Car won't start up.?

Question

When I try to start up my car by turning the key in the ignition it makes a clicking sound.Is that a bad alternator or is the battery low? Or could it be the distributor cap being wet?

Answer 1

First check your battery terminal connections, they may be loose and need to be tightened.
If that doesn't work, clean any corrosion the battery may have built up around the battery posts and cable connections.
If your battery is a top post model, scrape the lead on the post and the cable connections clean, exposing fresh lead.
This will provide a positive connection, allowing the battery to provide the proper amount of power to get to the starter solenoid, enabling it to kick out the bendix drive in the starter, thereby engaging the flywheel allowing it to turn the motor over, creating spark and ultimately igniting the engine.
If your battery is a side post model, use a small wire brush to clean them with.
If cleaning the terminals and tightening the clamps does not solve the problem, put your battery on a charger and see if it needs charging. If the battery takes more than a few hours to charge up you probably need a new battery .
If these steps don't solve the problem then your starter solenoid is probably shot and will need to be replaced. Some vehicles have the solenoid on the starter, while others will have it located on the firewall or fender, separate from the starter. My experience is once the solenoid goes bad, the starter is either bad also or soon to follow.

Answer 2

it could B all of the above if your lights aren't dim then its shouldn't b your batt. and most likely is your alternator. if the distorter cap was wet Don't think it would do anything b/c it wont get spark. if U think that its your alternator than it in to a parts shop and have it checked.

Answer 3

It's The starter!

Answer 4

it could be your battery is low,put the jump leads on it,
if it still dosent start,it's more likley to be your starter motor,

Answer 5

starter could be bad