It is normal for any working vehicle to make noises, but what if your car won’t stop clicking? You may be wondering if it is okay or if you need to pull over right away. Though noises coming from your vehicle are not unusual, non-stop clicking noises are not normal. If your car won’t stop clicking, you may find yourself having internal problems. This article is your guide to help you know why your car keeps making a clicking noise and what you can do to solve the problem.
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Let’s get down to the basics. Many drivers would instantly point the problem to the battery when their vehicle makes unstoppable noises. But there are also other factors why your car is acting up. In the next sections, you will be introduced to the causes of the clicking noises, how to tell what is wrong with your car, and how to fix or replace components.
Why won’t the car stop clicking?
If you listen carefully, you will notice that vehicles make different noises signaling problems caused by the car’s varying components. Dragging and whining noises are different from clicking noises. Clanking and grinding noises point to transmission problems. While clicking noises traces issues on the following:
- Your car’s battery is drained
Many things could drain your car’s battery. You may have left the headlights on. You may be dealing with harsh weather. Intense heat and intense cold can make it difficult for the battery to work as well as it used to. Whether it is the elements or internal forces causing battery drainage, it is a sure cause of clicking sounds in your car.
- Cables have loose connections
Another problem that you can find is the cables which are connected to the battery. These components may come loose due to difficult terrain or road vibrations. Once the connections become loose, it will be harder to conduct electricity. Additionally, corrosion may build up inside the cables. Corrosion is a big problem since it can damage the battery if left unattended or uncleaned.
- Your car’s battery is already damaged
One of the main reasons why your car won’t stop clicking is when the battery itself is damaged. Typically, your vehicle’s battery can last more than six years at most and of course, this depends on the area where you drive and how you drive. But normally, batteries last long and are durable. If your vehicle lives on the same battery for more than six years, you may need to have it replaced. Older batteries have difficulty operating especially during the winter and summer seasons. Many car components stores offer free battery checks so you’ll know if you need a new one.
- Your car’s alternator has issues
The alternator serves a simple purpose, it is the component that recharges the car’s battery. If the alternator is not working as it should then you can expect that the battery will not as well. When starting the motor, the battery’s stored power needs replenishment from the alternator. However, a damaged alternator will also damage an otherwise good battery. If you suspect that the problem lies on the alternator and not in the battery, have your vehicle checked by a professional.
The problems listed above are not all the reasons why your car won’t stop clicking. This can also happen because of problems in the suspension system. You may have already heard clicking noises when you start your vehicle. At times you will hear only a single click. It is most frustrating when you are dealing with continuous clicking. Most drivers encountered the same dilemma after years of driving. Thus, you have lots of resources to know how to get out of this situation. You came to the right resource. Keep reading to find out what you can do to fix the clicking noises.
How do I know the problem with my car that won’t stop clicking?
Many car drivers force start their vehicles to deal with the spray of clicking. However, force starting your vehicle may not be the best solution to fix the issue. This section will guide you on the steps you can take to fix your car and stop the jarring noises.
- Check your vehicle for the causes listed in the preceding section
As you learned in the last section, the causes of the clicking noises can be traced from a faulted battery, a damaged alternator, and even corroded cables. Check your car for these damaged components. You may also need to have your engine checked. Any issue related to the engine spells danger for you and your vehicle. At times, the clicking noises are due to the unresponsive engine.
- Give your car a jump-start
Make sure that your battery gets charged completely. You get clicking noises if your battery’s charge is insufficient. The easiest solution is to jump-start your car with the help of another battery. If you opt to do this, you need cables that are in good condition. You may also decide to replace your battery. Unquestionably, a new battery will work better than an old one. Battery replacement costs between 130 to 500 dollars depending on the model of your car and how long the old battery has been used. Aside from replacement, you may opt to have your battery fixed. Make sure that you give your car proper maintenance. Vehicles that are frequently maintained last longer and can give you advantages even if they get old. You may decide to sell your vehicle one day. A well-maintained vehicle has more chances to be bought, and at a good price.
- Get your battery checked
Cleaning your battery will help you know if it is really why your car won’t stop clicking. Rub the debris off of the terminals of the battery. Tighten the terminals carefully and get the battery recharged for about 10 minutes. Test your battery. Start your vehicle. If you still hear clicking noises, you may have your battery checked by a skilled technician. Consider checking if other parts of your car need fixing or replacement. Clicking sounds automatically stop once the issue is resolved.
How do I stop my car from clicking?
The first thing you can do to start the clicking noise is to jump-start your car. If the car won't stop clicking, it is safe to assume that there is a problem with your car's battery. There are instances when the car produces sounds that seem problematic. Clicking usually occurs in different forms. It could be just a single click sound from your car now and then or multiple and continuous clicks that just abruptly came out of your car. Whatever sound you might be hearing, as long as your car won't stop clicking, you must address them as soon as you can.
Normally, problems with the charging system or the starter of the vehicle can be the reasons why your car won't stop clicking. The clicking sounds are your car's way of telling you that there are internal problems with the engine. The issue could be with the wire connections, battery terminals, or alternator. Such issues can be enough to make your car halt though you are trying to start the engine. Remember that when this issue occurs, there are some things you can do. Here are a few of them:
- Jump-start your car
Learning how to jump-start your car can help you big time especially when dealing with an alternator or engine issue. It is your way of charging your battery so your car can start running again. The importance of jump-starting your car when it won't stop clicking cannot be more emphasized. It is the first thing to do to test and confirm that you have a dead battery. Of course, your car will show signs that your battery is getting low or is going to die soon. If you ignore your car's signals, you might suffer a dead battery and experience it at the most inconvenient moment. Do not drive without precaution. Carry a set of jumper cables in your automobile in case you experience trouble while on the road.
- Check the wirings and battery cables
Thorough inspections of the battery terminals are also a vital step in addressing issues when the car won't stop clicking. Check if anything is hindering the starter from receiving electricity from the engine which in turn affects the overall movement of the car. Make sure that there are no loose wires and that they are working properly.
- Keep an eye on corroded components
Corrosion can perpetuate major problems in your car. In case your car won't stop clicking, corrosion is something you must be more aware of since it can make the problem even worse. If ever you discover traces of corrosion in your wirings and cable connections, urgently remove it before it causes extensive damage. One simple solution that you can try is coating the corroded area with baking soda. After you do so, pour a small amount of water into the corroded part. You will notice the solution bubbling. Start brushing away the dirt and rust.
- Push the car to start
This step will need some manpower. There are some instances when your car won't stop clicking whenever you turn the key on. This is one of your car's usual reactions when it is experiencing a problem with the starter. You can ask someone to push your car to start it or you can also do it yourself. Push-starting the car can help reduce the strain on your starter. It can also reduce the needed electricity to drive smoothly. This works if the problem is with the starter and not the battery.
- Replace your battery
Continuous clicking noises are commonly caused by battery issues. Once you have confirmed that the battery is the main reason why your car won't stop clicking, you can make arrangements with a professional to have the battery repaired or replaced.
Those are just a few of the instant solutions for a problem like when your car won't stop clicking. However, be reminded that getting your car checked or repaired in a car shop or by a professional is also on top of your options to stop your car from its repeated clicking.
Does a bad starter make a clicking noise?
Yes, you can be notified if you have a bad starter when your car produces a click sound. As mentioned above, there are various sounds that your car can make which can mean that it is having some internal problems and clicking is one of those sounds. Your car can make a single clicking noise to indicate that your starter is going out. Don't worry, the clicking would be loud enough for you to hear.
You might already be aware that automobile issues such as when your car won't stop clicking are closely related to the car battery and engine. This, in turn, negatively affects your driving. In some cases, you might not be able to drive at all especially when the battery dies. You can take on the problem from its roots and
A bad starter can get you wondering why your car won't stop clicking every time you start your car or press your key to start the engine. The good news is that the clicking can be stopped. There are even alternatives that you can try on your own. It will also save you from having to pay for repairs or labor costs.
There are a few steps you can take when your car won't stop clicking each time you push the start button. You can try replacing or repairing your starter. Do not let such a task make you anxious. Replacing a starter can be done by a beginner. You just need the right set of tools and simple instructions to follow to successfully do the job. A car that won't stop clicking can use some help with its starter and the repair can last for about 1 to 2 hours.
Your car has its language which it expresses through distinct sounds that translate to the problems that it is experiencing. This guide has helped you learn the reasons why your car won't stop clicking and what you can do about it. All in all, saving your car does not rely wholly on the type of repair you are going to do. It also depends on your observation and understanding of the sounds that your car is making. The earlier you decipher what the noises in your car are telling you, the better chance your car will escape ruin.