Battery charged, motor just clicks - won't turn over

• Okay, a clicking sound is the solenoid engaging the starter drive gear but the starting motor is not turning over. First possible is low battery. Second is bad or dirty connection, usually battery terminal. Good enough to energize solenoid but not enough amps to spin starter. Third is a bad starter motor, usually a brush corroded, worn or stuck.
• Lift the hood and look at the battery terminals. if they are clean and tight, check the battery for charge. I usually hook a booster on and try cranking the engine over. ZIf it works, charge or replace the battery.
• If it didn't crank, Take a jumper cable and connect the one end to the battery positive. Touch the other end to the starter motor terminal. Motor should turn over, if not, replace the starter.

Try turning the eng over with a socket and breaker bar the eng maybe locked up

No, it isn't an ignition issue.

Check power to the starter motor solenoid.
If this is getting power when cranking, then the issue is with the starter motor solenoid or starter motor. Replace.

When you say no spark, are you talking about the spark plugs, or just the general wiring?

If the engine won't turn over, then it isn't moving, and if it isn't moving then you need to check the following in this order:

1) Does the battery have power i.e. around 12.4 volts or over?No? Charge, test or replace battery.

2) Do the car's head lights dim considerably if turned on when attempting to crank? Yes? Possible lack of battery charge or faulty battery.

3) Assuming the battery is fine, can you turn the dash warning lights on and off with the key? No? Faulty ignition switch.

4) Is there a click sound when you turn the key, but no starter motor spin? Check starter motor connections or replace starter motor.


If none of the above prove to be of help, then please report.

Sounds like a discharged battery. I'd recommend checking charging system. You could have a bad alternator or a broken connection. With luck - the latter.

sounds like a flat battery but it could be a wire off the starter motor solonoid even a immobilisor problem but the most obvious is a flat battery try charging it up for a day then try it before you go any further

If it is just clicking, then the battery is too weak. Charge the battery or jumpstart.

If the battery is full charged and when you turn the key, the starter is just clicking again, possibly bad starter or bad battery cable ground. Check your grounds from the battery.

If it is a new starter and it is clicking like it won't engage, then it is not shimmed properly.

If you figure out what is wrong and need further help, please reply to this post with your questions.

Thanks! Oh, please post your engine size, year of car or truck and model. This helps A LOT!!!

I would have the starter tested. Also check to see if the motor is turning freely, by turning the crankshaft pulley, just to make sure the motor isn't locked up.

If the start is not grounded it will not turn over the motor check battery cables going to start. There are no reset switches .