Q: Car won't start when start button is pushed. Single click noise is heard

asked by on October 03, 2016

I have convenience package so the key does not need to be inserted. Tried without inserting the key and with inserted key, same problem. All instruments work, dashboard was lighted, seat was adjusted, steering also adjusted to my position. Car was never in accident and the airbags were never deployed. I measured the voltage on the battery and it registers at 12.04V, the battery was few months new. Also tried jump start with other car and that did not help either.

No specific error code in the computer, there was a yellow engine light and exclamation point in the main dashboard panel but did not tell any other thing.

Single click noise when push button was pressed, which seems like from the solenoid starter? There are so many possibilities of this, could it be a bad starter or something else?

Do you have any idea what else to check before sending it to the dealer/auto repair? If the problem were the starter, what's the typical estimate for this repair? Thank you

Car is not starting Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello, thanks for writing in. A no start condition with a click noise can be caused by a few things. The most common causes are a bad starter relay, or a bad starter or starter solenoid. The starter relay is the component that switches power to the starter circuit, and is usually located in the engine bay. It is not uncommon for relays to produce a clicking noise when they go bad. It may also be possible that the starter motor or solenoid are worn and can no longer properly turn the engine over. I would start by checking the starter relay and going from there. Here at YourMechanic, we can have a technician come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest the necessary repairs.

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

Car will not start during winter.
Check the battery charge level and charge the battery completely if necessary. The cranking voltage should not drop below 9.6 volts or the engine computer may not have enough power to come online and initiate fuel or spark. Listen for...
Reverse lights not coming on.
The reverse light switch is powered by the meter fuse and when you put it in reverse the power is sent to the rear reverse lights. The rear light socket would have to be tested (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/reverse-light-bulb-replacement) to see if power...
Car overheating and not accelerating
As far as the thermostat causing the motor to sound muffled, I personally have never heard of such a thing. Your thermostat controls when the flow of coolant in your cooling system starts, allowing the coolant to flow and cycle...
Problems with the steering after replacing tires and alignment
The steering drag link, idler arm, and tie rods should be checked to see if the joints (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-ball-joint-rear) are worn out and needs to be replaced. The steering shock should also be checked to see if it is still good,...
Engine light came on after washing engine 2 days later then went off and oil lamp came on three times - driving - went off.
Well, you have a couple of questions here and not a lot to go on, so I'll address them as best I can. Your Check Engine light indicates that a trouble code from a sensor has been registered in the...
Shift to drive but goes to manual mode not automatic.
Hi there. Check the shifter to the transmission. The shifter solenoid is not working properly and needs replaced. Remove the shifter housing from the vehicle and you will see a solenoid in it. This is the shift interlock solenoid for...
Why would my steering only be stiff when driving but be fine when I'm still or going real slow 2001 Nissan Frontier
The steering system is designed to have a hard steering at high speeds to prevent any rollovers. The Dynamic Stability Control or Traction Control is designed to keep the vehicle from over steering when driven at a higher speed. You...
I have a 99 Nissan Quest, was overheating replaced thermostat.now van will not turnover or start. what could be wrong?
Continuous overheating can damage the valves and ultimately cause a no start condition. A diagnostic in your circumstance would likely start with a compression test to determine if the cylinders even have compression. Also, the engine should be turned over...
Gascap light is on, how can I fix it?
The cap, or cap seal, is defective and/or there is a leak/malfunction in the EVAP (vapor side) of the fuel system. You should first look for a leak (to avoid needlessly buying a new cap), however, that inspection might require...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 BMW X6
The The X6 is a study in identity crises. While the sleek fastback styling and cozy interior suggest a sporty coupe, the hatchback and SUV platform speak to a weak attempt at imitating a wagon (without the roomy passenger capacity)....
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 BMW 335d
Of Of all of the BMW 3-Series models available in this model year, the 2012 BMW 335d is one of the most powerful and subtlest on the road. This 4-dour sedan may look mild-mannered enough, but under the hood it’s...
Ten Sports Cars That Double as Good Daily Drivers
The best daily driver is a car that's reliable, usable, and still fun to drive. Popular daily sports cars include the BMW M3, Subaru WRX, and VW GTI.