Clicking sound when turning key

Clicking sound when turning key

I think her battery is fine , a little sparks as I hooked my jumper cables on hers…turned key again & it only clicks 1 time…

My car has 120567 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :

Hello,
A small amount of spark is somewhat normal, however you want to be sure you have the cables connected correctly as this can cause major damage and potentially an explosion if this is not done correctly. What you are describing sounds like a faulty starter solenoid. A faulty starter solenoid will generally produce a clicking sound when turning the key. The starter solenoid is located on the starter and has internal electrical contacts that transmit electricity to the starter. As electricity is supplied to the starter a small gear comes out and engages the flywheel to spin the engine over as you turn the key. When this fails, it may cause a clicking sound and will not allow the starter to engage the flywheel when you turn the key. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

One of the symptoms of a bad starter is a single clicking noise when you turn the key or push the start button. Tapping the starter can sometimes get it going again, but no guarantees. Most likely, you`ll need to get your starter repaired or replaced.

The most common reasons a Pontiac G6 engine makes a ticking noise are low oil level or pressure, an issue with the ignition system, or an exhaust leak.

The most common reasons a Pontiac G6 won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.

The most common reason for that rapid clicking noise when your car fails to start is a dead battery. However, a single click could mean a malfunctioning starter motor, or something even more ominous. Here are the most frequent reasons why a starter clicks when you`re trying to start your car.

Starter motor issues can manifest as a single, loud click emanating from the starter relay or starter solenoid. Usually, this points to a faulty relay or solenoid, or a bad or jammed starter motor.

Low oil pressure might be the cause of those ticking sounds. When vital engine components don`t get adequate lubrication, it might cause other problems, and the engine starts to make these noises. A broken valve train component, such as lifters or cam followers, can also cause ticking, tapping, or clicking sounds.

Bad Sensors

One common culprit for this problem is the crankshaft position sensor, which measures the position and speed of the crankshaft. The computer uses the information from this sensor to know when to fire the spark plugs. If the sensor isn`t working, the spark plugs won`t fire, keeping the engine from starting.

The most common reasons a Pontiac G6 key won`t turn are a binding steering column/lock, an ignition switch issue, or a problem with the ignition key.

If you don`t hear clicking when you start the engine, the problem may be a dead battery. If you hear clicking, but the engine doesn`t crank, the starter might not be getting enough electricity. Using your owner`s manual and a voltmeter, you should be able to test functionality.

Why won`t my car start but the battery is good? If your car won`t start but the battery is good, the most common cause is a faulty starter – though it could also be to do with your fuel. You may have insufficient fuel to get the car going.

The starter is a small motor, powered by the battery. It gets the engine of your car running. A starter relay sits between the battery and the starter motor, transmitting power. Without a properly working starter relay and motor, you won`t be able to start your vehicle and may need a tow.

So can a bad starter drain your battery? The short answer is: Yes, it can. It could also drain the battery even faster if you repeatedly try to start your car with a faulty starter. A faulty starter is also one of the leading causes of battery overcharging.

CAUSES OF FAULTY STARTERS: CAUSE OF FAILURE

Electrical connections faulty. Solenoid switch (engaging relay) stiff or faulty. Electric motor damaged electrically. Single-pinion gear, starter pinion or freewheel damaged.

The cost of rebuild parts for a starter can range from as little as $50 to as much as $350. A brand-new starter can range from $80 to over $350. For a qualified mechanic to replace or rebuild your starter, you can expect to pay between $150 and over $1,100.

It requires a good deal of energy to crank the car`s motor, and if a battery is not replenishing its power properly due to a faulty alternator, it will become drained and ineffective. You will hear a clicking noise while attempting to start the car, and the engine will have difficulty turning over.

The most common cause of engine ticking noise is low oil pressure. This is an indication that vital engine components are not getting adequate lubrication. Your engine may be low on oil or there could be a problem inside the engine causing the low oil pressure.

A Rattling Noise from the Engine When Accelerating

Noises coming from the engine when you are pushing on the gas could be caused by a loose or weak timing belt, chain tensioner, cracked flywheel, or a broken flexplate. These issues will only get worse over time, not better.

A knocking sound coming from your car`s engine can indicate an issue with the crankshaft journal and bearing, which are hitting each other. It`s not exactly a simple fix, so auto shops tend to charge anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000. Some repairs can run up to $4,000 if the damage is severe.

The Causes of Engine Ticking

Fuel injectors are small electrical valves that make clicking and ticking sounds when quickly opening and closing at idle. Ticking of the injectors is normal and you can drive without any worry.

When the timing belt starts to wear out, it may create a ticking sound inside the motor. This warning sign may also be an indication of low oil pressure or the engine not having the proper amount of lubrication.

The estimated cost to maintain and repair a Pontiac G6 ranges from $95 to $1774, with an average of $271.

The crankshaft position sensor is the most important of all engine management sensors, and the engine will absolutely not run without it.

Can you drive without a crankshaft sensor? No. Driving without a functional crankshaft sensor is dangerous and can cause severe engine damage. If the crankshaft sensor in your car fails, you should repair or replace it quickly as possible.

It might be a faulty starter.

One of the symptoms of a bad starter is a single clicking noise when you turn the key or push the start button. Tapping the starter can sometimes get it going again, but no guarantees. Most likely, you`ll need to get your starter repaired or replaced.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

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.

Read Full Q/A … : Clicking sound when turning key

2011 chevy impala makes clicking sound when i turn on the AC. Clicking will continue even after car is turned off, and does not st

ANSWER : Hi, what you’re describing is a fairly common issue with Chevrolet and GM products. It’s most likely the actuator motor for the blend door in the A/C ducts behind the dashboard, especially if the noise seems to originate from somewhere behind the dashboard.

The connectors for the actuator tend to corrode and cause resistance that results in a bad signal to the control for the actuator. The control then continues to drive the motor, which can result in broken teeth in the actuator/blend door’s plastic gears.

There are probably two actuators, one behind the glovebox and one on the driver’s side. If it’s not the actuators themselves, it could be a relay, but the service history of Chevrolets suggests the actuators.

If you need assistance with this, feel free to schedule an appointment with YourMechanic to diagnose the noise you’re hearing firsthand and replace your Impala’s A/C actuators and blend doors as necessary.

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Car won’t start key turns and lights dim when it cranks. I just don’t hear a buzzing sound from the fuel pump when turn key to on

ANSWER : Code U1100 signifies a communications error which is either a module fault or a deficiency in the wiring harness between communicating modules. There’s a possibility that a dying battery is a cause of such a code (and a cause of your no start condition, as well) and so the very first thing to do is be sure you have a fully, 100% charged battery that passes a load test. Then, confirm that the engine immobilizer system (security system) is not activated thus preventing the car from starting. If the immobilizer system is on, you may see a security warning light. To temporarily override the immobilizer system, see these instructions.

If the battery tests good after an actual load test, attempt to start the car. If there is no starter motor operation at all, that is if there is no starter operation with the key held in the "start" position, the procedure is to test for power and voltage drops to the starter motor/solenoid. If there is no power, or a large voltage drop is measured, then the electrical circuit supplying the motor has a fault. That circuit begins at the battery and includes grounds, wiring (some of which is very heavy cabling), fuses, relays, the ignition switch, neutral start switch, and terminations. Basically, with a fully charged battery, and with the key held in the "start" position, the starter is either getting power or it isn’t. With the key in the "start" position, IF the starter motor is getting power but the starter does not work, then the starter is condemned and replaced. On the other hand, if the starter motor is NOT getting power, then the circuit is diagnosed and that diagnostic, in your circumstance, may have a tie-in to the U1100 code. That remains to be seen, of course.

If the above protocol does not identify the issue for you, please simply request a no start diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you promptly. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

Read Full Q/A … : Clicking sound when turning key

Have a 2008 Hyundai Sante Fe and it starts when the key is in position II instead of III and makes a click sound when turning off

ANSWER : Hi There,
It sounds like you may have a faulty ignition switch that may be causing the ignition to send power to the starter inadvertently rather than kill the power to the ignition like it is supposed to when turning it off. When you turn the key to the start position, the starter relay sends power to the starter which then engages the flywheel and turns the engine over. When the engine is running the flywheel is already spinning at a very fast pace. When the starter relay inadvertently directs power to the starter when the motor is running, this causes the starter gear to engage the flywheel which is already spinning at a very high RPM, thus producing a grinding type sound. I would suggest having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect the vehicle.

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Put key in ignition. Lights and everything come on for a second, then went off as I turned the key. Now no power, key stuck

ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. This sounds like your battery cable connections are corroded or loose at the battery. Try to see if the battery connections are loose by wiggling them and see if power returns. If power returns, then have the cables removed, cleaned, and reconnected to test the battery. Hope this helps and best of luck!

Read Full Q/A … : Clicking sound when turning key

I am having trouble with my key fully turning in the ignition to start. It will turn halfway and I hear a clicking noise.

ANSWER : Hello, thanks for writing in. The symptoms you are experiencing can commonly be caused by a faulty starter, starter relay, or ignition switch. A clicking sound when you turn the key can sometimes be caused by a faulty starter or starter relay. A starter will click if the electric motor in the starter is worn and unable to engage, while a relay will click if it has internal issues. It may also be possible that the ignition switch or cylinder are the source of the issue. If they are worn out they may not be providing adequate contact for the vehicle to properly start. I would try to determine where the noise is coming from and go from there. If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.

Read Full Q/A … : Clicking sound when turning key

Squeaking metallic sound when turning

ANSWER : Thank you for the detailed information, it helps! The front driver side is where the majority of the steering components are located. Start by checking the power steering fluid. The best option is to raise the vehicle and inspect that side of the vehicle. You will want to look at the steering gear box, the linkage, and on down to the wheel hubs. This should include an inspection of the control arms, and other suspension components as well. Steering and suspension are very closely related and have adverse effects on each other. If you see any power steering fluid leaking, look to the steering gear for damages or a failed seal. The control arms also have CV joints that make similar noises to what you described. If those are cracked, leaking, or crushed they will need to be replaced.

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Engine turned off but inside of car still on, now engine won’t turn back on.

ANSWER : Hi there. The symptoms you’re describing with your boyfriend’s 2002 Grand Cherokee appear to be related to a broken or worn out ignition switch or relay. The ignition switch on the inside of the steering column is attached to multiple electronic connections that send signals to a relay box; which in turn, sends the signal to the individual components. The issue could be related to the ignition switch, the relay, or any of the components in between. If you want to have the fault pinpointed in person, I would have this starting issue inspected by a trained professional to ensure that the correct repair is made.

Read Full Q/A … : Clicking sound when turning key