leading to a no start condition. So an alternator that’s not properly charging the battery could be an indirect cause of starter issues.
How much does it cost to fix a clicking starter?
The cost to fix a clicking starter really depends on the specific cause of the problem. Simple issues like recharging the battery or cleaning battery cable connections cost very little. Replacing a starter solenoid may cost $50-$100. However, replacing the entire starter motor can cost $200-$500 for parts and labor.
What should I do if the engine clicks but won’t crank?
- Try jump starting the battery or charging it fully overnight
- Check battery cable connections for corrosion and tightness
- Inspect the starter motor wiring for damage
- Test the ignition switch by wiggling the key while turning
- Examine the flywheel ring gear teeth for excessive wear
- Have the starter solenoid and motor tested at an auto parts store
- Consider replacing components like the battery cables, solenoid, or starter
Starter Issues – Diagnosis and Repair Costs
When a vehicle won’t start and makes a clicking noise, the cause is usually a problem with the starter system. Here are some of the common starter issues along with typical repair costs:
| Starter Issue | Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Dead Battery | $100 battery replacement |
| Corroded Battery Cables | $50 terminal cleaning |
| Bad Starter Solenoid | $75 solenoid replacement |
| Broken Drive Pinion | $350 starter replacement |
| Bad Ignition Switch | $125 switch replacement |
| Burned Out Starter | $225 starter replacement |
| Damaged Flywheel | $500 flywheel replacement |
As you can see, just jump starting the battery or cleaning the cable terminals is inexpensive. But replacing major components like the starter or flywheel can run $200-$500 or more. Accurately diagnosing the problem starting issue is key to determining the best repair option.
Tips for Diagnosing Starter Problems
Use these tips to help determine why your engine is clicking instead of turning over:
- Try jump starting or charging the battery first to rule out low charge
- Turn the key and listen for a single loud click vs repeated clicking
- Check all wiring connections are clean, tight, and undamaged
- Wiggle the key while trying to start to test the ignition switch
- Have the battery and charging system tested at an auto parts store
- Use a multimeter to test the starter solenoid for actuation
- Visually inspect the flywheel ring gear for excessive wear or damage
Taking the time to properly diagnose the no start issue can help you fix the problem correctly the first time and potentially save money on repairs.
When to Call a Mechanic
While you can troubleshoot simple issues like battery and cable problems yourself, it’s best to have an experienced mechanic diagnose starter issues that require removing and disassembling components. Warning signs to seek professional help include:
- Repeated starter clicking that jump starting doesn’t fix
- Broken or abnormal noises when trying to start
- Visible damage to starter or flywheel components
- Electrical shorts or burned wiring smell
- Starter tests faulty when bench checked
Attempting to remove and test the starter or flywheel without proper experience and tools can result in further damage or injury. The labor charges for diagnosis may save money and frustration compared to tackling complex repairs yourself.
Preventing Future Starter Problems
You can help reduce the likelihood of starter failure in the future by:
- Regularly checking battery charge and connections
- Addressing engine oil leaks that can damage the starter
- Replacing worn starter components like brushes
- Installing a heavy duty or high-torque starter for a rebuilt engine
- Using battery disconnect switches for vehicles in storage
Routine battery and charging system maintenance along with prompt diagnosis of engine drivability issues can go a long way to preventing a no start condition down the road.
Conclusion
If your vehicle won’t crank or start and makes clicking noises, focus your diagnosis efforts on the starter system. A single loud click generally indicates a battery or connection issue. Repeated rapid clicking points to a problem with the starter solenoid or motor. Accurately identifying the fault can help minimize the repair costs. In severe cases, rebuilding the starter or replacing the flywheel may be required to get your engine turning over properly again.