Free Auto Repair Advice by Certified ASE Technicians
Troubleshooting
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Rapid Clicking Sound When Engine is Cranked
Rapid Clicking Sound When Starter is Used
A common problem with a car battery is low voltage. As a battery ages it
loses the ability to store electricity resulting in an insufficient flow of
electrical energy to the starter. The starter is designed to operate on a high
amperage 12 volt system. When a starter is subjected to low voltage or amperage
(flow) it will cause the starter to engage and disengage rapidly producing the
machine gun like sound. To fix this problem a battery inspection or replacement
is needed. There are two reasons that a battery will not perform as it should,
either the alternator has failed allowing the battery's state of charge to
become weak or the battery has failed and replacement is required. Unfortunately
to check the alternator the engine must be running, so you must either jump
start your car or replace the battery to
check the charging
system. If the alternator output test is ok then the battery is bad and must
be replaced. If while driving the charge light indicator on the dash was not
illuminated and the battery is more than three years old the battery has
probably failed.
Delco Car Battery
Related Inspections
Check Battery Cable Corrosion - The battery cables are used to
transfer electrical power from the battery to the starter. Battery acid causes
corrosion inside the battery cable and will inhibit electrical flow. To check
for this condition look for bulges near the top of the cable, these bulges
indicate corrosion expansion caused by the chemical reaction between the acid
and copper wire. Remove the failed battery cable to replace with new unit, then
check charging system
to ensure proper operation.
Inspect Battery for Bulging -
The battery supplies electrical power to the vehicle, when a battery short
circuits internally it can cause the car to lose power and gain it back again.
Inspect the battery; if the sides are bulging it could have a warped plate that
can short under certain conditions. To check for this condition the battery
needs to be disassembled which is very difficult, and should not be attempted.
This problem is rare but it does happen.
For exact specific repair procedures for any of the steps above visit our
online repair
manual page.
WARNING!
Always wear protective eyewear, gloves and necessary clothing before inspection
or work begins. Never crank an engine over when you are near the battery or
engine. A battery is filled with
acid that produce explosive vapors that can ignite when extreme heat or a spark is present. A
battery could have residual acid on the outside casing so use caution when
handling a battery and the surrounding area. Use baking soda to neutralize any
suspected acid residue before work begins.
Troubleshooting
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Rapid Clicking Sound When Engine is Cranked
Check Manufacturer Specific Engine
Cranks then Stops
Questions and Answers
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