From warning lights to vibrations; there are many ways your vehicle might tell you that something isn’t quite right. So what does it mean when you turn your car key or press ‘start’ only to notice that dreaded clicking noise? Read to learn why you’re hearing a clicking noise and your car won’t start.
What’s happening under the hood if you hear a clicking noise and your car won’t start?
We rely on our cars for so much in our daily lives – school pick-ups, grocery runs, the work commute, and more. So it’s often not until we run into a problem with our vehicle that we stop to think about what actually goes on under the hood. Most car starting systems consist of 5 key parts:
- Alternator – converts chemical energy to electrical energy to charge and replenish the battery and other electrical components
- Battery – provides an electrical current
- Ignition switch – sends the electrical current from the battery to the starter relay
- Starter relay – receives the initial electrical current and converts it to the larger current needed to start your motor
- Battery cables – carries the larger current from the relay to the starter motor
- Starter motor – receives the larger current, and turns over (or ‘cranks’) to initiate your engine
When all 6 parts are working in sync, your car starts easily every time. So chances are that if you’re hearing one or more ‘clicks’ when you turn your key or press ‘start’ that something electrical is awry in your starting system that is preventing one or more parts from doing their job. If you’re not hearing clicks and your car still won’t start, check out some other tips here. And if your car struggles to start but does eventually turn over, don’t ignore the warning signs! Bring your vehicle to us, and we’ll take care of you before you get stuck on the side of the road.
Single clicking noise and car won’t start
Robin: Hey Batman, the batmobile won’t start. I turn the key and it makes a single ‘click’ sound!
Batman: Have you checked the battery?
Robin: What’s a ‘tery’?
Cause: battery
If you hear a single tell-tale ‘click’ when trying to start your car, do as Batman suggests and inspect your battery. A dirty, corroded or drained battery may well be at the root of your problem. Visually inspect your battery (and terminals) for corrosion or damage, and check that all cables are intact and connected as expected.
Cause: starter motor or starter relay
If your battery seems okay, a single click may be a sign of a fault in your starter relay or starter motor. Either the relay is unable to amp up the electrical current needed to get the starter motor cranking, or the starter motor itself is in trouble. Give your roadside assistance service a call and have your car towed to us. We’ll use our sophisticated diagnostic tools to identify and rapidly resolve the issue. And we’ll keep you on the move with a loan vehicle, free of charge.
Repeated clicking noise and car won’t start
Do you hear a series of rapid clicks when you turn the ignition and then your car won’t start? This is an indicator that there’s enough electrical current to bring the starter motor to life, but not quite enough to crank the engine.
Cause: alternator
Rapid clicking is a red flag for an issue with your alternator, which may be struggling to convert enough energy to replenish all of the electrical components in your vehicle. The good news is that there’s a good chance you may be able to get your vehicle jump started if this is the case. Of course it’s always safer to have a professional do this for you, so if you’re not confident or experienced, give your roadside assistance service a call and bring your vehicle to us so we can diagnose and resolve your issue quickly and effectively.
Book a car service today
Our specialist technicians provide the highest quality workmanship and customer service for all your car servicing needs. As soon as you notice any warning signs that your car is struggling to start, book a service or call the workshop today on 03 9068 0146.
We will assess your vehicle using the latest diagnostic tools and provide you honest, reliable advice on the best course of action. Need to get somewhere while your vehicle is being serviced at Cox Auto? As well as a fleet of courtesy cars, we offer a complimentary pick up and drop off service via Uber within 10 km of our centre in South Melbourne.
