If there’s only a clicking noise when you’re trying to start your car but the battery still works, then there could be a number of reasons behind it. In this article, not only are you going to find out what the different causes behind this are, but you’re also going to learn what you can do to fix it as well!

So keep reading to find out everything you need to know!

Why Is There A Clicking Noise When Starting Your Car, Even Though The Radio Works?

Before you know why there’s a clicking noise when your car starts even though the radio works, then you first have to differentiate between whether it’s one click you’re hearing or multiple clicks.

Because the reason that the click is occurring could be different for both!

A Single Click

If you’re hearing a single click when you’re trying to start your car, then it’s most likely a problem with the starter motor or another electrical problem.

How To Deal With A Single Click

If you hear a single click when you’re starting the car, and it still doesn’t work, then the best thing you can do is speak to a mechanic.

They’ll be able to check out the starter motor and any other electrical problems that could potentially be causing the clicking noise.

Multiple Clicks

When you hear multiple clicks, then it’s much more likely that you’re dealing with a battery or alternator issue. Most of the time, it means that while your battery has enough power to get the starter motor going, it doesn’t have enough power to completely crank the engine.

So then you have to figure out if the alternator isn’t charging the battery properly or if the battery can’t hold a charge anymore.

How To Deal With Multiple Clicking

If you hear multiple clicking, the best way to test whether it’s the alternator or the car battery is to jump-start your car.

If the car can hold a charge once it’s jump-started and left running for 20 minutes, then it was most likely a battery issue. This is because the alternator can continue charging the battery, but the battery can’t hold a charge once the engine is off.

However, if your car dies shortly after jumpstarting, then it’s most likely going to be an alternator issue. This is because the battery may still be able to hold a charge, but the alternator can’t power it.

What Else Could Be Causing A Clicking Noise Even Though The Radio Starts?

While these are the main reasons that your car is making a clicking noise even though the battery starts, it’s not the only reason. It could also be caused by any of the following:

A Blown Fuse

A blown fuse could also be a reason your car is making a clicking noise. Depending on which fuse has blown, the car may still have power but not be able to start.

Bad Ground Connection

If you have a bad ground connection, it can cause your car to make a clicking noise even though the radio works. This is because when there’s a bad ground connection, your electrical system doesn’t have an adequate way of conducting its electricity.

A Problem With The Ignition

The ignition switch can also cause your car to make a clicking noise even though the radio works. The ignition switch is what actually sends the power from the battery to the starter motor, so if it’s not functioning properly then you may hear a clicking noise when starting your car.

The Gas Tank Is Empty

If your car is making a clicking noise even though the radio works, then the gas tank may be empty. This can happen when you’re trying to start your car on an empty tank, as the lack of fuel prevents the engine from being able to start up correctly.

How To Fix Battery Issues That Could Be Causing Clicking

Now you know what could be causing the issue with your car clicking even though the radio works, the next step is trying to fix it! While in some cases, you’ll be able to fix it yourself, in other cases, you may still need the help of a professional

But you should Try the following:

Use A Trickle Charger

First of all, try using a trickle charger to charge your battery back to full power. This is the safest and most effective way to get your battery working again, as it slowly charges the battery over time.

Remove Corrosion With Baking Soda And Water

If you’re noticing that there’s some corrosion around the terminals of your battery, then try using a mixture of baking soda and water to clean it up. This will help to get rid of any corrosion that could be preventing your car from starting correctly.

Tighten Loose Terminals

If you notice that the terminals of your battery are loose or corroded, then it’s best to try and tighten them up. You can do this with a wrench, and make sure that the connectors are secure and tight before moving on.

Replace The Battery

If using a trickle charger doesn’t help, then you may need to replace the battery. This can be done relatively easily with some basic tools, so if you’re comfortable doing it yourself, then it’s worth a try.

Get A Professional To Check The Battery

Finally, if you’re still having issues with your battery, then it may be best to get a professional to take a look at it. They’ll be able to diagnose the issue and replace any faulty components so that you can get your car running again.

How To Deal With Alternator Issues That Could Be Causing Clicking

If you think you’re dealing with alternator issues, then you should seek a mechanic to fix the issues. Alternators are much more complex than batteries and require the expertise of a professional to diagnose any issues.

If you take your car to a mechanic for alternator issues, they will usually check the electrical system as well as other components, such as spark plugs and cables. They may also look inside the engine bay to make sure everything is in order.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions that people have about why their car is making a clicking noise when starting their car even though the radio works.

Can A Car Battery Be Dead If the Radio Still Works?

Yes, it is possible for a car battery to be dead, and the radio still works. This is because the radio does not require as much power to operate as other components like the starter motor.

Can A Blown Fuse Cause A Car Not To Start?

Yes, a blown fuse can cause your car not to start. This could be the reason why you’re hearing a clicking noise when starting the car, even though the radio works. Make sure to check all of your fuses and replace any that are blown.

Conclusion

If your car is making a clicking sound when starting even though the radio works, then it’s likely due to an issue with the battery or alternator.

To make sure that this is the case, you should jump-start your car first. If it can hold a charge for 20 minutes after being jumpstarted, then it’s likely to be an issue with the battery or alternator. If the clicking noise persists, then it may be worth getting a professional mechanic to take a look and diagnose the problem.

Taking these steps will help you get back on the road in no time!