Car Won't Start and Just Clicks? Here's What It Means

You turn the key or press the start button and all you hear is click, click, click. It's one of the most common breakdowns, and it usually comes down to a few causes.

Rapid clicking

Fast, repeated clicking usually means the starter is getting some power, but not enough. The most likely cause is a weak or flat battery. Other possibilities:

• Loose or corroded battery terminals

• A bad ground connection

• A failing alternator that hasn't been charging the battery

A single click

One loud click with no cranking can point to:

• A failing starter motor or starter solenoid

• A bad connection at the starter

• In rarer cases, an engine that's mechanically seized

What you can check safely

1. Are the headlights bright? Dim or no lights point to the battery.

2. Look at the battery terminals. White or green crust, or a loose clamp, can stop power flowing.

3. Is the car in Park or Neutral? Automatics won't start in gear, and some need the brake pedal pressed.

4. Try a jump start. If it starts with a jump, the battery or charging system is the likely problem.

Jump starting tips

• Connect red to the flat battery's positive terminal, then red to the good battery's positive.

• Connect black to the good battery's negative, then the other black to a bare metal point on the dead car's engine, away from the battery.

• Start the good car, wait a few minutes, then try the dead car.

• Remove the cables in the reverse order.

Don't keep cranking

Repeatedly trying to start the car can overheat the starter. If it doesn't start after a few attempts, it's time for a proper test.

Getting it fixed

We test the battery, charging system and starter on site to find the real cause, so you don't replace a battery when the problem is actually a bad connection or a worn starter.

Need help with this? RCJ Mobile Mechanics comes to you in Portmore, Spanish Town, Kingston, St. Andrew and across St. Catherine. Call or WhatsApp (658) 207-6565 or book a mechanic online.