Q: Car clicks when starting

asked by on February 16, 2016

My car just clicks when starting it. The battery has been charged at 13v, but the problem still exists.

Loud clicking noise when I turn the car Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

If there is a click when you try starting it then you need to see where the click is coming from. I typically start by checking to see if the clicking is coming from the starter. If the starter is making the noise but cannot turn the engine over then there may be an engine problem. I would typically start by trying to rotate the engine by hand to see if the engine has seized. If the engine cannot be turned by hand then this is an engine failure problem. If the engine is fine then the battery cable may be bad. If you need to have this diagnosed, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to locate the cause of the clicking noise.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Warning lights after ABS brake flex lines replaced
The rear lights, including the brake lights, all go through the light control module and should have nothing to do with the ABS system. You may have bad bulbs (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-light-bulb-replacement). Have them checked to see if one or more brake...
my immobilizer is broken, my car wont start.
You would need to have the immobilizer replaced and reprogrammed by a Honda dealer. This is the only way as it cannot be bypassed. You mentioned you had a few mechanics look at the car already, but if you'd like...
Car hesitates while accelerating - 1990 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL
Hello. It sounds like the spark plug wires (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-cable-spark-plug-wires-replacement), distributor cap (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/distributor-rotor-and-cap-replacement), and rotor button should be replaced. It may even be necessary to replace the distributor shaft as well. The throttle body should be cleaned (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/clean-throttle-body) as well as...
Buying a new used truck.
Hi there: In a perfect world, the best "buy" would be the 2012 with half the mileage that the 2013 model has been driven. If you're going to have a professional mechanic complete a pre purchase car inspection (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/pre-purchase-car-inspection), I'd...
LED Headlights
Normally, yourmechanic would not speak to modifying vehicles, but my other half and myself had a 2012 Forte SX 5 door which I did some modifications on, now have a 2016 Forte5 EX ans well as a Sonata Sport 2.0T...
Air conditioner smells like radiator coolant, 2000 ford f150.
You may be developing a leak in the heater core. Your truck is about the right age. The heater core lives in the heat exchanger with the air conditioner evaporator so anything that happens in there will come out of...
Grinding noise when the steering wheel is straight. More prominent at higher speeds and when the steering toward the right
From what you describe it sounds like you have front wheel bearings that are noisey. They do not have to be loose to be noisey. Have the vehicle lifted and ran in drive to see if the noise can be...
When I try to run the heater my thermostat gets stuck on C and my car reacts like it is overheating.Sometimes draining the coolant
You may have a clogged heater core that may be prohibiting the outer linings of the heater core to get hot. As you know, the heater core is a series of tubes that the coolant runs through that generates the...
Shutter
The shuddering problem is coming from the CVT transmission and may be an internal clutch slippage or valve body pressure problem. This will require the transmission to be pressure tested to see if it is due to the wrong fluids...

Related articles

2011 Dodge Ram vs. 2011 Ford F-150: Which One Should I Buy?
Large trucks can be fun to drive, and even more fun to get dirty. Unfortunately, they may also cause you to get phone calls from friends who need to move into a new apartment. Fortunately, just having a truck may...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Auxiliary Battery
If you have multiple batteries in your vehicle, you may have to replace one if the vehicle won't crank, fluid is leaking, or the Battery Light is on.
10 Best Miniature Jumper Packs For Your Car
Jumper cables and jumper packs charge your car battery when it needs a boost. The NOCO Genius Boost Plus is the best spark-proof, miniature pack.