Why does my car keep clicking but wont start?

If your car keeps clicking but won't start, it's likely due to an issue with the battery, starter, or electrical system. This problem can be frustrating, but understanding the potential causes can help you diagnose and fix the issue.

Potential Causes of the Clicking Sound

The clicking sound you hear when trying to start your car is usually an indication of a problem with the electrical system. Here are some of the most common reasons why your car might be clicking but not starting:

• Dead or Weak Battery: If your car battery is dead or too weak to provide enough power to the starter, you'll hear a clicking sound when you turn the key. This is because the starter is trying to engage but doesn't have enough juice to actually start the engine.


• Faulty Starter: The starter is responsible for turning the engine over and getting it started. If the starter is failing or has a problem, it may not be able to provide enough power to start the engine, resulting in a clicking sound.


• Loose or Corroded Connections: Loose or corroded connections in the electrical system can prevent the battery from providing enough power to the starter, leading to the clicking sound.


• Alternator Issues: If your alternator is not properly charging the battery while the engine is running, the battery can become drained, causing the clicking sound when you try to start the car.

Determining the exact cause of the clicking sound will require further diagnosis, such as testing the battery, starter, and alternator to identify the root problem.

Steps to Troubleshoot the Issue

If your car is clicking but not starting, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem:

• Check the Battery: Use a voltmeter to test the battery's voltage. If the voltage is below 12.6 volts, the battery may need to be recharged or replaced.


• Inspect the Starter: Have a mechanic test the starter to see if it's functioning properly. If the starter is faulty, it will need to be replaced.


• Examine the Electrical Connections: Look for any loose or corroded connections in the electrical system, especially around the battery and starter. Clean or tighten any problem connections.


• Check the Alternator: If the alternator is not properly charging the battery, it can lead to the clicking sound. Have a mechanic test the alternator to ensure it's working correctly.

Addressing the underlying cause of the clicking sound is crucial to getting your car back on the road. If you're unsure of the problem or don't feel comfortable troubleshooting it yourself, it's best to have a professional mechanic take a look.

Does a bad alternator make a clicking noise?

Yes, a bad alternator can make a clicking noise, especially when you try to start the car. The clicking sound often indicates a drained or improperly charged battery, which is a result of the alternator failing to do its job. A constant clicking coming from the alternator itself can also be caused by internal issues like worn bearings or a loose or damaged belt. 
This video explains the common causes of clicking noise when a car won't start: 1mBudget MechanicYouTube · Sep 24, 2018
Clicking noise related to starting the car 

• Drained battery: A faulty alternator doesn't charge the battery properly, leading to a low charge. When you turn the key, the starter motor doesn't receive enough power, and you'll hear a rapid clicking sound as it repeatedly tries to engage, but the engine won't crank. 

Clicking noise from the alternator itself 

• Worn-out bearings: Internal components like bearings can wear out, causing a clicking or ticking noise to come from the alternator unit itself.
• Loose or damaged belt: A loose or damaged alternator belt can also cause a clicking sound, as it may not be properly turning the alternator's pulley. 

What to do

• Check the battery terminals: Ensure your battery terminals are clean and tight, as this can prevent a clicking noise from starting the car. 
• Get the charging system tested: Have a mechanic test both the battery and the alternator to confirm the diagnosis and prevent further damage to your vehicle. 

How do I tell if it's my battery or starter?

You can often distinguish between a bad battery and a bad starter by listening for specific sounds and checking your headlights. A bad battery typically results in a slow crank or no sound at all, with dim or non-functional dash and headlight lights. A bad starter often produces a clicking sound, or sometimes a grinding or whirring noise, but your headlights and dash lights will still come on brightly.
 
This video explains how to diagnose a bad starter: 59sproclaimliberty2000YouTube · Dec 2, 2016
Symptoms of a bad battery

• Slow or no cranking: The engine turns over slowly or not at all, even with the key. 
• Dim lights: Dash lights, interior lights, and headlights are dim or flickers when you turn the key. 
• No electrical power: The car is completely dead, with no lights or sounds when you turn the key. 

Symptoms of a bad starter

• Clicking sound: You hear a single click or a rapid clicking sound when you turn the key, but the engine doesn't turn over. 
• No sound but lights are on: Dash lights and headlights are bright, but there is no noise from the engine when you try to start it. 
• Grinding or whirring noise: A grinding or whirring sound may occur as the starter tries to engage. 

How to perform a quick test

1. Check the lights: Turn your headlights on. 
   • If they are dim or don't come on, the battery is likely the problem. 
   • If they are bright, the battery is likely working, and the issue is more likely with the starter. 
2. Try to start the car: 
   • If you hear a single click or rapid clicking, the starter is a common culprit. 
   • If the engine turns over slowly, it could be a weak battery. 
   • If there is no sound at all, but the lights are bright, it's a strong indicator of a bad starter, says Quora users. 

This video demonstrates how to test your battery: 1mLONESTAR HAWAIIANYouTube · Dec 17, 2017
If you're still unsure

• Jump-start the car: A jump start will work if the battery is just low or dead. If the car starts and runs, but the problem returns the next time, you likely have a bad battery. If a jump start doesn't work at all, it could be a starter issue. 
• Tap the starter: With the key in the "start" position, have a helper tap on the starter motor with a mallet or wrench. If the car then starts, the starter is likely bad, according to this YouTube video. 

Will a bad starter just click?

Yes, a bad starter can make a clicking sound. A single, loud click often means the starter motor isn't getting enough power to turn over, which could be caused by a weak battery or a problem with the starter's solenoid. Repeated rapid clicking is more commonly a sign of a dead battery, but it can also be a faulty solenoid that can't establish a proper electrical connection.
 
This video explains what different clicking sounds mean when starting a car: 59sFoxboss9YouTube · Feb 26, 2015
Single click

• What it means: This is the sound of the starter solenoid engaging, but it doesn't have enough power to turn the engine. 
• Possible causes:
  • Dead or weak battery: This is a very common cause for a single click. 
  • Faulty starter solenoid: The solenoid is engaging, but its internal components are stuck or failing. 
  • Poor electrical connections: Loose or corroded wires connecting the battery to the starter can cause this. 

Rapid, repeated clicks 

• What it means: This is the sound of the starter solenoid repeatedly trying to engage and failing. 
• Possible causes:
  • Low battery: The battery doesn't have enough power to keep the solenoid engaged long enough to crank the engine. 
  • Faulty starter/solenoid: The starter is unable to get enough power to turn the engine over, often due to a bad starter. 
  • Corroded connections: Corroded or loose connections can cause a power loss that results in this sound. 

Why is my car making a clicking sound and not starting?

A car making a clicking noise and not starting is typically caused by a dead or weak battery, a faulty starter motor, or loose/corroded battery terminals. Less common causes include a bad alternator, a blown fuse, or a faulty ignition switch. To troubleshoot, start by checking the battery connections and then consider a jump-start to rule out a simple battery issue. 
This video explains how to differentiate between a dead battery and a bad starter: 56s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Sep 10, 2023
Common causes and solutions
You can watch this video to learn how to check the condition of your car battery: 59s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Feb 15, 2025

• Dead or weak battery: This is the most frequent cause, as the battery may not have enough power to turn the starter motor. 
  • Solution: Try jump-starting the car. If it starts, the battery is likely the issue. Have it tested and replaced if it's old or failing. 
• Faulty starter motor: A bad starter can cause a single loud click or no sound at all when you turn the key, even if the battery is good. 
  • Solution: If a jump-start doesn't work, the starter may need to be replaced. 
• Loose or corroded battery terminals: Poor connection due to corrosion or loose cables can prevent the starter from receiving enough power. 
  • Solution: Inspect the terminals and cables. Clean off any corrosion and ensure the connections are tight. 
• Bad alternator: A failing alternator won't charge the battery properly, leading to a dead battery and clicking sounds. 
  • Solution: If the car starts with a jump but dies again shortly after, the alternator is likely the problem. You will need a new alternator for the car to stay charged. 

This video demonstrates how to diagnose a bad alternator: 53sMercie J Auto Care, llcYouTube · Oct 8, 2025
Next steps

1. Check battery connections: Visually inspect the battery terminals for any white, blue, or greenish powdery buildup (corrosion). Wiggle them to see if they are loose. Clean and tighten if necessary. 
2. Attempt a jump-start: If the connections are good, try jump-starting the car. If it starts, the battery is likely the culprit. 
3. Listen to the clicking sound: A rapid clicking sound often points to a weak battery, while a single, loud click can indicate a bad starter motor. 
4. Seek professional help: If the issue persists after checking the battery and connections, or if you are unsure how to proceed, it is best to have the vehicle towed to a mechanic for a professional diagnosis.