The familiar sound of a car engine turning over is music to any driver’s ears. But when you turn the key in the ignition and instead hear a single click, dread sets in.
The dreaded click-no start is a common problem that can have many different causes, but it generally indicates there is an underlying issue.
I outline the reasons why your car won’t start and makes one click as well as the solutions
Here’s why your car won’t start and makes one click:
1. You have a faulty starter motor
A car that won’t start and makes one click can be caused by a faulty starter motor.
The starter motor initiates the engine’s combustion process by cranking it. When the starter motor fails or malfunctions, it can lead to a silent no start or a distinct click as it struggles to perform its intended function.
To further understand this, this is how it happens: When you turn the key to start the car, an electrical current is sent to the starter motor, prompting it to engage a gear (called a Bendix gear) that meshes with the engine’s flywheel. This action turns the engine over and starts the combustion process.
Over time, starter motors can wear out due to the mechanical stresses of engaging and disengaging the flywheel teeth.
Wear and tear on the starter motor’s internal components, such as the armature or brushes, can result in malfunctions. If these components fail to function correctly, the starter motor may not engage the flywheel properly, leading to a click instead of the expected cranking sound.
Signs of a faulty starter motor include:
- The engine cranks slowly or won’t start.
- No noise when the key is turned.
- Freewheeling or whirring noise.
- Smoke or burning smell from the engine area, particularly near the starter motor.
- Repeated need for jump-starts despite having a fully charged battery.
- Visible damage or corrosion of the starter motor which affects its performance.
Diagnosing a faulty starter motor involves checking the electrical connections, inspecting the starter for physical damage or wear, and testing the electrical components within the starter system.
If the starter motor is indeed the issue, replacing or repairing the faulty parts, or replacing the entire starter assembly is necessary to restore your car’s ability to start properly.
Consult a professional mechanic for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate repair.
Ignoring problems with the starter motor can lead to further damage and potential issues with starting your car.
2. The battery is dead
A dead or drained battery is a common reason why a car won’t start and makes one click.
The battery serves as the primary power source to initiate the electrical systems in a car, including starting the engine.
When the battery lacks sufficient charge or is completely drained, it can’t deliver the necessary electrical power to engage the starter motor, which is responsible for cranking the engine.
As a result, the starter motor may struggle to engage or turn the engine over, producing a click instead of the expected mechanical cranking sound.
Signs of a dead or dying car battery can manifest in various ways, indicating that the battery is losing its charge or nearing the end of its life. Some common signs to look out for include:
- Dimming lights
- The engine cranks slowly or won’t start
- Electrical issues of electrical components malfunction and can include issues like power windows operating sluggishly, radio or infotainment system resetting or failing.
- Warning lights on the dashboard such as the battery light, check engine light or low voltage warning, indicate potential problems with the battery or the charging system.
- Sulfur smell. In some cases, a rotten egg or sulfur-like smell might come from the battery area. This odor could indicate a leak in the battery, causing it to overheat or emit gasses.
- Old age. An older battery might struggle to hold a charge and show signs of deterioration.
To resolve a dead battery issue, jump start your car using jumper cables connected to a charged battery or a portable jump starter to provide enough power to start the engine temporarily.
If the battery is old, worn out, or unable to hold a charge, it needs replacement. A mechanic can test the battery’s condition and replace it if necessary.
Regular maintenance, such as checking the battery’s condition, ensuring proper connections, and avoiding leaving electrical components on when the engine is off, helps to prevent a dead battery and the subsequent no-start condition.
Related: Car won’t start lights dim (Explained)
3. The starter solenoid has a problem
Starter solenoid issues can also lead to your car not starting with a click.
The starter motor is accompanied by a solenoid, a magnetic switch that helps transmit electrical current to the motor. Solenoid failure can hinder the proper functioning of the starter motor.
A faulty solenoid may not relay the necessary electrical power to the starter motor, causing it to produce a click without successfully turning the engine over.
Signs of a faulty solenoid include:
- Clicking sound: When you turn the key to start your car, you may hear a clicking sound but the engine doesn’t crank. This indicates that the solenoid is not sending enough power to the starter motor.
- No cranking noise: If you don’t hear any cranking noise at all when turning the key, it might be due to a failed solenoid preventing the starter motor from engaging.
- Starter spins freely: In some cases, the starter motor may spin freely when you turn the key without actually engaging with the flywheel. This can happen when the solenoid fails to push the starter gear into the flywheel.
Diagnosing a faulty solenoid involves checking the electrical connections, and inspecting the solenoid for continuity.
If the solenoid is indeed the issue, replacing it is necessary to restore your car’s ability to start properly.
Consult a professional mechanic for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate repair.
4. Problems with the ignition switch
The ignition switch is a critical component that connects the car’s electrical system to the starter motor, allowing the engine to start.
When you turn the key in the ignition, the switch completes a circuit, allowing electricity to flow to the starter motor and other essential components.
When there are problems with the ignition switch, it can result in a silent no start or one click from the starter motor without engaging the engine due to no power flow, loose connections or wear, and faulty internal components which prevent the switch from functioning correctly.
In some cases, particularly with modern cars equipped with anti-theft systems, a malfunctioning ignition switch or related security system could prevent the car from starting.
If the security system erroneously prevents the ignition switch from engaging, it can result in a no-start condition without any noise.
Issues with the ignition switch can manifest through various signs, indicating potential problems with this important component. Common signs that suggest issues with the ignition switch are:
- Difficulty starting the car.
- Intermittent power loss while driving which leads to sudden stalling or shutting off of electrical systems while the car is in motion.
- Stalling or engine cut off while driving.
- Dashboard lights flickering.
- Accessories malfunction like power windows, radio, or air conditioning.
- Key not turning in the ignition cylinder, or difficulty in inserting or removing the key.
- The engine not shutting off completely even after removing the key from the ignition.
- Burnt or melted wires of the ignition switch area indicate potential overheating or electrical issues.
If you notice any of these signs or suspect problems with the ignition switch, have your car inspected and diagnosed by a mechanic.
Depending on the problem detected, repairing or replacing the ignition switch might be necessary to restore the proper flow of electrical signals and allow the car to start normally.
Ignition switch problems can compromise your car’s operation and safety, so addressing these issues promptly is essential to prevent potential accidents or further damage.
Related: Car won’t start lights flicker (Explained)
5. Corrosion or poor connections
A car that won’t start and produces a click can also be caused by corrosion or poor connections in your car’s electrical system, particularly in the battery terminals or cables.
This issue primarily disrupts the flow of electrical current needed to power the starter motor and other critical systems.
This can lead to the motor producing a click as it attempts to function with limited electrical energy.
Signs corrosion or poor connections within a car’s electrical system include:
- Dimming or flickering lights
- Electrical malfunctions
- Difficulty starting
- Intermittent power loss to certain systems or accessories in the car.
- Corroded battery terminals
- Stalling or engine cutouts
- Burning smell or smoke due to overheating
- Reduced fuel efficiency. While not a direct electrical symptom, poor connections affecting the car’s engine control systems might result in reduced fuel efficiency or performance issues due to improper electrical signaling.
Addressing issues related to corrosion or poor connections involves:
Cleaning the terminals: Regularly inspect and clean the battery terminals and cable connections to remove corrosion or buildup. Use a wire brush or terminal cleaner to ensure a good connection between the terminals and cables.
Tightening connections: Ensure that all connections are tight and secure. Loose connections can also lead to problems with the flow of electricity.
Replacing damaged cables: If the cables are severely corroded or damaged, it might be necessary to replace them to restore proper electrical conductivity.
Having a professional mechanic inspect the electrical system, clean corroded terminals, tighten connections, and repair any damaged wiring or components can help prevent further issues and ensure the proper functioning of your car’s electrical system.
Regular maintenance checks can also help prevent corrosion or poor connections from causing significant problems in your car.
6. Blown fuse or relay
A car that won’t start and produces a click can be caused by blown fuses or faulty relays within the car’s electrical system.
Both fuses and relays are critical components responsible for managing and controlling the flow of electricity to various systems, including the starter motor.
If a critical fuse related to the starting system is blown, it interrupts the electrical supply to the starter motor.
As a result, the starter motor won’t receive the necessary power to engage, causing the car not to start and produce no sound or a click as the starter motor struggles to perform its intended function.
In the case of the starting system, a faulty relay can fail to send the signal or power required to activate the starter motor. This failure prevents the starter motor from receiving the necessary electrical current, resulting in a silent no start or a click.
Also, when either a fuse related to the starter system blows or a relay malfunctions, it disrupts the electrical circuit needed to power the starter motor.
Without this power supply, the starter motor won’t engage, and the car won’t make any attempt to start, leading to a clicking noise and no engine turnover.
Common symptoms:
- Some electrical components or systems may stop working. This might include the power windows, interior lights, dashboard lights, radio, infotainment system, or specific sensors in the car.
- Certain systems directly related to a blown fuse or faulty relay not functioning such as headlights or turn signals stop working.
- Intermittent operation of certain electrical systems.
- Frequent burnouts of a particular fuse or if relays fail repeatedly
- Certain warning dashboard lights illuminated
- No start or no crank
Solution:
If you notice any of these signs or experience problems with electrical systems or components in your car, it’s advisable to check the fuses and relays related to the affected systems.
Occasionally, blown fuses can be identified through a visual inspection of the fuse box.
A blown fuse often has a visibly broken or burnt filament inside the fuse, while a faulty relay might show signs of damage, such as burnt or melted components.
Consult with a mechanic to locate the specific fuses or relays related to the starting system.
They will replace any blown fuses with new ones of the correct amperage rating.
Regular maintenance and periodic checks of fuses and relays can help prevent issues and ensure the proper functioning of the electrical components, preventing a no-start condition due to blown fuses or faulty relays.
7. Problems with the alternator
The alternator is an important component that generates electrical power to charge the battery and supply electricity to various systems in the car.
When the engine is running, the alternator works to maintain the battery’s charge and provide power to the electrical components. If the alternator malfunctions, it can lead to insufficient power for starting the car.
A failing alternator may not provide sufficient charging to the battery, causing it to become weak or eventually go dead.
If the alternator fails or its output is compromised, the electrical supply to the starter motor may be inadequate, leading to the motor producing a click which is struggling due to the insufficient power supply, without effectively cranking the engine.
Common symptoms:
- Dimming or flickering lights.
- Warning light on the dashboard that specifically indicates issues with the charging system or alternator.
- Weak or dead battery.
- Unusual noises such as grinding, whining, or rattling sounds.
- A burning smell often accompanied by smoke can indicate alternator overheating.
- Malfunctions in various electrical components, such as power windows, power seats, or the radio.
- Difficulty starting the car.
- Stalling or engine misfires.
- Dashboard gauges acting erratically.
Solution:
A comprehensive inspection of the alternator, including checking the belt, connections, and voltage output, is necessary to identify any potential issues.
If the alternator is determined to be faulty, replacing it is required to restore proper charging and electrical supply to the car.
Related: Car won’t start after jumping another car (Here’s why)
8. Faulty fuel system
A faulty fuel system can contribute to a car not starting, although the fuel system issue does not directly cause the presence of the click noise.
Nonetheless, if the fuel system is compromised, the engine might not receive the necessary fuel to start.
A faulty fuel system can happen due to fuel delivery problems within the fuel system, such as a clogged fuel filter, a malfunctioning fuel pump, or a fuel line blockage that disrupts the delivery of fuel to the engine, failing fuel pump or fuel pressure, fuel contamination, fuel injector issues and electrical problems with fuel system components.
Common symptoms:
- Engine misfires or stalls
- Difficulty starting the engine
- Decreased engine performance such as reduced power, sluggish acceleration, or poor fuel efficiency
- Engine sputtering or jerking
- Decreased fuel efficiency
- Strong fuel odor
- Illumination of the check engine light on the dashboard
- Rough idling
Solution:
While a faulty fuel system can lead to a no-start condition, it’s important to note that it might not directly cause a click or clicking sound commonly associated with a malfunctioning starter motor or electrical issues.
However, when addressing a no-start situation due to potential fuel system issues, a diagnostic inspection of the fuel system components, fuel pressure testing, and checks for proper fuel delivery are important steps to identify and resolve the problem.
This should be done by a qualified mechanic.