Here's why your car won't start and just clicking noise

Car wont start clicking noise problems are often felt by most car users. However, the problem of a car wont start and just clicking noise also occurs sooner after the car's engine is turned off. Moreover, this condition often occurs after the car is parked long enough.

The problem arises also accompanied by low light from the indicator lights in the dashboard panel. If the contact key is in the ON position, the lights of this indicator still look bright and like no problem.

But when you turn the ignition key to the ST (starter) position, it won't start, clicking noise, and is accompanied by dimming indicator lights. It indicates that the starter motor cannot rotate properly. So, here's why your car wont start clicking noise

1. Dead battery

A dead battery is the most common reason why your car not starting clicking noise. As we know, the battery is the main component to provide electrical power, mostly when your car engine is not running.

The dead battery indicates that the electric current inside the battery is lacking or runs out. The battery power cannot use to drive the starter motor. A large amount of electric current is needed to make the starter motor rotate and work perfectly. This electric power needs can only provide if the car battery is in good condition.

Here are some things to indicate the dead battery :

When the ignition is turned into the START position, all dashboard indicator lights flash, and the starter motor clicking noise
When the ignition is at the ON position and presses the horn button, the horn sound weakens.

To ensure these conditions, use a digital voltmeter to measure the voltage of a car battery. A good car battery voltage to drive the starter motor to function properly is between 11-12.6 volts. If the car battery voltage is less than 11 volts, this is why your car wont start clicking noise. Read: How to disconnect a car battery ?

2. Faulty Starter motor

The second common reason why your car not starting clicking noise is a faulty starter motor. Checking the starter motor requires some special equipment, well knowledge, disassembly and reassembly, and inspection. You need skilled and experienced technicians to check the starter motor.

Here are some components of the starter motor that make your car wont start clicking noise

A. Broken solenoid starter (magnetic switch)

A solenoid starter (magnetic switch) drives the pinion gear to connect with the ring gear and a switch to deliver a large electric current onto the field coil (field coil) and armature coil.

There are two reasons for a broken solenoid starter. First due to a short circuit in the solenoid coil. Second, the relay and fuse in the electrical circuit for the solenoid starter breaks or short circuit.

Perform inspection of the resistance and connection to the solenoid coil, relay, and fuse using a digital ohmmeter. If there is no connection from the solenoid coil, the solenoid is broken and needs to be replaced.

B. Worn out Carbon Brush

The carbon Brush is located inside the starter motor. It functions as a carrier of electric current from the battery to the armature coil component. The electric flow makes the armature rotates.

A broken carbon brush makes the electric current from the car battery unable to flow fully towards the armature. It makes the armature does not have enough ability to rotate the engine. It makes clicking noise when starting car.

C. Burnt Field coils and Armature coils

Burnt field coils and armature coils is another reason why your car wont start clicking noise. If this happens, do a complete replacement of the motor starter. The price of the repair component (both field coil and armature) is not much different from the starter motor assembly.

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3. Faulty electrical wiring on Starting system and components

The last reason your car not starting clicking noise is faulty electrical wiring on the starting system and its components. These problems arise from connections between the socket and connector that connect each component in a loose or obstructed condition.

As a result, the electrical current between the components in the starter system is disrupted. It makes clicking noise when starting car. Checking the connection of each component in the starting system must be done carefully to correct the problem.