It makes a clicking sound coming from the center console

Tiny
CONRADISH006
  • MEMBER
  • 1991 SATURN SL1
  • 1.9L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 184,000 MILES
I am fixing this car for a friend. And the battery had died so I tried to jump it and it would not receive a jump. So I tested the battery and it failed. So I replaced it. And that battery was dead. So I tried to jump it and the battery charged. But cranked twice and that was it. And whenever I climb in it makes a clicking sound coming from the center console. And the battery strangely dies. Even when it has not ran?
Tuesday, February 5th, 2019 AT 5:58 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

This sounds like a parasitic draw issue. Here is a helpful link that should help you run down the problem. Let us know what you find out.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-dead-overnight

Alex,
2CarPros
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 11:20 AM
Tiny
CONRADISH006
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
I am going to test the ignition switch and the neutral safety switch. Could those be the problem?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 11:20 AM
Tiny
CONRADISH006
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
Would the clicking be the neutral safety switch?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 11:20 AM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Have you had the second battery load tested? The clicking you hear could be the starter not receiving enough amps to turn the engine.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 11:20 AM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
You can usually have a battery load tested free of charge at your local parts store.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 11:20 AM
Tiny
RENEE L
  • ADMIN
  • 1,257 POSTS
Hi CONRADISH006,

If you decide to check the condition of your battery yourself here is a link to helpful information from this site that features written instructions, pictures and a video explaining how to load test your battery yourself. If you need further assistance please come back to 2CarPros.com. We are always happy to help.

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

Thank you for visiting 2CarPros.

Kindest regards,

Renee
Admin
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 11:20 AM
Tiny
CONRADISH006
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
My friend took it to a mechanic. And he said that the valve cover gasket had blown and sent oil onto the spark plugs and wires. Causing a battey drain.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 11:20 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,877 POSTS
That does not make sense, can you ask him how spark plugs and oil can drain the battery?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 11:20 AM
Tiny
CONRADISH006
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
I have no contact with this mechanic. He said that a rodent had chewed through the gasket. I am thinking this guy is lying.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 11:21 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,877 POSTS
It happens. here is a guide to help you check the wiring to the starter and the wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Check out the diagrams (below). Please run this test and get back to us.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 11:21 AM
Tiny
CONRADISH006
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
Thank you.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 11:21 AM
Tiny
CONRADISH006
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
It has a generator instead of an alternator.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 11:21 AM
Tiny
CONRADISH006
  • MEMBER
  • 53 POSTS
Fortunately I have Alldata through my library.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 11:21 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links