Owning a car undoubtedly brings convenience to our lives, but when our trusty vehicles refuse to start and all we hear is a repetitive clicking sound, it can be quite disheartening. This perplexing issue has troubled countless car owners, leaving them bewildered and in need of answers. In this article, we will delve into the common causes behind a Car wont start just clicks, shedding light on the intricacies of this predicament and providing you with valuable insights to address it.
A Depleted Battery: The Usual Culprit
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One of the most frequent culprits behind the mysterious clicking sound is a dead or weak battery. This disheartening sound you hear is often the result of the starter relay attempting to engage, but failing due to insufficient power. A battery may become weak for various reasons, such as inadvertently leaving the lights on overnight or the natural deterioration of an aging battery nearing the end of its lifespan.
One potential solution for this issue is to try jump-starting your vehicle by connecting jumper cables to another car with a functioning battery. It is vital to make sure that both vehicles are turned off before proceeding. Once the cables are properly connected, start the engine of the assisting vehicle and let it run for several minutes. Afterward, attempt to start your own car. If it starts successfully, this indicates a weak battery that may need to be replaced.
A Defective Starter Motor: A Less Common Culprit
While a dead battery is the primary suspect, a faulty starter motor can also be to blame for the perplexing clicking sound. The starter motor plays a crucial role in initiating the combustion process within the engine. If it malfunctions, instead of hearing the satisfying sound of an engine starting, you might find yourself listening to the frustrating clicks.
There is a simple test you can conduct to confirm whether the starter motor is at fault. Enlist the assistance of a friend and have them gently tap the starter motor with a wrench or a similar tool while you turn on the car’s ignition. If the vehicle starts, it indicates a defective starter motor that necessitates replacement. However, it is extremely important to consult a professional mechanic for a comprehensive diagnosis and proper repair.
Corroded Battery Connections: A Hidden Culprit
An often overlooked culprit that can lead to the clicking sound is corrosion on the battery terminals. This build-up of corrosion, which typically appears as a white or green substance, can impede the flow of electricity, resulting in a weak or intermittent connection. Ultimately, this prevents the battery from delivering sufficient power to start the car, causing the dreaded clicks.
Cleaning the battery terminals is a relatively straightforward process. Start by ensuring the engine is off and the car is parked with the parking brake engaged. Loosen the nut on the negative terminal and detach the cable. Repeat the same process for the positive terminal. Utilize a battery terminal cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water to effectively remove the corrosive build-up. Once the terminals are clean, reconnect the cables tightly, starting with the positive terminal, and ensure they are securely fastened.
A Faulty ignition Switch: An Uncommon Culprit
While less common than the aforementioned causes, a faulty ignition switch can also contribute to a car just clicking instead of starting. The ignition switch transmits an electrical signal to the starter motor when the key is turned. However, if the switch is worn out or damaged, it may fail to establish the necessary electrical connection for the starter motor to engage, leaving you perplexed by the clicks.
Diagnosing an issue with the ignition switch generally requires the knowledge and expertise of a professional mechanic. They possess the tools and skills necessary to inspect the switch and related components, providing a thorough diagnosis and determining whether repair or replacement is needed.
Encountering the dreaded scenario of a Car wont start just clicks but unrelentingly clicks can be an exasperating experience. Through a comprehensive understanding of the potential causes, you can confront and tackle this predicament head-on. Keep in mind that a dead battery, a faulty starter motor, corroded battery connections, or a malfunctioning ignition switch are all potential culprits. While some issues can be resolved with simple remedies, others necessitate the expertise of a qualified mechanic. By identifying the underlying cause and taking appropriate action, you will be back on the road, leaving behind the frustrating clicks, and embracing the open highway once more.
Lauren Wilson