My car just clicks when I try and start it, what is wrong with it?

Question

It was fine last night when I drove it. I didn't leave the lights on or anything. I went to start it this morning, turned the key, and all it did was click several times. The lights and radio still work. What is wrong with it?

My car is a 2000 Ford Focus SE

What causes a starter/alternator to go out, and how much does it cost to get fixed?

The battery has never been changed...it is the same one the car came with.

Answer 1

ok i would first suspect batterey as you did not state that it has ever been replaced and for the most part they only last 5 years so i would have that tested at a reputable shop if it is not the battery then the starter is your best bet if it was your alternator your lights would be real dim

Answer 2

Ok sounds like it could be a couple of problems but they all center around the electrical power system.
First thing original equipment batteries last about 5 years for the most part so that could be the problem.
Secondly battery connections can become corroded and loose over time and cause the exact symptom your talking about, you can clean them using a battery brush.
Third if connections are loose anywhere between the battery and the starter that can cause the problem.
Now if the alternator is going bad that can reduce the charge returned to the battery and effectively run the battery down.
Sometimes a starter will fail and give this symptom so your still looking for something and without trying anything else you may not be able to find out. If you can get a jump and that starts the car you can bet it may very well be the battery if the car runs really rough and almost won't stay running your altermnator may have packed up on you. If you can get it started with a jump take it to the closest Autozone and they can diagnose the problem for you for free and give you an idea where to go. if it's the battery they will most likey changre the battery out for you also free of charge, they've done it for me twice.
good luck

Answer 3

How old is the battery? Do the lights and radio work?

Could be the battery, the starter or the alternator. If the battery is more than 2 years old start there it is something most can fix on their own with few tools. If that works you still want to watch the charge because if it drains quick the alternator will need to be replaced.

If it clicks and doesn't even try to get going the starter might be gone.

Good luck..

Answer 4

If it just clicks one time when you turn the key to start and one time when you release the key then the trouble is the starter. If it clicks a lot of times real fast then it is a bad conection or weak battery. It is not the solenoid, the fact that it is clicking means the solenoid is working. Cost depends on the starter, Ford has two different starters, if it is the big one they are about $60, if it is the small one with the solenoid on it they are about $100. Sense you have a small car with the four cylinder engine, it probably has the small one.

Answer 5

First: Can it be jump started? If so, your starter and/or alternator are fine. Those seldom go bad.

But Batteries are still 1920's technology; any battery over three years old should get replaced at the first sign of trouble. If your battery is six years old I am surprised; you got a great one!Replacing the battery is simple and cheap, so try that first. Also if the battery is less than three years old, you can get it replaced cheaper because the company will pay you back for some of it (pro-rate the life of the battery).
Batteries seldom quit all at once; they fizzle out. SO there's enough juice for a few things, but not enough to get the whole starter going (so it clicks).

Answer 6

The battery probably needs replacing, they only last 4-6 years if you have a good one, then they can fail all of the sudden, and the lights and the radio will work with lower voltage but the starter needs a good battery to work. If it still clicks then you'll need a starter.

Answer 7

Try to get a jump, if the car starts it most likely a dead battery, if you do get it started and drive around for a short while around your house to charge the battery, if you turn the car off and try to start it again and it does the same thing, probably your alternator is out, it's the small round metal thing by your engine that looks like a copper coil in a metal frame ...

They dont cost much to fix, generally, probably about $100 if you go to a small mechanic shop in your neighborhood.

Answer 8

starter solenoid. you may be able to fix it in like 10 minutes if thats the problem. it could also be your starter is now grounded to your car, your battery did have a parasite and just doesnt have enough juice to kick the start arm into the flywheel. or your starter has different problems. get a jump start is the jump start does nothing its your solenoid it should be on the firewall but you can follow the big wires from your batteries positive terminal to it.

Answer 9

starter is shot-get a new one

here's a way to tell, if you know where the starter is on your car.

if you can locate the starter on your car take a screwdriver and place the metal end on the started, and with a small hammer tap a couple times on the starter. Try starting the car, if it starts after the taps it is definately the starter, and you will need to change it asap. (trick a friend of mine taught me when my starter was going out on my car)

Answer 10

Just because the radio and lights work don't mean it isn't the battery. It just means it no longer has enough amps to start the car. Have it jumpstarted and I bet it'll start right up. Then go get a new battery.