Hard start issue

TRDOUGLAS

MEMBER
2000 CHRYSLER LHS
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
116,000 MILES

When I try to start the car, all I get is a clicking noise. The head lights and the interior lights come on but when I turn the key it just clicks and eventually it will start. I can jump it and it will start right up with no problem, but sometimes when I shut it off and try to restart sometimes it will click and sometimes it will start. What can be causing this?

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

This rapid clicking is the starter relay clicking and that is due to a weak battery.

Further proof of this is the fact that you jump it and it start right away.

This means the battery is not able to carry the load the starter needs in order to turn the engine over to get it to start.

Here is a guide that will help with testing the battery properly:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-battery

Basically I suspect you are going to have to replace the battery and the guide above will help with this.

However, we should test the alternator just to be sure it is not going to cause the new battery to drain as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Please run through this info and let us know what you find. Thanks