How come my car clicks about three times before it starts?

Question

Some times it simply doesn't start, and I have to have someone jump it. It's a new battery about less than a year old. When I turn the key, it clicks a few times and then starts. But sometimes it just keeps on clicking, and won't start. Any help please? I can't keep jumping it all the time, and how much would it cost to fix it?

Answer 1

since it's not the battery, probably the starter or solenoid

Answer 2

may have bought a bad battery, then all you would have to do is replace it. maybe your alternator is bad and not recharging the battery, that could get pricey. could be bad starter, then you would have to replace that, i bought a rebuilt one and installed it myself and it cost $160. if i were you, first take a wire brush and clean all connections between battery/alternator/starter corrosion at any of those point could cause problems. once they are clean, if you still have problems, you need to replace something

Answer 3

I think you have problems with your starter motor. You can get a reconditioned one quite cheaply and they will usually take your old one and give you some money for it. I am not sure where you are from but in uk it costs about £30

Answer 4

Battery terminals could be going bad or the ground wire needs cleaned. Something isn't sending the spark through, so I would get that checked out.

Answer 5

It is likely that your starter has worn , contacts in the solenoid may be the issue or possible the armature brushes have worn, A starter draw test would probably tell a lot.

Excessive starter motor resistance, or high resistance in the supply circuit ( loose, poor contact at battery + or - cable)