Clicking sound when trying to start

[ChrisR]

A quick question:
I hadn't started my car for about a week, and it wouldn't start yesterday. So I hooked up the jumper cables and tried it, and all I got was fast clicking noise. All accessories worked from the jump, but all I got was clicking. Does this mean the starter is bad?

Also, where would you recomend buying one? (if it is the starter?)

Thanks

 

[fricker66]

A fast clicking noise usually indicates insignificant power to the starter. Did you make sure all the connections were good when attempting to jump the car? Keep in mind the starter requires more power than headlights, etc. Did you allow for adequate time to recharge the battery?

It could be the starter but typically you won't get the fast clicking sound from a bad starter. I'd say try jumping it again and allow time for the battery to get recharged. Should help.

<small>[ December 31, 2002, 11:53 AM: Message edited by: fricker66 ]</small>

 

[rendyx]

If you've got a volt meter lying around, check the battery. If the voltage is extremely low, the battery could be considered junk. Also, let the battery charge up a bit, as the charger may not have good enough cables to deliver enough current, as Frederick said. I'd say the starter is fine, though. My car did the same thing a few days ago, and it was just the battery.

 

[projectSHO89]

Dead battery or corroded connections or cables.

Steve

 

[ChrisR]

Thanks a bunch, I will check the connections, and try jumping it again. I'll wait for about 15 min before I try starting it this time. Hopefully it starts this time.

Later,
Chris

 

[RI-SHO]

You need more current, same happened with my battery that was new but its a bit more extreme because it sat in my SHO for 4mths without a charge.

So it read 0volts, but left it charging at a mechanic for a few hours and my SHO started right up instead of clicking like you described which it did when I was getting "jumped" by a friend.