Car won't start: Causes and solutions
A car that won't start is a fairly common and frustrating problem for many car owners. Signs of this fault can include certain characteristic noises.
Below are some tips to help car owners better understand this problem, including how to fix it so that the car can start again.
What does the clicking sound indicate?
When you turn the key or press the start button and only hear a clicking sound, that's the starter gear hitting the flywheel or clutch plate (depending on whether it's a manual or automatic transmission).
If you only hear a single click when starting the car, it means the starter motor attempted to operate, but simply didn't receive enough power to start the engine.
Meanwhile, if the starter gear is constantly hitting the crank plate or flywheel and your car still won't start, it means the car has a different problem.
What is the cause?
When the engine fails to start, this is usually due to a number of reasons, including:
1. The battery is malfunctioning.
To date, the most common reason your car makes a clicking sound when trying to start is a dead or faulty battery.
In this case, the battery will have enough power to start the engine once, but once it has started, it will not have enough power to crank the engine or for the next start.
2. The generator is faulty.
The alternator charges the battery while you drive, and if this component fails, the battery will not be recharged. The only question then is when the battery will run out of power.
If you only recharge the battery without replacing the alternator, the battery drain problem will inevitably happen again sooner or later.
3. Corroded/loose connections
Sometimes everything in your car is working fine, it's just that the connections between the battery and the starter motor are having problems.
The cause could be a loose wire or a corroded (oxidized) connection point. This may seem minor, but it's enough to prevent your car from starting.
4. The set of questions is broken.
Signs of a malfunctioning starter motor include the flywheel pushing in and out, then returning to its original position, and subsequently lacking the power to start the engine.
When you intentionally turn and hold the key or press the ignition button, this process will repeat itself and you will hear a continuous clicking sound.
So what should you do in these situations?
Above, the article provided a step-by-step guide on how to find out exactly why your car is making clicking noises and won't start. Below are the steps to fix it.
1. Check the connections.
This is the rarest problem, but it's also the easiest to rule out with visual inspection. All you need to do is open the hood and check the battery terminals for any unusual connections.
Ensure they remain tight and free of any corrosion. Clean the connectors and tighten the connections if necessary.
2. Check the battery.
Once you've verified the connections are secure, proceed to test the battery. Check both the battery voltage and the cold start current at this step.
If the battery voltage reaches 12.6V or higher but is not sufficient for cold start current (CCA), you will still need to replace the battery. If both parameters meet the requirements, proceed to the next step.
3. Charge the battery.
A battery with insufficient voltage doesn't necessarily mean you have to replace it. Therefore, you should try recharging the battery before considering replacement.
4. Check the battery.
After fully charging the battery, check it again. Typically, the battery should have a voltage of 12.6V and sufficient current for your vehicle. If the battery is having problems with either of these, it's time to replace it.
5. Check if the car starts.
Once the battery is fully charged, check if your car will start. If it starts, you can rule out a starter motor problem and move on to the next step.
6. Inspect the generator.
When the car can start after a full battery charge, the problem is likely due to the alternator. If you ignore the alternator malfunction, a sudden breakdown on the road is almost inevitable.
When testing a generator, the voltage measured while the engine is running should be close to 14V. If it doesn't reach this level, the generator may be faulty and needs to be replaced.
7. Check the question set.
If you've completed the first six steps of this troubleshooting guide and your car still won't start, then the starter motor is almost certainly the main reason why the car won't start.
What you need to do now is call a professional mechanic to replace the starter motor, or you'll have to use a tow truck to take your car to a reputable garage for a complete replacement.
