It’s completely normal to feel frustrated when the car won’t start and the starter keeps clicking. Almost every driver faces this situation from time to time. Instead of wondering why the car starting won’t stop, find a way to get out of it. If you want to know exactly what you should do in this situation and what can cause the incessant clicking in the car, you’re in the right place.
So let’s explore together how you can handle the situation when a starter clicks uncontrollably.
The Importance of the Car Starter
Since the internal combustion engine cannot run on its own, it always needs external assistance. That’s why the vehicle’s starting system was developed and plays an important role in helping the vehicle start and operate.
The starter plays a crucial role in starting the vehicle’s internal combustion engine. This system works on the principle of converting the chemical energy stored in the battery into electricity, and then into mechanical energy in the engine.
To start an internal combustion engine, the crankshaft must be rotated at a certain speed (in gasoline engines, 50 to 100 rpm) for a few turns until the engine runs at full power. It can be said that the starting system plays an extremely important role in getting the vehicle moving.
A car’s starting system consists of 6 components: the car battery, the ignition switch, the starter relay, the starter safety switch, the starter motor, and the battery cable. Each of these components performs a different task, and when they work together, they create a complete system.
The main function of a car’s starting system is to help the internal combustion engine operate.
During driving, to prevent voltage drops and the need for large-diameter cables, the starting system circuit is divided into two sub-circuits: the starter control circuit and the high-current electric starter circuit. Each type of circuit is structured and operates according to different principles.
Your Car Starter Keeps Clicking? Here’s What You Should Do
Force-starting your car may not be the right solution to handle the continuous clicking of the starter. By using the correct method, you can fix this issue and also save other car parts.
1. Find the Common Causes
Before starting to troubleshoot, it’s essential to find the cause of the car starter clicking. The most common reasons may include partial engagement of the solenoid with the engine. The starter solenoid clicking occurs either when it’s faulty, when the starter transmits the failure, or both reasons. Another reason for the starter clicking error may include the engine not responding even after the solenoid engages. In this situation, three factors can play a major role: a seized starter, a seized engine, or an internal engine failure. So check each part of the solenoid and engine to at least know why this is happening to your car.
2. Recurring Clicks
Some faults can lead to repeated clicking. Insufficient battery charge can cause clicking. You can solve this problem by jump-starting the car using other batteries and connecting the terminals with cables. You can even opt to charge the battery using an appropriate charger. If the battery is beyond repair, replace it as soon as possible. You can also use other maintenance tips to repair the battery. In the worst case, it’s better to consult experts.
3. How to Fix This Issue
The DIY method to get out of this situation includes several steps. First, clean the battery terminals. Scrub until debris is removed. Before spraying anti-corrosion solution on the terminals, tighten them as much as possible. Make sure to check the battery terminal to see if any wires are loose or hooked. Now let the battery charge for 5 to 10 minutes. If you want to charge a bit longer, use the voltmeter and get the exact setting of how much charge is being transferred to the battery. You can perform other battery tests to ensure the battery is working well and doesn’t need replacement.
To Conclude
Whenever you hear that starting noise, use these tips and solve the problem in no time. So handle your car’s starting noise like a pro!