10 Causes of Car Not Starting with a Clicking Sound & Their Solutions

Almost everyone has experienced the car not starting with a ticking sound, especially when the car has been parked for too long. This is usually only realized when you try to start the car.

Before starting and when the car key is in the ON position, it seems like there is no problem because the indicator lights are still brightly lit.

However, when you try to start it, the indicator lights dim and a ticking sound occurs. If you have also experienced this problem, here are the causes and solutions for it.

Causes of Car Not Starting with Ticking Sound

Both manual and automatic cars can experience the issue of not starting, but the lights are still on.

What actually causes this? There are 10 reasons why a car suddenly cannot start and makes a ticking sound. Read more below.

1. Car Battery Condition is Weak

The cause of the car not starting and having difficulty starting is due to the car battery condition being weak.

Usually, the car battery feels insufficient to start the engine. A weak battery is caused by the charge inside the battery being reduced or even depleted. 

2. Corrosion on the Spark Plug

When you experience a car that cannot start but the battery is still good, there is usually a problem with your car's spark plug.

The spark plug is a component of the car that acts as the ignition component in the car engine and functions to ignite the fuel and air through the piston action to start the car.

If the spark plug is corroded, it will hinder the ignition process of the engine, making it difficult to start.

3. Starter Motor and Relay Issues

The car starter motor is the component that first functions to turn the engine to make it easier to start when you turn the key.

Meanwhile, the car starter relay functions to power the starter motor. So if the starter motor is weak and has issues, the car cannot start even if the engine is already warm.

4. Timing Belt Issues

The timing belt is a tool that functions to maintain the distance between the valves and the piston so that they do not touch each other. If the timing belt has issues, the car will not be able to start and will make a rough sound.

5. Alternator Damage

Why can a car sometimes not start? This can be caused by a damaged alternator.

The alternator functions as a device to recharge the battery to meet the electrical power needs when the car engine is running. 

6. Oil Has Not Circulated

Another cause is due to oil that has not circulated to the engine, causing the upper part of the engine to be dry and the engine cannot operate optimally. 

7. Loose Starter Motor

Why can the car starter motor be damaged? This is because the starter motor is loose. Therefore, make sure the starter motor is properly fitted and not loose.

The function of the starter motor is to drive the four pistons inside the car engine. If the starter is loose, it can cause a ticking sound when the car is started. 

8. Starter Motor Pinion Gear 

You should know that the starter system cannot be separated from the presence of the pinion gear component. Essentially, this component is a small gear that is mounted between the flywheel and the starter motor. 

The function of the pinion gear is to connect the gear on the flywheel and the starter motor. Thus, both components will rotate together. 

Generally, the problem that occurs is that the pinion gear wears out and gets damaged. Thus, it cannot help connect the starter motor and flywheel. 

This causes the rotation of the starter motor and flywheel to not function normally and produces a ticking sound.

9. Oil That Has Not Circulated 

A car that cannot start with a ticking sound is also caused by oil that has not circulated or has not entered the engine. 

Problems with oil can also occur because the upper part of the engine is not coated with oil, making it dry and not functioning optimally. This can happen because the oil remains collected in the oil pan or the carter of the car. 

Because the system cannot draw oil properly, there is no proper lubrication. As a result, friction and the engine valve mechanism produce a ticking sound.

Usually, problems related to oil do not need to be worried about. Just wait until the engine oil circulates again, then try starting it again to see if the oil has circulated. 

Read Also: Check Out the Proper and Safe Way to Start Your Car

10. Issues with Engine Mounting 

Engine mounting is actually a device that serves as the engine mount. Although it is not directly related, it is possible that the car cannot start with a ticking sound because there is something wrong with this component. You should know that this mounting will stabilize the engine position and dampen vibrations when the car is running. 

This damper will absorb vibrations and sounds. However, if the rubber and its location are not correct, it can produce a ticking sound.

Generally, this problem can occur because the damper rubber is torn and there is a collision from other engine components. You should check this condition regularly. 

How to Fix a Car That Cannot Start with Ticking Sound

1. Recharge the Car Battery or Replace It with a New One 

The battery is a component that functions like a machine that stores and supplies electrical power in a vehicle.

Thus, it has a significant impact as a power supplier for various other components such as the fuel pump and for starting the car. 

If the battery has issues such as the charge starting to decrease or being weak, it is advisable to recharge the battery or replace it with a new one.

Check first before proceeding with the replacement or charging of the battery; you can use a voltmeter to check the battery voltage, ensuring it is at least 12.6 Volts.

2. Always Check the Condition of the Car Spark Plugs and Maintain Their Cleanliness

Make sure you always pay attention to the cleanliness of the spark plugs; if necessary, scrub the dirty parts with rust cleaner.

3. Check the Starter Motor and Relay

Ensure that your starter motor is not loose; perform regular checks to determine if the starter motor and starter relay are experiencing damage. 

4. Replace the Timing Belt Periodically

Make sure you replace the car's timing belt on time according to the manufacturer's maintenance manual. Normally, the timing belt is replaced every 5 years or equivalent to a distance of 60,000 miles.

5. Regularly Check the Alternator

To check whether the alternator is functioning properly or not, you can turn the rotating belt on the alternator; if there is a sound when turned, it means it is damaged.

Don't forget to also check the alternator rubber for any burnt smell or not.

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