Why does my smart car click but wont start?

If your smart car is clicking but won’t start when you turn the key, there are a few possible causes to consider:

Weak Battery

One of the most common reasons a car won’t start is a weak or dead battery. The battery is responsible for providing the initial power to start the engine. If the battery charge is low, there may not be enough power to fully engage the starter. A clicking noise signifies the starter solenoid is trying to turn over the engine but doesn’t have enough power to do so.

Possible causes of a weak battery include:

• Old battery reaching the end of its lifespan
• Electrical components slowly draining the battery overnight
• Defective alternator not properly recharging the battery as you drive
• Cold weather reducing available cranking power

To test for a weak battery, turn on the headlights and try starting again. If the lights dim significantly or go out when you engage the starter, the battery is likely drained. Use a voltmeter to check the battery’s charge level. A fully charged battery should have 12.6+ volts. If it’s below 12 volts, recharge the battery and test it again.

Faulty Starter

Another possible culprit is a problem with the starter itself. The starter is responsible for spinning the engine to get it running when you turn the key. It consists of a small electric motor, a solenoid, and a drive gear that engages the flywheel on the engine.

Issues that can cause starter problems include:

• Bad solenoid contacts preventing full power to the starter motor
• Brushes worn out inside the starter motor
• Damaged starter drive pinion gear not engaging flywheel
• Starter draws too much current and overheats

These starter problems can cause a clicking noise as the solenoid rapidly engages and disengages or the drive gear partially catches but doesn’t fully turn over the engine. Turn the key and listen for a single loud click or rapid clicking as a sign of starter issues.

Loose Battery Cable Connections

Loose or corroded battery cables can also prevent sufficient power from reaching the starter. The battery cable connections at the battery posts and ground point may become loose over time. This creates increased resistance that reduces the power supplied to the starter. Loose connections interrupt the high current flow needed for the starter motor.

Symptoms of loose cable connections include:

• Dimming headlights when engaging starter
• Clicking noise and slow cranking
• Battery terminals or cables are visibly corroded or loose

Remove cables and clean the battery posts and cable clamps to resolve connection issues. Tighten bolts on the terminal clamps and ensure they are firmly reattached to battery posts. Apply dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion.

Ignition Switch Problems

The ignition switch sends power to the starter when turned to the start position. If this switch is worn out or damaged, it can disrupt the power as you try to crank the engine. Common ignition switch issues include:

• Worn contacts inside the switch preventing full power flow
• Internal short circuit cutting power to starter
• Failed solenoid or relay within the switch
• Broken actuator mechanism getting stuck

Warning signs include the key not springing back to the run position, needing to jiggle the key to start, and intermittent operation of the starter. Test for ignition switch problems by bypassing the switch and jumper cables to directly power the starter.

Security System Issues

If your car has a factory installed security system, this anti-theft feature can sometimes mistakenly prevent the engine from starting. Issues like:

• Faulty key chip or transponder not being recognized
• Computer glitch throwing an immobilizer error
• Anti-theft system faults causing a no-start condition

In these cases, the security system will not properly disarm and allow engine starting, even with a valid key. You may see flashing lights, hear audible warnings, or just get a single click when trying to start. Have the system checked by a repair shop to resolve security-related no-start problems.

Faulty Neutral Safety Switch

The neutral safety switch connects to the transmission shifter and prevents the starter from operating unless the transmission is in Park or Neutral. This switch protects your transmission by ensuring the vehicle doesn’t start in gear. Issues with this switch can mimic a starter problem:

• Switch malfunctioning and not making proper contact
• Loose switch wiring causing intermittent connection
• Damaged switch mounting allowing transmission vibration
• Switch out of adjustment if recently removed and reinstalled

If you get starter clicking in Park but normal operation in Neutral, the neutral safety switch is likely faulty. Have it inspected and replaced if not working properly. Adjustments or tightening of connections may also resolve loose switch problems.

Low Fuel Pressure

To start the engine, your car needs sufficient fuel pressure to inject gasoline into the cylinders. If fuel pressure is too low, it can cause a no-start condition with clicking from the starter:

• Clogged fuel filter restricting flow to the fuel pump
• Faulty fuel pump not pumping enough volume
• Leaking fuel injectors or pressure regulator
• Broken fuel line decreasing fuel supply

A fuel pressure test will help pinpoint if low fuel delivery is causing the hard starting. Typical range is 30-60 psi of pressure. Inspect fuel system components if pressure is not within specifications.

How to Diagnose the Specific Problem

With all the potential causes, accurately diagnosing why your smart car won’t start requires methodically testing systems. Follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Check battery voltage and connections – Recharge or replace battery if low voltage. Clean and tighten terminals if loose.
2. Test starter voltage at solenoid B+ terminal – No power indicates failed ignition switch or wiring issue.
3. Bypass ignition switch by jumping solenoid B+ to S terminal – Starter engaging confirms bad switch.
4. Perform starter current draw test – High amp draw points to shorted motor or solenoid.
5. Remove and bench test starter – Directly tests starter components for faults.
6. Jumper fuel pump to prime system – Lack of pressure reveals fuel delivery problem.
7. Check trouble codes with OBD scanner – May uncover underlying sensor or computer faults.

Following this methodical starter diagnostic process should lead you to the root cause of the no crank issue. Address any faulty components or wiring problems uncovered to get your smart car starting reliably again.

Common Solutions

In many cases, starter problems come down to a few common solutions:

• Recharge or replace weak battery – Low voltage is most common reason for clicks but no start.
• Test and rebuild or replace faulty starter – Starter issues cause rapid clicking when engaging.
• Inspect and tighten loose battery and starter cables – Clean and tighten connections to improve power flow.
• Replace worn ignition switch – Faulty switches interrupt power to starter solenoid.
• Bypass or replace neutral safety switch – Malfunctioning switches won’t allow starter activation.
• Check for correct fuel pressure – No start may be caused by low fuel delivery.

For successful DIY troubleshooting, focus on these common failure points and causes. Seek help from a professional technician for complex electrical diagnosis or starter teardown and repair.

Preventative Maintenance

Performing routine maintenance on your smart car can help prevent many starting issues and extend starter life:

• Test and recharge battery regularly – Check voltage at least twice per year.
• Keep battery posts and clamps clean – Check for corrosion monthly.
• Change oil and filters per service schedule – Helps engine crank smoothly.
• Address starter noises immediately – Grinding or whining indicates pending failure.
• Check all electrical connections – Wiggle battery cables, starter wires, and ignition switch harness.

By staying vigilant on maintenance and testing for weak cranking over time, you can avoid being stranded with starter failure. Have the starter inspected any time symptoms arise to maximize longevity.

When to Seek Repair Shop Help

While basic starting problems can be DIY repairs, seek professional help when:

• Starter needs rebuilding or replacement
• Electrical testing is beyond your skill level
• Fuel pump or filter replacement is required
• Transmission must be removed to access starter
• Hidden damage or unusual noise indicates complex issue
• Starter problems persist after thorough testing

Electrical systems can be hazardous to work on, so have a shop handle anything beyond simple component replacement. Seeking professional diagnosis can also uncover underlying issues and prevent getting stranded again. For smart cars, it’s wise to leverage repair shop capabilities when troubleshooting difficult no-start situations.

Conclusion

A smart car that clicks but won’t turn over when starting is frustrating to deal with. But armed with some troubleshooting knowledge and maintenance vigilance, you can identify the most likely culprits. Focus on battery condition, starter current draw, loose connections, and fuel delivery as top causes. Seek professional help for complex diagnoses or safety critical repairs. Stay proactive on maintenance and promptly address any cranking problems before your smart car leaves you stranded.