I Can’t Get My Car Started and the Engine Is Clicking

Main Street Automotive advises that if you can’t get your car started and the engine is clicking, the starter is going bad. The engine uses the starter to turn it over so it can bring air and fuel into the combustion chamber for engine combustion. The starter also sends electricity through the spark plug wires so they can generate sparks. Let’s talk about the signs that your starter is going bad below so you know what to look for in your automobile.

Noises Before Ignition

Aside from a clicking sound, the starter can also whir. Either sound is an indication that the starter is struggling to turn over the engine. Eventually, the starter may succeed in your engine will start. If it does, the clicking or whirring sound needs to stop. If you can still hear the sound, the starter has not disengaged. This can cause damage to your engine, so cut the engine.

The Engine Won’t Start

Unfortunately, it cannot be guaranteed that your starter will make any noise at all before it goes bad. You may hop into the driver’s seat, turn the ignition key, and end up stuck with the dead engine. If the starter is not facilitating the intake of air and fuel or providing the spark plugs with electricity, your engine is not going to start. No amount of effort will fire up the motor.

The Lights Are Working

It’s only natural to think that the engine is dead because of the battery. There is a way you can determine why your engine will start. Make sure that all of your vehicle’s lights are working. Also, make sure that they are illuminated at their normal brightness. If this is the case, the battery is just fine. The problem is most likely a dead starter in the engine.

You Smell Hot Odors

If you cannot get your engine started after a few tries, stop trying to start the motor and call for a tow truck. If you continue to turn the ignition key or press the start button, you will unnecessarily overheat the starter motor. When this happens, you will smell burning odors coming from the engine. In severe cases, you may even see smoke floating from underneath the head.

Main Street Automotive in Walnut Creek, CA, would be happy to help you with your starter problems, so call us today to schedule a service appointment. If you need a new starter, we can install it.