Car won’t start. When trying to start, starter makes a clicking noise and then closed back hatch recloses.

Vehicle won't start. Starter makes a clicking noise, lights go on, but won't start. The back hatch, which is closed, recloses itself. After a couple more attempts to start car, the back hatch recloses itself. When vehicle is boosted, car starts. Subaru said the hatch was not aligned and fixed that. Two days later, vehicle wouldn't start, but back hatch was never opened. Same problem all over again. Had to boost it again. Vehicle is a 4 cyclinder and has all the bells and whistles. Started off and on about a year ago and has done it through summer, so cold weather is not a
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
It sounds like there is some type of drain on the battery. When there is low voltage in a battery, it can cause several symptoms. The electrical systems can act very strangely when they don’t have the correct voltage being supplied. When a battery won’t hold a charge, it can be caused by a wiring issue, a bad battery, or some type of parasitic draw that can slowly pull voltage from the battery. Some electrical diagnosis done by a professional, such as one from YourMechanic, will be necessary to pinpoint the cause.

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Perhaps your battery`s dead, or your alternator, which charges the battery, isn`t working correctly. If the source of the clicking is electrical, the starter (a small motor energized by the battery that gets the engine running) doesn`t have enough juice to stay powered.
An engine that cranks, but doesn`t start, may have battery issues. There`s a possibility that the battery doesn`t have enough power, either because it`s been drained or because it`s nearing the end of its lifespan. There could also be corrosion on the battery terminals.
The most common reasons a Subaru Outback won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
The most common cause of a Subaru Outback making a ticking noise is loose valves, worn injectors, or an exhaust leak. Loose valves: The valves on the engine of a Subaru sit almost sideways to line up with the rest of the internals.
You`ll know when the axle is about to fail when you begin to hear a loud, rhythmic clicking noise coming from the front wheel as you turn. That noise is due to a lack of lubricant in one of the CV joints. A CV axle is a critical component of your Subaru, so it should be replaced properly by an authorized Subaru expert.
A clicking sound when you start your car could suggest a problem with your car`s electrical system. A rapid clicking sound might hint at a battery- or alternator-related issue. A single loud click might mean problems with your starter motor.
Broken or Damaged Ignition

If your headlights can turn on, but your car won`t crank, that means that your battery is charged, but either the starter or ignition is the problem. If the starter or ignition is the problem, a starter engine can be jumped by using a charged battery.

If the car clicks when trying to start, but still won`t start, this can be caused by a weak battery, dirty battery terminals, a worn starter motor or a stuck solenoid. If might just need a jump start, but there are a few tricks to try before breaking out the jumper cables or electric jump starter.
Common problems found on the 2015 Subaru Outback include excessive oil consumption, the engine failing to start, as well as cracked windshields. Overall, these problems are more severe than other midsize SUVs, leading to larger repair bills as they age.
The most common reason for a Subaru making a ticking noise is from loose valves, worn injectors, or an exhaust leak. Loose valves The valves in your engine sit almost sideways to line up with the rest of the internals.
Low Oil Pressure Or Engine Oil Level

The ticking noise might intensify when you start, idle, or accelerate your car. On the other hand, using the wrong engine oil or a bad oil pump can also cause a ticking sound. To steer clear of such issues, check your engine oil level and top it off with the right engine oil.

The most common reasons a Subaru Impreza won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter. Search our network of RepairPal Certified shops near you to speak with a technician about your issue.
When you can`t use a remote to turn off the system: open the door with a key or try to start the car and the horn will start to honk. Turn the key on-off 3 times within 5 seconds and the alarm will go off and you can start the car. It`s simple!

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Car won’t start. When trying to start, starter makes a clicking noise and then closed back hatch recloses.
ANSWER : It sounds like there is some type of drain on the battery. When there is low voltage in a battery, it can cause several symptoms. The electrical systems can act very strangely when they don’t have the correct voltage being supplied. When a battery won’t hold a charge, it can be caused by a wiring issue, a bad battery, or some type of parasitic draw that can slowly pull voltage from the battery. Some electrical diagnosis done by a professional, such as one from YourMechanic, will be necessary to pinpoint the cause.

My car won’t start I just got a new starter , when I try to start my car it make a click sound nothing else.
ANSWER : Hi there. It sounds like a weak battery, however there are other possibilities that can create the same symptom. Has the battery been tested? Have it tested with a digital volt/ohm tester that provides current voltage, cold cranking amps, and state of health; replace as necessary. Any corrosion on the terminals? Do the terminals fit properly? Corroded and loose terminals prevent proper voltage and amperage from reaching the starter and will need to be repaired. Has a voltage drop test been performed on the cable to the starter to check for excessive resistance? Any corrosion that makes its way into the cable can create resistance and lower the available voltage and amperage to the starter; this will need to be replaced if this is the case. If all checks ok, then the new starter could be faulty and need to be replaced. I suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection to avoid replacing unnecessary parts. Your Mechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a car does not start inspection.

My 2003 ford explorer wont start up just get click click click click click click click click
ANSWER : If the battery is weak and the voltage is dropping to below 9 volts you will get the clicking without the starter turning the motor. Have the battery voltage checked and if battery cannot hold a load then replace it and clean the battery terminals and recheck system to see if it starts.

Installed new battery but car won’t start – 2005 Honda Civic
ANSWER : Your symptoms could be caused by several components. At first, it sounds like the starter is cranking, but isn’t powerful enough to turn over the engine. This could be due to a bad electrical connection or faulty starter. Replacing the starter is the only option at that point. Now if the engine is turning over, and still unable to start, you have an issue with fuel, air, or spark delivery. Turn the key to accessory and listen for the faint sound of your fuel pump priming. It will sound like a very quiet winding or whirling. That will let you know if the fuel pump is powered and trying to work. You should also check the spark plug and wires. There are specific tools you can use to test them. However, if your spark plugs have over 50,000 miles, they may need to be replaced anyway. If you still need help with a diagnosis, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to inspect the no-start and pinpoint the correct repair.

The truck wasn’t starting up or making any noise. I replaced the starter and it still doesn’t want to start up. It just makes a clicking noise
ANSWER : Hey there. You have a bad battery or there is a bad connection in the starting system. The battery should be load tested and the state of charge should be checked with a hydrometer. Your starter requires about ten times more power from the battery than any other system in your car. Even if the headlights and all other electrical components work, it is not a good indicator of the condition of the battery. So a thorough testing of the battery should be performed first.

If the battery checks out, then the problem is a bad connection in the starting circuit. The first test I do, which may be irrelevant since you have already replaced the starter, is to tap on the starter with a hammer while someone is attempting to start it. If it cranks the motor, it needs a starter. It is possible a new starter is bad, so there is still some value in performing this test.

If this doesn’t reveal a bad starter, another simple and test is to attempt to crank the car for up to thirty seconds. Pay attention to smoke or any electrical burning smells that might occur. If you experience one of these, immediately stop and look under the hood for a hot spot in the battery cable connections. Feel both battery posts, the positive and negative battery cables, the ground connection at the frame and the main power connection at the starter. If any of these are hot or warm, it is a bad connection.

If that doesn’t reveal anything, the next step is to use a test light to see if the starter solenoid is getting power from the ignition switch. If it is not, you will need to use a test light to find our where the connection is lost. The suspect parts are the ignition switch and the neutral safety switch (aka the transmission range switch). You will need access to a wiring diagram and a test light for this portion of the testing.

If you should require further assistance, I recommend having a professional technician, like one from YourMechanic, diagnose your starting issue so that this can be repaired.

Car won’t start. The check engine light, battery light, and oil change light are coming on. I tried jumping the car and nothing happened. Why won’t my car start?
ANSWER : Hi and thanks for contacting Your Mechanic. If sometimes your vehicle will start with the new alternator and sometimes it won’t, then there is a loose connection in your charging system. Check all of the wires to the alternator and to the battery. Make sure that the battery cables are clean and tight. Make sure that the wires to the starter are clean and tight. A loose ground to the ignition system will cause the vehicle to not crank over. Check all of the ground wires from the battery to the starter. Make sure that they are clean and tight. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your no start situation, then seek out a technician, such as one from Your Mechanic, that can assist you.

My car won’t start and it makes a clicking noise.
ANSWER : Based on the information you provided, it sounds like you may need to replace your starter. Your brakes should feel better once you get the vehicle started, unless you have a brake issue. The brake booster will provide about three applications of the brakes with the vehicle turned off until it looses enough vacuum to make the pedal feel harder.

The ABS light indicates that the antilock brakes are not operational. If the light stays on once the vehicle is started and moving, then suspect a wheel speed sensor, as that is the most common ABS fault.

A certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, will be able to determine the exact cause of your starting issue and recommend the necessary repairs.

Hello, my battery died in my car last night I replaced it got home and now it won’t start. Starter or alternator? CEL on now also
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. With full battery power, the battery may still be struggling to use that voltage and it may not be providing enough amperage to the starter. You should have the battery tested at an automotive parts store. The battery is the only component that powers the starter at first, and it will also cause issues while driving although you are mostly dependent on the alternator once running. If the battery checks out, you want to turn your attention to the starter. Starters can also be tested at automotive parts stores, but these tests are not always accurate (they do not measure the starter’s ability to push over the engine, but only to spin freely). If you would like more help with testing, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.