If your car will not start, but the lights come on, and you hear a clicking noise, then you have what is known as a dead battery. It may seem easy to solve, but many car owners make mistakes when they try to get their cars to start again on their own, which can cause even more problems.
You must follow certain procedures if you want to get your car back up and running safely and quickly, so read on to learn how to troubleshoot your car when the lights come on but it won’t start.
Car Makes A Single Click When Trying To Start
If your car makes a single click when you turn the key, it could be any number of things:
- Check to see if your battery is dead by testing the voltage with a voltmeter. If it’s below 12 volts, you’ll need to recharge or replace it.
- Check your starter solenoid and starter motor. If either of these is damaged, they’ll need to be replaced.
- Check your ignition switch and make sure it’s in the on position.
You may also want to test the wires for damage that would prevent electricity from reaching your starter.
Car Makes A Series Of Rapid Clicks
If your car has power but won’t start, it could be due to several issues. First, check the battery to see if it needs to be jump-started or replaced.
The problem may be with the starter or ignition system if the battery is fine. Hearing a series of rapid clicks when you turn the key indicates that the starter solenoid is not engaging. This could be due to a bad starter, loose wiring, or a problem with the ignition switch.
Why is Your Car Making A Clicking Noise?
If your car won’t start, but the lights come on, it could signify a few different things. It could be something as simple as a dead battery or something more serious, like a problem with the starter. If you hear a clicking noise when you turn the key, your battery is likely the culprit.
However, if you don’t hear any noise at all, it’s possible that your starter is to blame. A bad starter can keep your car from starting up, and they’re not always easy to diagnose. To get the best idea of what might be wrong with your vehicle, take it in for an inspection by a certified mechanic.
The Drive’s Garage Guide To Replacing Your Starter
The starter is one of the most important parts of your car, and if it’s not working, neither is your car. If you’re having trouble starting your car, you can do a few things to troubleshoot the problem. First, check the battery.
If the battery is dead, you’ll need to replace it. If the battery is fine, check the starter. If the starter is clicking but not turning over, it may be damaged and need replacement. If the starter is trying to turn over but not making any progress, there may be an obstruction in the flywheel.
Lastly, if none of these steps work and you know that your battery is charged or has enough power to start the engine, then something else may be wrong with your vehicle. It would be best if you had a mechanic look at it before attempting anything else.
Everything You’ll Need To Replace Your Starter
When you turn your key, a clicking noise usually indicates a problem with your starter. If your car’s lights come on but won’t start, this is likely the issue. The first thing to do is to inspect the battery and cables for corrosion or loss of connections.
If that doesn’t fix the problem, check for other potential issues like a clogged fuel filter or dirty throttle body. If these don’t fix the issue, you may need to replace your starter.
Here’s what you’ll need to replace your starter
1) Pliers or ratchet set
2) Socket wrench or socket set
3) Screwdriver or pry bar
4) Replacement Starter
5) New Battery (if the old battery doesn’t work)
6) Charging Cable
7) Fluid Wrench
8) Eye Protection
9) Ratchet Wrench
10) Jack
11) Wheel Chocks
12) C-Clamp
13) Locking C-Clamp
14) Jumper Cable
15 ) Wire
16 ) Electrical Tape
17 ) Compressed Air
18 ) Drain Pan
19 ) Debris Shield
20 ) Hex Nut Wrench
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost To Replace a Battery?
If your car won’t start, but the lights come on, it could be a sign that your battery is dead. Replacing a battery can be expensive, so it’s essential to know how much it will cost before you take your car to the mechanic.
Depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the type of battery you need, replacement batteries can cost anywhere from $50 to $200.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace a Starter?
If your car won’t start, but the lights come on, it could be a sign that your starter needs to be replaced. This can be costly, but it is often necessary to get your car back up and running.
The cost of replacing a starter will vary depending on the make and model of your car, but it is typically between $200 and $400.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace an Alternator?
If your car won’t start, but the lights come on, it could be a sign that your alternator is going bad. Alternators can go bad gradually or suddenly, and when they do, they can cause all sorts of problems.
For example, if you’re driving and notice that your battery light is coming on periodically, you might have an alternator problem. Replacing an alternator isn’t cheap, though – it can cost up to $500 for just one new one!
Can Disconnect the Battery Fix the Clicking?
One common issue that can cause your car to click when you turn the key but not start is a dead battery. If your lights are coming on, your battery has enough power to run some of the electrical components in your car but not enough to start the engine.
There are a few ways to test whether or not your battery is the issue:
- Disconnecting the battery for about five minutes and reconnecting it.
- If your headlights and dashboard lights come on after disconnecting the battery, but the clicking persists, it could indicate an alternator problem.
- If your headlights and dashboard lights don’t come on when you disconnect the battery from your car, then there may be an issue with one of those parts, and it should be checked out by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.
Conclusion
If your car won’t start, but the lights come on, there are a few potential causes. First, check if your battery is dead by testing it with a voltmeter. If it’s dead, you’ll need to replace it. If your battery is fine, the next step is to test your starter with a multimeter.
If it’s not getting power, you’ll need to replace it. If it is receiving power and working properly, the problem could be related to your engine control unit (ECU). If you’ve found that everything checks out with no fixes, ensure all of your fuses are still in place and that none have blown or popped. You may also want to inspect for loose connections around the circuit board or other wires.
Also Read: How To Fix Engine Power Reduced