The clicking sounds like the starter is not getting enough power to start, and usually this is caused by a discharged battery. The battery might be bad.
A battery could discharge if it is running the car but not being charged by the alternator. The voltage regulator also has to work to charge the battery.
It is possible that the battery clamps and battery posts need cleaning. Dirty or corroded contacts could prevent proper power transfer to the starter.
If there was something turned on, that could discharge the battery. For example, if the door was ajar it could cause the interior light to turn on. If you find that there is an excessive current draw, you can pull one fuse at a time (making sure you know which fuse goes where) until you locate the power drain.
It is also possible that the starter, starter solenoid, or ignition switch is malfunctioning.
I don't think that a blown fuse could cause the problem because you hear a clicking sound.
After you charge the battery, you can check it (perhaps get a car parts store to check the cold cranking amps). Also, you should check the charging system (should measure between about 14 to 15 volts at the battery posts when the engine is running).
Worst case is that when the battery and starter are good, it could be the engine is seized, such as from lack of oil. Check the oil and try to turn the engine by a wrench on the alternator. Remove spark plugs to make it easier.
If the engine is not seized, then dirty battery terminals, loose engine ground strap (remember the engine is mounted in insulating rubber), or some resistance in the system.
You need a voltmeter to be more precise.
A charged battery should read 12.5 volts.
When you try to crank, it should drop to 10.
If it drops below 10, you have either a seized engine, bad starter, or bad battery.
If when you stop cranking, it comes back to 12, then the battery is good.
When running, the alternator should make it over 14 volts.
Check the ignition, and starter solenoid ( located either on the starter or on the fender.) Could also be a bad connection some where. But if you find the solenoid turn your key forward, then take a flat head and touch both terminals, if there is no spark your solenoid is bad. Also solenoids are cheap any where from 1.00 to 30 bucks.
We checked the battery it wasnt that we took the alternator and starter to auto zone they said it was good so I dnt kno what it could be.
Check the fuses. They are sometimes overlooked. My brother bought a new alternator for his car when all he had wrong was a blown fuse.
Hi so chances are it is something you have missed this is why regular
maintenance is required on all cars.
I drove my car all morning and it was running fine. I got to the store and tryed turning it back on and it started making clicking noises so I turned it off I tryed again and it did the same and I pulled off and in about 10 sec all the lights on the car went on the check engine oil brake signs and my car completly stoped I tryed turning it bk on and nothing. A few min later I tryed again and nothing. We checked the battery it was fine but it died from all the trying to turning it back on. We replaced the starter took the alternator to get checked at auto zone they said it was fine as well. So I dont kno what could be wrong. Please help me out here
