Why wont my Chevy start just clicks?

If your Chevy vehicle is making a clicking sound when you try to start it, but it won't actually start, there could be a few potential issues at play. The most common causes for this problem include a dead or dying battery, a faulty starter, or an issue with the electrical system. Let's dive into the details to help you diagnose and fix the problem.

Potential Causes for a Clicking Chevy

When you turn the key in the ignition and hear a clicking sound, but the engine doesn't start, it's usually an indication of an electrical issue rather than a mechanical one. Here are some of the most common reasons why a Chevy might just click when you try to start it:

• Dead or Dying Battery - A battery that is low on charge or has reached the end of its lifespan can cause the starter to click when you try to start the car, but not have enough power to actually crank the engine. This is one of the most frequent causes of a clicking Chevy.


• Faulty Starter - The starter is responsible for turning over the engine when you turn the key. If the starter is going bad, it may not have enough power to fully engage and start the engine, resulting in just a clicking sound.


• Electrical System Issues - Problems with the wiring, alternator, or other electrical components can prevent the starter from receiving the necessary voltage to properly start the engine.


• Loose or Corroded Battery Connections - If the battery terminals are loose or heavily corroded, it can disrupt the flow of electricity to the starter, leading to the clicking sound.

Determining the exact cause will require some troubleshooting, such as checking the battery charge, inspecting the starter, and testing the electrical system. A mechanic can help diagnose the issue and recommend the appropriate repair.

Steps to Troubleshoot a Clicking Chevy

If your Chevy is just clicking when you try to start it, here are some steps you can take to identify and fix the problem:

1. Check the Battery - Use a voltmeter to test the battery's charge. If it's below 12.6 volts, the battery may need to be recharged or replaced.


2. Inspect the Battery Connections - Make sure the battery terminals are tight and free of corrosion. Clean the terminals if needed.


3. Test the Starter - You can have a mechanic perform a starter test to determine if the starter is faulty and needs to be replaced.


4. Examine the Electrical System - Have a technician check the alternator, wiring, and other electrical components to identify any issues that could be preventing the starter from receiving adequate power.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to pinpoint the root cause of the clicking issue and get your Chevy back on the road.

How to tell if your starter is bad?

You can tell your starter is bad by listening for specific noises like a clicking, grinding, or whirring sound when you turn the key, or by noting that the engine won't crank or cranks slowly. Other signs include the car failing to start intermittently, smoke or a burning smell coming from the engine, or dashboard lights dimming excessively during starting attempts. 
This video demonstrates the common sounds a bad starter makes: 1mRobert DIYYouTube · Nov 28, 2020
Auditory signs 

• Clicking: A single, solid click often means the starter solenoid is engaging but the motor isn't turning. Rapid clicking can indicate a weak battery, but a single click can also point to a bad starter motor or bad electrical connection. 
• Grinding: A grinding or whirring noise can signal that the starter gear isn't engaging correctly with the engine's flywheel. 
• No sound: If you turn the key and hear absolutely nothing, it could mean the starter isn't getting power, which can be a sign of a bad starter. 

This video shows how to start a car by tapping the starter, which can help diagnose a bad starter: 1mproclaimliberty2000YouTube · Mar 7, 2022
Performance signs

• Engine won't turn over: The most classic sign is turning the key and hearing nothing, even though the lights and radio may still work. 
• Slow cranking: The engine may crank but do so sluggishly, suggesting the starter motor is weak or has an electrical issue. 
• Intermittent starting: The car starts sometimes but not others. This can indicate a bad electrical connection within the starter system. 

This video explains how to diagnose a bad starter by checking the voltage with a multimeter: 48sTERREPOWER (formerly BBB Industries)YouTube · Jun 16, 2011
Other indicators

• Smoke or burning smell: Repeated attempts to start can overheat the starter motor, causing a burning smell or smoke. If you see or smell this, stop trying to start the car immediately and have it inspected. 
• Dimming lights: Cabin lights may dim or flicker significantly when you try to start the vehicle. 
• Oil-soaked starter: If the starter motor appears to be wet with oil, it could indicate a leak that is causing the starter to fail. 

This video shows how to diagnose a starter by checking the voltage with a multimeter: 0:24No-Worldliness-7832Reddit · Jan 19, 2025

Why does my Chevy click but not start?

Why does my Chevy click but not start? A clicking sound but no start usually points to a weak or dead battery. The clicking noise comes from the starter solenoid trying to engage, but without enough power.

Does clicking mean dead battery or alternator?

That usually just means your battery is dead. It doesn't have enough power to make the starter motor start the engine so it just clicks. Depending on how old your battery is you may need a new one, but it's also very likely some how an accessory was left on and drained it.

How do you fix a car that clicks but won't start?

Clean the battery terminals and tighten the connections. Check the Battery Voltage. The battery should be over 12 volts. If not, charge the battery. Or use battery jumper cables to jumpstart the car. If the battery is charged and the battery voltage is sufficient, the problem may be in the starter.