A car that won’t start is always frustrating, but even more so if all you get is a clicking sound when you turn the key. This can be caused by a number of issues, from a dead battery or faulty starter motor to a bad alternator or electrical connection. Fortunately, there are a few tricks you can try to help diagnose and fix the problem. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting the problem that car won’t jump start just clicks.
Cause of Car’s Clicking Sound When It Won’t Jump Start
If you’re having trouble jump starting your car and all you hear is a clicking sound, it’s essential to diagnose the problem correctly. Rapid clicking usually indicates a problem with the battery or alternator, and one single click may mean a faulty starter.
A simple way to check if your battery is the issue is by turning on the headlights. If they’re dim or don’t turn on at all, that’s an indicator that the battery is weak or dead. However, if they turn on brightly, then it’s most likely not the battery that’s causing the problem. A defective alternator could also be the root of the problem as it’s the unit that continually charges the battery.
In contrast, a malfunctioning starter motor won’t turn the engine over, and you’ll hear a single click when you turn the key. Checking the connections and testing the battery with a multimeter is the best way to assess the issue. Still, if you’re unsure, it’s best to have a professional mechanic diagnose and fix the problem to avoid further damage and ensure your safety.
Common causes of a car that won’t jump start
Dead Battery
The most common cause of a car not starting, especially when it clicks, is a dead battery. A weak or old battery can’t generate enough power to turn the starter motor, causing the clicking sound. If you suspect a dead battery, try jump-starting your car or replacing the battery.
Corroded Battery Connections
Another common cause of a clicking sound when you turn the key is corroded battery terminals. The corrosion can prevent the battery from making a good connection with the starter motor. In this case, you may need to clean or replace the battery connections.
Failed Starter Motor
A faulty starter motor can also cause a clicking sound when you turn the key. The motor might not be able to turn the engine over, preventing the car from starting. In this case, you may need to replace the starter motor.
Failed Solenoid
The solenoid is a small device that acts as a bridge between the battery and the starter motor. If the solenoid fails, it won’t allow the power to reach the starter motor, causing a clicking sound. In this case, the solenoid might need to be replaced.
Bad Alternator
If the alternator isn’t working properly, your car won’t be able to recharge the battery, leading to a clicking sound when you turn the key. You may need to replace the alternator.
Ignition Switch Problems
Problems with the ignition switch can also prevent your car from starting. If the switch is faulty, it won’t send the signal to the starter motor, leading to a clicking sound. In this case, you may need to replace the ignition switch.
Diagnosing and Troubleshooting a Car That Won’t Jump Start
Testing the Battery
The first step is to check the battery. Use a voltmeter to test the battery’s charge. If the battery is weak or dead, you may need to jump start your car or replace the battery.
Inspecting Battery Connections
If the battery is in good shape, inspect the battery connections for corrosion. Use a wire brush to clean the terminals and make sure the connections are tight.
Testing the Starter Motor
If the battery and connections are fine, test the starter motor. Try tapping the starter motor with a wrench or hammer while someone else tries to start the car. If this works, it might indicate a faulty starter motor.
Verifying the Solenoid Function
If tapping the starter motor doesn’t work, check the solenoid. You can test this by bypassing the solenoid with a piece of wire. If the motor turns over when you do this, the solenoid might need to be replaced.
Checking the Alternator
An alternator that isn’t working properly can also prevent a car from starting. Use a voltmeter to test the alternator’s output. If it’s not generating enough power, you may need to replace the alternator.
Testing the Ignition Switch
If all else fails, check the ignition switch. You may need to replace it if it’s not sending power to the starter motor. It’s also a good idea to check the fuses and relays that control the starting system.
Prevention of a Car That Won’t Jump Start
1. Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your car’s electrical system can prevent breakdowns and the need for jump starts. It is essential to service the battery, alternator, and starter as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Timely car maintenance helps avoid sudden breakdowns and ensures that your car is in good working condition.
2. Replace Battery When Needed
Batteries don’t last forever and do wear out over time. It is wise to replace the car batteries every three to four years to avoid sudden power lapses. An old battery’s reduced performance can lead to starting problems, especially on cold mornings.
3. Keep Battery Terminals Clean
Corrosion on battery terminals is a common problem in most cars and can cause starting problems. Maintaining a clean connection without corrosion deposits at the terminals helps improve electrical conductivity and prolongs battery life.
4. Check Alternator Output Regularly
The alternator is one of the critical components of your car battery charging system. However, when it starts to malfunction, it can lead to starting problems. Diagnosing alternator problems such as reduced charging capacity or worn-out belts can prevent power lapses and starting problems.
5. Turn Off Electrical Devices When Not in Use
Using electrical devices while the engine is off can drain the battery and lead to starting problems. If you leave the headlights or an interior light on overnight, it will discharge the battery. It is important to turn off all electrical devices when not in use to conserve battery life.
Jump Starting a Car That Won’t Start
Safety Precautions
Jump starting a car battery can be dangerous, so you must observe the following precautions before connecting any cables.
- Do not smoke near the battery
- Keep the engine off
- Wear protective gloves and eye-glasses
- Avoid making sparks near the battery
- Ensure that the cables are correctly connected
Proper Procedure for Jump Starting
You can jump-start your car by connecting it to a booster car’s battery or via a portable jump starter. If you use another car’s battery as the booster, you should properly connect the booster cables to specific points on each battery. Always use jumper cables of proper gauge size and make connections according to the recommended sequence.
Checking Charging System After Jump Start
After jump starting, your car battery may not recharge fully, especially if the charging system has issues. Check the alternator output and battery charging system to make sure that the battery is charging correctly after the jump start. You can take the vehicle to a professional mechanic for a more accurate diagnosis of the charging system.
Tips to Make Jump Starting a Car Safe and Effective
How to Properly Connect Jumper Cables
Connecting jumper cables the right way is essential to ensuring safe and effective jump starting.
- Start by positioning both cars close to each other, then turn off the engines and open the hoods.
- The next step is to identify the positive and negative terminals of the batteries and connect the jumper cables accordingly.
- Attach the red cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery and then the positive terminal of the live battery.
- Then, attach the black cable to the negative terminal of the live battery and then to a metal surface of the dead car, ensuring it is away from the battery.
Procedure to Follow When Jump Starting in the Rain
Jump starting in the rain presents its own set of challenges.
- Start by ensuring the jumper cables and your hands are dry.
- Then, take precautions to keep the cables away from any puddles or metal parts of the vehicle.
- Follow the regular steps of jumping a car, being careful not to connect the negative cable to the dead battery under wet conditions.
When to Use a Jump Box and How to Properly Connect
A jump box, also known as a jump starter, is a small portable battery that can revive a dead battery without the need for another vehicle. It’s useful in cases of emergency when another vehicle isn’t around.
To properly connect a jump box, start by ensuring the engine is off, then attach the black clamp to the negative terminal of the dead battery, followed by the red clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery. After the connections, turn on the ignition of the dead car.
Using a Battery Charger to Fix a Car That Won’t Start
Proper Procedure for Charging a Dead Battery
To charge a dead battery correctly:
- Start by checking the battery voltage level
- Then, connect the charger to a power source and turn it on
- The next step is to connect the red clamp of the charger to the positive terminal of the battery
- Then the black clamp to the negative terminal of the battery. The charger will start to restore the battery charge.
Safety Precautions While Using a Charger
Safety should always come first when using a battery charger.
- Start by reading the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use.
- Always make sure the charger is unplugged during connection and disconnection of the clamps.
- Wear gloves and goggles and avoid short circuits by ensuring the positive and negative clamps don’t touch.
Steps to Take When the Battery Fails to Charge
If the battery fails to charge, check to ensure the charger is functional and the battery is connected correctly. If there’s no progress, the battery may be damaged and beyond repair, requiring replacement. Avoid forcing the charger to continue charging a severely damaged or discharged battery.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes
Using the Wrong Size Jumper Cables
One of the most common mistakes people make when jump starting a car is using the wrong size jumper cables. Jumper cables come in different sizes and each is designed for a specific type of vehicle. If you are using the wrong size cables, you may not be able to transfer enough power to the other vehicle’s battery.
To avoid this mistake, you should always consult your car’s owner manual to find out what type of jumper cables you need. If you don’t have the owner manual, you can ask for assistance at your local auto parts store. It’s important to ensure that you have the right size cables before attempting to jump start your car.
Incorrect Procedure for Connecting Jumper Cables
Another common mistake people make when jump starting a car is connecting the jumper cables incorrectly. This can result in serious damage to your car’s electrical system. When connecting the cables, it’s important to ensure that you follow the correct procedure.
First, connect the positive cable to the positive terminal on the dead battery and then connect the other end of the positive cable to the positive terminal on the good battery. Next, connect the negative cable to the negative terminal on the good battery and then the other end of the negative cable to a metal part of the engine block on the dead car. This will help prevent any electrical sparks from igniting gas fumes, which is highly flammable.
Attempting to Start the Car Too Soon After Connecting Cables
The last mistake people make when jump starting a car is trying to start the car too soon after connecting the cables. It’s important to let the car sit with the cable connections in place for at least 5-10 minutes before attempting to start the car. This will allow the dead battery to charge and build up enough power to start the engine.
If you try to start the car too soon, you risk damaging the electrical system and the starter motor. So, it’s essential to exercise patience while waiting for the battery to charge.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a range of reasons why your car may be clicking instead of starting, but with some basic troubleshooting and diagnostic testing, you can usually identify and fix the underlying issue. Whether it’s a simple dead battery or a more complex electrical problem, the key is to approach the problem systematically and methodically, ruling out potential causes until you find the root of the issue. With a bit of patience and perseverance, you can get your car back on the road and running smoothly once again.