When I try to start my car, I hear rapid clicking sounds, but the radio works?

Question

My car won't start. When I turn the key, I hear rapid clicking sounds. I have read elsewhere that this may be an indication that my battery is dead, but the radio/wipers/lights all work. Can they still work even if my car won't start due to the battery?

Answer 1

Rapid clicking sounds from the starter indicate a low battery.

The starter motor requires a large amount of current to crank the engine. The current requirement is too large for the ignition switch. Instead, the ignition switch operates a solenoid which engages to supply current to the starter.

What is occurring in your case is that the solenoid engages. This connects the battery to the starter motor. The starter motor loads the battery causing the voltage to drop. The reduced voltage is insufficient to hold the solenoid and it opens, disconnecting the battery from the starter motor. The battery voltage recovers allowing the solenoid to re-engage and starting the cycle all over again.

It is this cycling of the starter solenoid that makes the rapid clicking sound you hear.

The fault can either be a dead battery or a charging problem. Batteries degrade over time so the battery is the most likely problem if it is a couple of years old.

Answer 2

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The battery is bad, probably the result of overcharging. The steam and sulfur smell are certain signs of the battery accepting too much current from the alternator, which can only mean either a shorted cell (rare) or a high charge voltage (common). If the top of the battery is not sealed, remove the tops of the battery and add purified water (it's kind of like swabbing a prisoner's arm before putting a lethal injection needle in, but it's good practice) until each cell has liquid just touching the bottom of the collar that the top of the battery forms. Try starting again. Overcharged batteries will usually give one start before they fail completely... I don't know why but I've seen it often. If the battery has been overcharged so it won't start it has to be replaced. Don't run the engine more than a couple minutes at a time with it overcharging or the new battery will be cooked too. Most auto parts stores will check the charging system for free in hopes of selling you what you need to fix it. In this case it will be the alternator unless you can find a source for the regulator separately and feel like changing it. Don't buy a rebuilt alternator - they have a terrible reputation. You are better off with one from a wrecking yard. There is no reason to believe there is any problem with the starter until you get new battery in place, I'm sure the starter is okay.

Answer 3

A little something called your started is most likely the problem. You can replace the starter which is anywhere from 150-300 just for the parts (not counting labor) depending on the type of car.....Call an auto parts store they can tell you the price over the phone.

Or if you are short on cash - you have to remove the starter anyway - take it to an electrical repair shop they can repair starters (replace the brushes) for around 30 bucks (usually).

And no the radio will usually not work if the battery is dead.
But i guess it could - i just editted this post after reading the other suggestions. It is still a good idea to test the battery before removing anything else.

Answer 4

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RE:
When I try to start my car, I hear rapid clicking sounds, but the radio works?
My car won't start. When I turn the key, I hear rapid clicking sounds. I have read elsewhere that this may be an indication that my battery is dead, but the radio/wipers/lights all work. Can they still work even if my car won't start due to the battery?

Answer 5

The clicking sound you hear is your starter trying to get some power. The factthat it doesnt start the car is that the battery is dead. It takes less power to run your radio than it does to start your car and that is why the radio works but the car still will not start.

Answer 6

It is the battery or the connections. Clean the cable connection surfaces and tighten. Have someone with jumper cables get your car started. With the car running, check the voltage across the battery terminals to assure that you are getting 14-15 volts output. If the car is charging and the battery connections weren't the problem, then the battery is suspect. Have it tested after you have charged it to see if it is ok. If it checks ok, then you may have a short through the alternator draining current from the battery. If the battery checks bad, replace it. If the battery checks good, then it is either the bad connections or a suspect alternator. Sometimes an alternator will charge but will bleed current, so you may have to check that out. Good luck.

Answer 7

You could have a bad battery, I would get it charged and have it tested. The battery could still be good and not charging. Check your belts and make sure they are the proper tension. If you have an electrical meter you can put it on the battery, after you get it running. If it shows a reading of 14 volts then it is charging. put one lead on your positive post and the other lead on the negative post. this should give you a reading. if it is less than 14 volts, you may have a charging problem. do not assume it is a bad battery unless you have it tested. Also make sure all connections are clean and tight. A dirty connection or loose connection can also cause you problems.

Answer 8

The rotten egg smell and smoke from the battery could be the result of overcharging. It probably vented and spewed sulfuric acid all over everything. In any event the battery is toast. Before you fry another battery you need the charging system checked. Too high a voltage could destroy the electronics in your car.

Answer 9

Your starter draws a whole lot more power than your radio, and your battery can not supply enough power to turn the starter.

Get a jump start, and have your battery tested.

Answer 10

Nope. Sounds like the starter's out. Bad news.