Why is my car making a clicking sound and wont start?

A car that clicks and won’t start is most often caused by a weak or dead battery or a failing starter/solenoid. Other common factors include loose or corroded cables, blown fuses or relays, ignition or immobilizer problems, or wiring faults.

Common causes of a starting click

Understanding the usual culprits can help you triage the problem quickly and safely.

• Weak or dead battery


• Loose, corroded, or damaged battery terminals and cables


• Faulty starter motor or solenoid


• Ignition switch or starter relay problems


• Blown fuses or a faulty fusible link in the starting circuit


• Immobilizer/anti-theft system issues or key fob battery problems

These common causes cover the majority of starting-click cases. If you address the battery or connection issues and the car still won’t start, the problem may be more complex and professional testing may be required.

Step-by-step diagnostic checklist

Use this practical, safety-focused sequence to pinpoint the likely culprit before you decide on repairs or roadside help.

1. Safety first: ensure the car is in Park (automatic) or Neutral (manual), apply the parking brake, and keep hands away from moving parts.


2. Check battery voltage with a multimeter. A healthy, fully charged battery should read about 12.6 volts. Below roughly 12.4 volts can indicate a weak charge.


3. Inspect battery terminals and cables for corrosion, looseness, or damage; clean and tighten as needed.


4. Attempt a jump-start with another vehicle or a portable jumper pack. Note whether the engine cranks and how strong the cranking sounds.


5. Listen to the sound: rapid clicking usually points to insufficient cranking current; a single solid click can indicate a faulty starter/solenoid; grinding noises may signal a mechanical issue.


6. Check starting-system fuses and the starter relay; replace any blown fuses or a bad relay.


7. Look for immobilizer/anti-theft indicators on the dash and try a spare key if available; won’t start with a compromised fob or failed transponder.


8. If the car still won’t start after these checks, consider professional diagnostics to test the starter, alternator, ignition system, and wiring.

Following this checklist helps you confirm the most probable cause and decide whether you can fix it yourself or need approved repair service.

When to call for help

Certain signs warrant professional assistance to prevent damage or unsafe driving conditions.

• Persistent or unusual electrical problems after battery and connection checks


• Smelling burning wires, smoke, or overheating battery or starter components


• Dash lights flickering or failing to illuminate properly, or the security/immobilizer light stays on


• Car still won’t crank after attempting a jump-start and battery appears to recharge normally

A mechanic can safely test the battery, alternator, starter motor, relays, wiring, and immobilizer system using professional equipment and diagnostic codes.

Summary

In most cases, a clicking sound with a no-start condition points to the battery or starter/solenoid, or to loose/corroded electrical connections. A quick at-home diagnostic approach—check the battery voltage, clean and tighten terminals, try a jump-start, inspect fuses and relays, and consider immobilizer issues—can reveal the likely culprit. If these steps don’t restore starting power, or if you notice burning smells, smoke, or other safety concerns, seek professional help to avoid further damage or roadside risks.

When your car won't start and makes a clicking noise?

A clicking noise when your car won't start most likely indicates a dead or weak battery, as there isn't enough power to crank the engine. Other potential causes include loose or corroded battery terminals, a faulty starter motor or solenoid, a bad alternator, or a blown fuse or relay. 
Initial checks and solutions

• Check the battery: If you hear a rapid, high-pitched clicking, the battery is the most probable cause. If you hear a single, loud click, it could still be a battery issue, but may also point to a problem with the starter. 
• Test with a jump-start: Attempting to jump-start the car is a good way to diagnose a battery problem. If the car starts after a jump and continues to run, the battery was likely just discharged. If it still won't start or dies shortly after, the battery may be bad or there could be another issue. 
• Inspect the battery terminals: Check for loose connections or a buildup of white, powdery corrosion on the battery posts. Clean the terminals and make sure the cables are securely tightened. 

This video demonstrates how to check and clean car battery terminals: 54sJonny DIYYouTube · Nov 13, 2021
Other potential causes

• Faulty starter motor or solenoid: The starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over. A single click often indicates the starter isn't receiving enough power to do its job. 
• Failing alternator: The alternator charges the battery while the engine is running. If it's failing, the battery will eventually lose its charge, leading to a no-start condition. 
• Blown fuse or bad relay: A blown fuse or faulty starter relay can prevent power from reaching the starter motor, resulting in a clicking noise. 
• Engine mechanical issues: In rare cases, a severely seized engine can cause the starter to make a clicking or grinding noise. 

What to do next

• If a jump-start works, drive the car to an auto parts store or mechanic to have the battery, charging system, and starter tested. 
• If a jump-start doesn't work or the problem persists, it's best to have a qualified mechanic diagnose the issue, as it could be a starter, alternator, or electrical problem. 

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. 

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. 

How to tell if it's a dead battery or starter?

A dead battery typically causes slow cranking and dim lights, while a bad starter usually makes a clicking or grinding noise but won't crank the engine, even if the lights are bright. To diagnose, check the lights and sounds: if they are dim or non-existent, it's likely the battery; if the lights are bright but there's only clicking, it's more likely the starter.
 
This video explains how to tell the difference between a dead battery and a bad starter: 56sShop OwnerYouTube · Jul 29, 2024
Battery symptoms

• Slow or no cranking: The engine turns over slowly, or not at all. 
• Dim lights: Headlights and dashboard lights are noticeably dim or flicker. 
• No power: You might have no electrical power at all when you turn the key. 
• Slow start in cold weather: The car has trouble starting, especially when it's cold. 

Starter symptoms

• Clicking sound: A single, loud click or rapid clicking is heard when you turn the key. 
• Bright lights: The dashboard lights and headlights stay bright, indicating the battery has power. 
• No crank: The engine does not turn over at all. 
• Grinding sound: You may hear a grinding noise, which can indicate a problem with the starter motor. 

This video demonstrates the sound of a car with a bad starter: 52sBudget MechanicYouTube · Sep 24, 2018
How to perform a simple test

1. Check your lights: Turn the key to the "on" position and turn on your headlights. If they are bright, your battery is likely good. If they are dim, your battery is likely weak or dead. 
2. Listen to the start attempt: If the lights are bright, have someone turn the key to the "start" position. Listen for a single, loud click or a series of rapid clicks. This is a strong sign of a bad starter. 
3. Jump-start the car: If you have a good battery or jumper cables, try jump-starting the car. If it starts immediately, your battery was the issue. If it still won't start or only cranks weakly, the starter is the more likely problem.