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All I Hear Is “Click”! What Do I Do Next?

by on 10-06-2009 11:00 AM

battery engine.jpgIn many cases, there are only a few things that can go wrong, varying from the simplest of simple to the complex and expensive...and a few items in between. Looking for the simplest solution first is not just a good economical tactic, but essential in proper diagnostics.

 

Some of the simple items that should be checked first are the battery connections for tightness and cleanliness. If the battery cables are loose and/or dirty, this will cause a poor connection and will limit the necessary voltage from traveling from the battery to the starter motor. Don't forget to look at both positive and negative connections, as well as the connections at the starter.

 

Next, I would test the battery itself. A weak battery may have enough energy to light your lights and play the radio, but not enough to turn the starter motor.

 

Now for some of the in-between stuff! There really isn't much left in the starting circuit other than the battery cables themselves and the starter motor itself. Performing a voltage drop test is the best way to find a faulty battery cable. A sticking bendix inside the starter will cause the starter to just click, and sometimes a slight tap with the handle end of a small hammer is enough to jar it loose. If it does start, don't be lured into a false sense of security. The starter will need to be replaced, as this condition will occur again and will not fix itself.

 

And probably one of the most catastrophic conditions that would cause a "click" is a seized engine. This is typically caused from hydro-lock (the ingestion of water into the combustion chamber) or oil starvation. Either scenario will require the rebuild or replacement of the engine itself.

 

While the easy and simple stuff is considered routine maintenance issues, the more catastrophic issues are usually avoidable.     

 

Comments
by on 10-06-2009 03:00 PM

About 2 months ago the battery in my husband's Dodge Charger died. After searching for the battery in the typical place (under the hood) -  I found the battery in the trunk. What gives? When did car makers decide to change the placement of a car battery? Some things should stay were you expect to find them! I tried to purchase a battery through AAA, but they don't carry a battery sized for a Dodge Charger. Thanks for the tips!

by on 10-07-2009 08:40 PM

A variety of manufacturers have been putting batteries in places such as in the trunk and under the back seat for decades. I recall working on a mid 60's VW Bug and the battery was under the rear seat. I agree (and so does my back) that batteries were meant to be under the hood!

 

AAA Battery Service carries batteries for about 90% of the cars on the road. We are always looking at our product mix to see what part numbers should be included in our line up.    

by thcdmc on 03-26-2010 11:44 AM

I have a question. How do I change the egnition switch on a 1993 Chevy K2500? I have replaced the starter, checked the battery and it still just clicks. I can't jump it off either. Do you have any info that could help me? If so would you e-mail me at

tom-donna5327@att.net

 

Thank You,  Thomas Craig

by on 03-29-2010 02:57 PM

Sorry for the delayed response, Thomas, but Pete is on vacation. Tim Ray, a AAA Automotive Services regional field manager, is responding in Pete's place. Here's Tim's reply:

 

"Are you sure the problem is related to the ignition switch? I would suggest having the battery cables checked first for possible corrosion, connectivity issues, and proper grounding."

 

Per your request, I am also emailing this reply. I hope it helps!