Is Your Car Clicking When Trying To Start? Common Causes & Fixes.
Imagine climbing into your vehicle, turning the key or pressing the start button, and instead of your car starting, you hear a clicking sound or nothing at all. That car clicking when trying to start sound could be a dead battery. But it might also be a host of other quick-fix issues. Let’s review what makes that clicking noise or silence, what you might be able to do to get your vehicle started, and how to prevent battery issues in the future.
Les Schwab Tip: Learn more about how car batteries work for some insights into monitoring car batteries and what to watch for to avoid being stranded.
Please Notice! Batteries can be dangerous. They contain sulfuric acid and can cause injury. We recommend wearing appropriate safety equipment before working on your car battery. This includes protective glasses and gloves. Additionally, avoid wearing baggy clothing or metallic jewelry while inspecting or cleaning your battery.
Let’s Talk About EVs First
Every vehicle, including EVs, has a 12-volt battery. When you turn the key in a gas-powered car, that battery completes an electrical circuit that sends a current to the starter solenoid, which then powers the starter motor and cranks the engine. In an electric vehicle, the 12-volt battery powers the accessories and starts the vehicle’s system, including the onboard computer, which energizes the main battery.
If a 12-volt battery in an EV is dead, it won’t start the vehicle. It also won’t make any clicking noises. In addition to leaving you stranded, a dead battery can also cause the doors to remain locked and restrict access to other functions. Jumping an EV’s 12-volt battery may be possible but should only be done per manufacturer guidelines.
Understanding Clicking Noises: Single vs. Rapid
There are usually two types of clicking noises caused by a dead or dying battery. These include loose cables, or corrosion buildup on the battery. These include a single click or multiple rapid clicks. If you cannot tell the difference, feel free to call your local Les Schwab for assistance.
What a Single Click Means
A single click when you turn the key or press start may indicate a dead battery or an issue with the starter. If jump-starting your vehicle works, it was likely an issue with the battery. If not, your starter could be malfunctioning.
What Rapid Clicking Indicates
Rapid clicking noises can indicate that your battery is too weak to start the vehicle or that you have an issue with the alternator. A new battery or recharge of your current battery could fix the issue. If it is the alternator, your vehicle may not stay running for long after a jump-start. Rapid clicking can also indicate a problem with your vehicle’s electrical system.
Common Causes of Clicking Noises When Starting Your Car
The 12-volt battery in your car is a workhorse. Over its lifetime, it will start your car or truck thousands of times, which slowly deteriorates its capacity and cold-cranking amps. As those amps get weaker, it gets harder to start your vehicle. But battery issues aren’t just about the battery. Sometimes, it’s corrosion, the alternator, or the starter.
Dead or Weak Battery
The reason your battery keeps dying isn’t always mysterious. Most of the time, it’s simply age. The average battery can last three years, according to AAA. Sure, getting more than three years out of a battery is possible. However, where you live, the weather, and where you drive can play a big role in the life of that battery. Learn more about Les Schwab batteries and our industry leading warranty.
Faulty Starter Motor or Solenoid
The starter motor and solenoid in every gas-powered car will eventually need to be replaced. This handy bit of tech physically rotates the engine crankshaft, turning the engine over (making it start). Most starters last for more than 100,000 miles, but your mileage will vary based on where you live and how often you start your vehicle.
When you hear a single click when you try to start, and jump-starting the vehicle doesn’t fix the issue, it’s likely the starter. Don’t give up yet. Try the key or start button multiple times before calling a tow truck. If your vehicle has a start button and a physical key option located underneath it, give it a try. It could work in a pinch.
Loose or Corroded Battery Cables
Your battery is connected to the vehicle with a set of cables. The connection points between the battery can become loose and/or corroded (a flaky, white substance that seems to grow from the terminals). When this happens, your battery cannot send enough electrical current to your vehicle to get it started. Those loose connections or corrosion can cause your vehicle to stall while you’re driving, dim your headlights, and kill the battery over time.
Possible fixes include cleaning the terminals and tightening the clamps. To remove the corrosion, try scrubbing it off with a stiff-bristle brush (or old toothbrush) and a mixture of one part baking soda to three parts water. Learn more about this cost-effective fix.
Bad Alternator
Alternators are found in gas-powered vehicles. The alternator keeps your battery charged while you're driving. If the alternator goes bad or the alternator belt is slipping, it might not recharge your battery and you could end up with a dead battery.
To tell the difference between a dying battery or bad alternator, simply jump-start your vehicle when it doesn’t start. After a minute of allowing it to run, remove the jumper cables. If the vehicle dies quickly or while you’re driving, it’s likely the alternator.
A quick trip to Les Schwab can help. Our technicians have the diagnostic tools to check your battery and alternator.
Ignition Switch or Wiring Problems
Different from the starter, the ignition switch, along with a series of wiring, facilitates the flow of electricity in your vehicle. If your headlights, infotainment system, and wipers aren’t working properly, it could be an issue with your ignition switch. Try the key or start button several times. If the problem doesn’t go away, you may need to tow your vehicle to a mechanic.
Troubleshooting: What To Do if Your Car Clicks But Won’t Start
When your car clicks and won’t start, it can be frustrating. Here are some things you can do to diagnose that clicking sound.
Step 1: Ensure the Car Is in Park, NOT Neutral:
This is important. Leaving your vehicle in neutral can allow it to roll away and cause a crash.
Step 2: Check the Battery and Connections:
Cautiously check the connections where the terminals attach to the battery posts. Is the (+ or red) hooked up to the (+) terminal on the battery? Is the (- or black) hooked up to the (-) terminal on the battery? If those connections are loose, tighten them.
Step 3: Test the Headlights:
A dead or dying battery can cause your headlights to dim or not turn on at all. Flickering headlights that correspond with the clicking noises do not always indicate a more serious issue.
Step 4: Try a Jump-Start:
Check out these how-to instructions to safely jump-start your vehicle. You’re also welcome to call us during regular business hours. If we’re available, we may be able to drive to your location and give you a jump-start.
Step 5: Seek Professional Help if Needed:
At Les Schwab, we lead the charge in car battery maintenance and sales. Stop by any location and we’ll inspect yours for free. If it just needs a recharge, we’ll be happy to help. Plus, we carry batteries for anything you drive.
Preventive Maintenance: How To Avoid Starting Problems
Properly maintaining your battery, including annual inspections at Les Schwab, can keep you from getting stranded. While it can be nearly impossible to spot a dying battery before it’s too late, there are things you can do to keep your battery healthy between inspections. Those include:
- Turn off your headlights when the vehicle isn’t running
- Turn off interior lights when the vehicle is off
- Unplug extra accessories
- Start and drive your vehicle at least once a week
- Inspect battery cables (removing corrosion or tightening clamps)
If you have an EV, keep it plugged in when you’re not running errands or on a road trip. This can be especially important in excessive heat and cold temperatures.
How Les Schwab Can Help With Starting Issues
Your car’s battery is very important. Without it, your vehicle won’t start. Getting yours inspected at least once a year can help you avoid the dreaded clicking battery sound. Come by Les Schwab and we’ll perform a free inspection. Whether it needs to be recharged or replaced, we can help.
Reliable Services To Keep You on the Road
Les Schwab carries batteries for your vehicle. Plus, we professionally install those batteries at every location. When you buy your battery from us, that battery comes with the Les Schwab Battery Warranty, including:
- Free charging system checks
- Free battery charging
- Free battery replacement coverage (see our battery warranty for more)
- Free extended warranty coverage (see our battery warranty for more)
Book your appointment today for a free visual inspection and other battery services.