Q: Car making noise, but not starting

asked by on February 04, 2016

My car will not start and only makes a noise. The lights are fine, so it is not the battery or alternator.

Car is not starting Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

If the engine doesn’t crank but only makes a grinding or clicking noise, my guess is that the starter is bad. This can be verified using a dedicated starting/charging system tester, or by using a digital multimeter. A trained professional, such as one from YourMechanic, will be able to diagnose your car’s no-start condition and make the repairs needed to get your car back on the road.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I set the electronic speed control?
The electronic speed control system lets your vehicle run at a set speed without you pressing on the throttle. All the controls for the electronic speed control system are on the right side of the steering wheel. Setting the system...
What does the Engine Oil Pressure Light mean on the dash?
Your car’s engine needs oil – it lubricates, reduces friction and ensures a long life. However, it also needs to maintain the right amount of pressure in the engine. If pressure drops, it means there’s something going wrong. The Engine...
Key won't turn in 2003 Saturn L200
This is a very common problem with the type of vehicle you have. If your ignition key looks worn down at all the key will need to be replaced. On some occasions the lock cylinder will need to be replaced...
Oil leaking from valve guide
If the engine only smokes blue at start-up, the valve guide seals are to blame. If the engine smokes blue constantly, especially while revving the engine, the piston rings are bad. Both issues involve complex repairs that come at a...
No power when accelerating
Hello! I believe the problem is likely to do with the mass air flow sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-mass-airflow-sensor). When this sensor is at fault it will be sending a regular error inlet reading which will cause computer to incorrectly apply air fuel...
Car squeaks and jerks when changing gear when going around 55+ MPH
Hello, This may be a result of low transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) or potentially a faulty transmission control module. A faulty transmission control module may cause a delay in acceleration or erratic shifting of gears. The transmission control module has various...
Ck engine soon light is on
If your vehicle's check engine light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-does-the-check-engine-warning-light-mean-by-spencer-cates) illuminates, there is a malfunction that should be investigated and repaired. However, the seriousness of the malfunction is hard to judge unless and until a Code Scanner is used by the Mechanic to...
Can 16 inch tires / rims be used on a car that came stock with 17 inch tires / rims?
Hi there - the answer is "possibly". There are 4 technical questions which must be affirmatively answered first to go forward with this swap. First - do the wheels you acquired have the same bolt pattern as your stock wheels...
2004 Pontiac grand prix. Tried relearn process for the antitheft, didn't work. What can I do?
Hello there. It is more than likely that you've got a stored error code in the ECU that is causing this problem. The best advice we can offer you is to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location...

Related articles

How Often Do Spark Plug Wires Need to Be Changed?
Spark plugs provide the electricity necessary for combustion to happen by igniting atomized fuel in an engine's cylinders. However, they need a...
How Engine Timing Works
Your Your car engine consists of a number of rapidly moving parts, including a crankshaft, camshaft, pistons, engine valves, rods and pulleys. As the piston moves up and down, the valves move correspondingly, in and out. The crankshaft spins, and...
Buick Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Car Program
If If you’re in the market for a used Buick vehicle, you may want to check out cars under their certified pre-owned program. Many manufacturers have a certified pre-owned (CPO) program, and each one is set up differently. Read on...