| Battery image credit |
Many people encountered this kind of problem wherein the vehicle does not start when the key is turned on only clicking sound is heard. One may wonder what causes the problem.
If the car won't start and a loud clicking sound is heard then the problem indicates two possible causes. Either something wrong with the battery or the starter.
First, let’s find out if this is a Battery related problem.
In order to check for the battery, turn on the ignition key to the accessory set, (this is the point where you turn on electrical equipment without starting the vehicle). After turning the ignition key, operate the windshield wipers for about 30 seconds, then observed if the windshield Wiper Operates Slower than the normal speed.
If the Windshield Wiper Operates slower or is not operating at all, then there is a problem with the battery because windshield wipers are operated by the battery.
Now, let’s find out if the battery is weak or it's just might be a simple presence of corrosion in the terminal that prevents the flow of the current. Open the hood of the vehicle and checks the battery terminals.
If there is no presence of corrosion in the battery terminal it means the battery is weak. For the battery that is not sealed type, it is easy to check for the battery fluid level. Check the liquid level, it must cover the top of the battery plates, if the level is low, add distilled water until it covers the top of the battery plates. Bring the battery to the battery shop and have it check if it can still be recharged.
But, if there is a presence of cruddy-like substance then it means the battery terminals are corroded, the presence of corrosion is what causing the car not to start because it prevents the battery from sending enough current to activate the starter to start the engine. To fix the problem, clean the battery terminals, remove the corrosion on the battery terminal using a wire brush. Use baking soda mixed with water to dissolve the corrosion, after the terminal is cleaned, apply petroleum jelly as a coating to prevent the presence of corrosion in the future.
However, if the battery is in good condition but the vehicle does not start then the problem is the starter, other possible reason is a bad electrical connection.
To check the problem, locate the starter, check if all the wires going to the starter are intact and in good condition, if the wires are good then it’s simply a problem of a bad starter. Bring the car to the repair shop and ask the mechanic to replace the starter, a rebuilt starter is recommended as it is less expensive and also reliable.
| Starter image credit |
To check the problem, locate the starter, check if all the wires going to the starter are intact and in good condition, if the wires are good then it’s simply a problem of a bad starter. Bring the car to the repair shop and ask the mechanic to replace the starter, a rebuilt starter is recommended as it is less expensive and also reliable.
