Why is my Subaru car clicking but not starting?
As a Subaru owner, it can be frustrating to turn the key or press the start button only to hear a clicking sound instead of the engine roaring to life. This issue is not uncommon and can stem from several potential causes. In this article, we’ll explore the most likely reasons for this problem and provide guidance on what you can do to address it.
Common Causes of a Clicking Sound When Your Subaru Won’t Start
When your Subaru clicks but doesn’t start, it’s often a sign of an issue with the electrical or starting system. Here are the most common culprits:
- Dead or Weak Battery: A drained or failing battery is the most frequent cause of a clicking sound. The clicking occurs because the starter motor isn’t receiving enough power to turn the engine over.
- Corroded or Loose Battery Connections: If the battery terminals are corroded or the connections are loose, the electrical current may not flow properly, leading to a clicking noise.
- Faulty Starter Motor: The starter motor is responsible for cranking the engine. If it’s malfunctioning, it may produce a clicking sound without engaging the engine.
- Bad Alternator: A failing alternator can prevent the battery from charging properly, leaving it too weak to start the car.
- Damaged or Worn-Out Solenoid: The solenoid is part of the starter system. If it’s defective, it may cause a clicking noise when you attempt to start the car.
Understanding these potential causes can help you narrow down the issue and determine the next steps to take.
Steps to Diagnose and Fix the Problem
If your Subaru is clicking but not starting, follow these steps to diagnose and potentially resolve the issue:
- Check the Battery: Inspect the battery for signs of corrosion or damage. Use a multimeter to test the voltage; a healthy battery should read around 12.6 volts when fully charged.
- Clean the Battery Terminals: If you notice corrosion, clean the terminals with a wire brush and reconnect them securely.
- Jump-Start the Car: If the battery is weak, try jump-starting the car. If it starts, the battery may need to be replaced or recharged.
- Inspect the Starter Motor: Listen for any unusual sounds from the starter motor. If it’s clicking but not engaging, it may need to be repaired or replaced.
- Test the Alternator: If the battery keeps dying, have the alternator tested to ensure it’s charging the battery properly.
- Consult a Professional Mechanic: If you’re unable to identify or fix the issue, it’s best to bring your Subaru to a trusted auto repair shop for a thorough diagnosis.
By following these steps, you can often pinpoint the cause of the problem and take appropriate action to get your Subaru back on the road.
Preventative Tips to Avoid Starting Issues
To minimize the chances of encountering this issue in the future, consider these preventative measures:
- Regularly inspect and clean your battery terminals to prevent corrosion.
- Replace your car battery every 3-5 years or as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Schedule routine maintenance to check the health of your starter motor and alternator.
- Ensure all electrical connections are secure and free of damage.
- Drive your car regularly to keep the battery charged, especially in cold weather.
Taking these steps can help you avoid the inconvenience of a car that won’t start and extend the life of your Subaru’s electrical system.
Conclusion
A clicking sound when your Subaru won’t start is often a sign of an electrical or starting system issue, such as a weak battery, corroded connections, or a faulty starter motor. By diagnosing the problem and addressing it promptly, you can avoid further complications and ensure your car remains reliable. If you’re unsure about the cause or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional mechanic for help. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to provide expert advice and top-notch repair services to keep your Subaru running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Subaru making a clicking sound?
What happens is- the actuator has plastic gears inside. Over time, then tend to wear out and slide across each other, creating that clicking noise you are hearing. This plays no role what so ever in vehicle performance and reliability.
Why does my car have a clicking sound and won't start?
If you're hearing a clicking when attempting to start but the engine doesn't crank then the problem is most likely either the starter or a low battery. If you hear a single click from the engine compartment then the most likely cause would be the starter itself, a rapid clicking is most likely a low battery.
What does it mean if your engine is clicking?
If you can hear a clicking, ticking, or tapping sound coming from your engine, it could indicate an issue with one of the valves or pistons or that the engine oil is low. It's important to act fast and get a professional mechanic to diagnose the problem and determine what repairs will be necessary.
Why does my starter click but no crank?
If you hear a clicking noise (but nothing else) when trying to start your car, that means the starter solenoid or relay contacts are operating, but the starter isn't cranking the engine. The click may be a rapid chattering sound or it may just be one or two audible clicks.
How do I know if my Subaru starter is bad?
One of the primary signs of a broken starter motor in a Subaru is slow or no cranking when you turn the key in the ignition. If you notice that the engine takes longer than usual to start or fails to start altogether, it could be indicative of a faulty starter motor.
Why is my Subaru clicking and not starting?
You might simply have rust and corrosion at the starters power cable at the starters power supply lug. Single tick is typically a bad starter or solenoid. The multiple clicking is not enough juice for the power motor. An electrically poor connection or worn brushes are the usual cause of multiple clicks.
How to tell if a starter is going bad?
Signs of a Bad Starter
- Whirring, grinding, or clicking sounds when trying to start your car.
- A loud single click while trying to start the vehicle with no engine crank.
- The instrument cluster, headlights, and radio work normally, but nothing happens when you turn the key.
Is it safe to drive a car with clicking noise?
If your vehicle is producing such sounds while in motion, it's essential to address the issue promptly. At our service center, we urge you to schedule an appointment for a thorough inspection to prevent any potential complications associated with the clicking noise.
Why is my car not starting but the battery and starter is fine?
When you have a brand-new battery but still can't start the car, the alternator might be the issue. Cold and damp climates may increase wear on an alternator, causing it to fail. Flickering gauges and a burning rubber smell could indicate that the alternator overheated and requires replacement.
Why is my Subaru cranking but not starting?
Battery Trouble
An engine that cranks, but doesn't start, may have battery issues.
