Car Won’t Start Just Clicks Symptoms
⚠️ If It's Broken, Don't Fix It - Get Paid Cash for Your Vehicle ⚠️
Your car might not start for various reasons, some of which are severe and some of which are pretty minor. However, if you just got a new battery but your car still won’t start, and just clicks, the lack of performance and turning over of the engine could be due to other reasons.
Finding out these other reasons is crucial to find out why the “new battery car won't start just clicks” situation. Oftentimes, the reason behind the car clicking is due to a faulty alternator or a broken fuse, which we will talk about later. First, let’s see the most common car won’t start symptoms and how you can troubleshoot, diagnose, and cure the “new battery car won't start just clicks” syndrome.
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The car is silent when you turn the key
If this is the case, check the new battery terminal cable connections to see if there are any loose wiring connections or damage to the new battery terminal or the wires. If the vehicle starts when you turn on the engine, you might need to check the cables on the new battery to prevent the “new battery car won't start just clicks” situation.
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Clicking noise, but won’t start
If you realize that you have a new battery, but your car won’t start, this could be due to improper battery installation. In rare circumstances, mechanics might have installed a dead battery in your car during a replacement and caused your car to make a clicking noise. This improper installation would directly cause your “new battery car won't start just clicks” condition in your vehicle.
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Cranking noise, but won’t start
If you hear noises, but your car still won’t start, you need to check your engine’s fuel supply. You can diagnose this problem by analyzing the fuel filter, the fuel lines, and the fuel injector. If they are all in good condition, check the spark plugs and see if they are sending electrical sparks and correct timing to your ignition.
Signs of a Bad Alternator
As we mentioned before, there are many reasons why your car won’t start and just clicks – one of them is a bad alternator. There are common signs and symptoms to diagnose what part of the alternator is faulty and what is causing the “new battery car won't start just clicks” condition. Troubleshooting these signs can help you determine why your car won’t start after the new battery is installed.
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Dashboard Battery Light
The most common sign and noticeable symptom there is a problem with your car clicking and not starting is a battery-shaped dashboard light. Typically, this warning light comes on when you turn the ignition and turns off when the engine is started, and you are driving your vehicle. If it remains illuminated, there is an issue with your alternator, and the “new battery car won't start just clicks” condition.
The charging system light doesn’t necessarily mean you have a failed alternator, but it does mean there’s an issue with your vehicle’s charging system. However, your mechanic will be able to determine if this has to do with your “new battery car won’t start just clicks” condition.
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Alternator Voltage Leak
The alternator plays a vital role in converting currents from the alternator into a direct current. Over time, the electricity within the alternator can run out, causing dimming lights. We recommend using a voltmeter to ensure there are no leakages and prevent having a “new battery car won't start just clicks” situation in your car.
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Loud Noises
If you hear loud noises when your alternator is running, then the belt or pulley is usually the problem. The belt could be misaligned with the pulley, causing excess friction, grinding, and overheating. If the noise continues after replacing the belt, then you need to replace the alternator to prevent a “new battery car won't start just clicks” condition.
Fuses and Ignition Switch
The second most common reason you are experiencing the “new battery car won't start just clicks” is due to faulty fuses or ignition switches. If the battery and the alternator are working in good condition and operating correctly, the next step you need to do is to check for a damaged fuse or a faulty ignition switch.
Check your car’s manual to find the fuse box to see if the fuse or metal wire is damaged. If the plastic wire is damaged or disconnected, a broken fuse might prevent power from getting to the starter relay, causing the car to not start and just click, even with a new battery.
However, if you determine that the fuse is working correctly and is not damaged, the real issue here is the ignition switch causing the “new battery car won't start just clicks” situation. The ignition switch is the part inside of the electrical switch that turns the car and engine over. Let’s see the most common signs of a damaged ignition switch.
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Stalling While Driving
A car that stalls while you are driving is a dangerous situation, regardless if you are in traffic or when you are cruising down the road. There are common reasons as to why your car stalls while driving, and how to diagnose the problem before it becomes more serious.
When there is too much moisture in the gas, it does not burn properly and disrupt engine performance. If your car is running in good condition until you fill up your gas tank, the problem is usually caused by moisture in the gas, which can be fixed by draining the gas tank or driving your car until all of the bad gas is used. Preventing poor fuel can prevent issues with the fuses and ignition switch, along with the “new battery car won't start just clicks” syndrome.
Another reason that can cause ignition switch issues leading to the “new battery car won’t start just clicks” condition is electrical wiring issues. If you have realized that any of the above reasons does not cause your car stalls while driving, it could be due to the bad electrical wiring. To find out if the cause is the bad wiring, make sure you check the car’s dial speed control system. Make sure that the wires are connected properly, and they are not rusting or having a tough time.
By preventing your car from stalling, you can not only prevent the “new battery car won’t start just clicks’ condition but also keep the power steering from going faulty. If the car engine stalls while driving, this means that your power steering will be the first thing you notice is that it will not be working anymore.
The power steering system helps the drivers steer the vehicle by changing the steering effort that is needed to turn the steering wheel, making it easier for the vehicle to turn or maneuver in specific conditions.
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Ignition Switch is Stuck
The second sign of a failing ignition switch is that the ignition switch might continuously be in the “on” position, which can consistently give power to the fuel pump and the ignition system, which can overload the sensor and cause the “new battery car won’t start just clicks” condition.
The ignition switch being stuck can go hand in hand with the ignition cylinder having issues. If the ignition cylinder has broken down over time, you might notice that the ignition switch will not work normally. If the ignition cylinder breaks, this might prevent the vehicle from starting when you turn the ignition key.
A no-start condition can also result from many other problems in your car, so you should bring your car to a local mechanic to determine the root cause of the issue. Problems with both the ignition switch and cylinder can indicate a high ignition cylinder replacement cost and cause the “new battery car won’t start just clicks’ condition.
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Electrical Accessories Do Not Turn On
In addition, the last sign of a failed ignition switch is problems with turning on the accessories in your car. When you insert the key and turn it into the on position, the accessories might not power on.
Knowing the signs of a broken ignition switch can help you figure out why your car won’t start after a new battery is installed and the vehicle just clicks. Unfortunately, diagnosing a broken ignition switch is a bit more complicated than checking for a broken fuse. However, the good way to check is if the instrument panel and dashboard lights do not turn on when the key ignition is moved, the problem is most likely with the ignition switch.
Conclusion
Now that you have an idea of what can happen if you do not address the sound of your car clicking even with a new battery, it is imperative that you pay attention to the most common signs and symptoms of internal issues with your car’s ignition system. Recognizing the signs of a bad alternator and faulty ignition switch can prevent the “new battery car won’t start just clicks” condition in your vehicle.