Q: Loud buzzing before the engine cranks

asked by on September 21, 2016

The car couldn't start. Before this happened, the cranking was weak. The battery works well and has lots of power. The car can be jump-started with no issues. I had the terminals cleaned as well as the cable ends that had some corrosion on them. I also tightened ends to terminals. Now, when I put the key in the ignition, before the engine starts cranking, I can't hear the clicking sounds anymore. Now, it's buzzing very loudly. What should I do?

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

3.7 engine temperature gauge runs between middle to 3/4, leans a little more to 3 /4 never over is this normal
Hi there, thanks for writing in about your 2007 Hummer H3. The temperature should typically rest more towards the middle of the gauge. You should have the vehicle tested to see if the engine is running hot, or if it...
Type of engine oil
Thanks for writing in about your 2015 Hyundai Veloster. Yes, this should always be used when stated by the manufacturer. Turbocharged engines create a lot of power which generates heat and stress. Synthetic oil (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-type-of-oil-should-i-use) has the properties in it...
White smoke coming out of hood when idle / stopped
This sounds unfortunately like a blown head gasket problem. The fluctuation in temperature and white smoke is usually a sign of this. I would suggest having the coolant tested for traces of combustion gases which will indicate if the head...
Check engine light is on - 2011 Nissan Altima
Hello there, thank you for asking about your 2011 Nissan Altima. It's hard to say exactly what the shop you spoke with quoted you for, or where they were getting their parts and labor estimates from. Usually the parts are...
Oil pressure and battery light stay on when ignition is off.
Hello. If this is occurring, then there is a short in the electrical someplace. Most of the time, the issue is in the ignition switch. The switch fails internally and causes some circuits to stay on which will drain the...
Why my turn signals don't work?
If both rear turn signal lights are not working correctly, it's most likely due to an electrical relay or fuse that supplies power to the tail lights. However, if it's a fuse, it's likely that the parking lights (when you...
Hey I have a 2000 Buck Lesabre and I'm having some fuel issues I think
Fuel is a possibility but so is air induction particularly the idle air control (IAC) valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement). The IAC valve may be sticking which would explain the first symptom you report which is everything was great until you simply put...
Clicking when letting off the gas pedal.
The differential inside the transmission may be worn or have an issue with the bearings that is causing the clicking noise when loaded on the opposing side to the load applied when driving. Try to see if the noise occurs...
No throttle response
If the vehicle was severely overheating, the heat could have damaged components including key sensors. At the same time the loss of power is diagnosed, or once there is a diagnosis, obviously the cause of the overheating has to be...

Related articles

Alternator or Car Battery: How to Tell Which Part Is the Problem
When When you need to go somewhere and your car won’t start, it’s not unreasonable to think that you could have a car charging problem. A jump start might fix it in the short term and get you to work...
How to Dispose of Car Batteries
Car batteries have chemicals which can damage the environment. Dispose of car batteries at a battery recycling center or a local auto supply store.
How to Buy a Battery for Your Car
Your Your car battery is a storage device for the electrical power you need to start your car and operate your car’s options. If your car battery isn’t working as it should, you may not be able to start your...