Why does my car click but not start?
A rapid clicking or chattering when you turn the key usually means the battery is too weak to crank the engine; a jump start will usually get you going. A single loud click with no cranking usually points to the starter motor, its relay or a corroded battery cable. If the engine cranks normally but won't fire, the problem is fuel, ignition or the anti-theft system instead.
Match the sound
| What happens | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Rapid clicking, dim dash lights | Weak or dead battery |
| One click, dash lights stay bright | Starter motor or starter relay |
| Nothing at all, no lights | Dead battery or loose or corroded terminal |
| Cranks slowly, then maybe starts | Weak battery or poor connection |
| Cranks normally, won't start | Fuel, spark, sensor or immobilizer |
| Starts, then dies right away | Immobilizer, fuel or air problem |
What to try
- Turn on the headlights. Dim or no lights mean the battery.
- Check the battery terminals for white or green corrosion and make sure the clamps are tight.
- Try a jump start, following your owner's manual.
- If it starts, drive for at least 30 minutes, then get the battery and charging system tested.
- If it doesn't, call us. We can tell you what to try next or arrange to see it.
What we do
We test the battery under load, measure alternator output, check for any draw that drains the battery when the car's off, and test the starter circuit, so we replace the part that's actually failing.
From drivers who came to us
My car died yesterday… they were so kind and helped me out by installing an alternator and I was on the road again.
I haven't used my Ford during the COVID period and for some reason it would not start… There was no need to have my guard up for any upsell.
Excerpts from verified customer reviews on Yelp.
More questions
My car started after a jump. Is the battery bad?
Not necessarily. The battery may have been drained by a light left on, short trips or an electrical draw. Or the alternator isn't charging. A test of both tells you which.
How long do car batteries last?
Typically 3 to 5 years. Heat shortens battery life; the Peninsula's mild climate helps, but frequent short trips and long periods parked shorten it.
Can tapping the starter really get it to work?
Sometimes, if the starter has a worn spot. It's a sign the starter is failing, not a fix.