Why is my Car clicking when trying to start?

Answer 1

The "clicking" is probably your solenoid trying to engage the starter. The problem is most likely a low battery which is strong enough to power the solenoid (hence the clicking), but not strong enough to turn the engine over. Your battery may have been run down (by leaving your lights on, for example), or it may simply be old and need replacing. Usually it's low battery charge or corroded battery terminals. I can also be starter and a number of other problems, but start with the usual suspects. If you can start it with a battery boost/booster cables from another vehicle, start it long enough to take it to an auto parts retailer. They are usually willing to test batteries and charging systems. Find out if it's the battery or if the charging system is not keeping the battery charged. Your battery only STORES electrical energy, and if the alternator can't keep the battery charged there won't be enough energy in the battery when you try to start it, and the starter will just click. On the other hand, sometimes a battery gets old and tired and it won't hold a charge any more... the results are the same, so you have to have the battery tested. UNFORTUNATELY, when an older battery goes completely dead it will often just give up and you could have both alternator AND battery problems. Anyway... have it all tested and you'll know where you are.