<fast> click, click, click, click, click </fast>

[edprush]

Car doesn't start. Has gas and seems the battery is charged (radio plays).

When I turn the key in the ignition I get a loud and very fast "click, click, click, click, click, click, click, click, click, click"

Engines does not turn over.

Would that be the problem be the alternator or maybe the starter?

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Just because your radio plays doesn't mean you have enough in the battery to start the car. My guess is the battery is down, which could either be that the battery is dying or the alternator is dead. Or it could be the starter selenoid

 

[CrackRabbit]

Your battery is dead. Just because the lights turn on and the radio work it doesn't mean it has enough juice to crank the car.

 

[Xcobra]

battery is dead, go buy a new one!

 

[Atomicus]

Your key isn't inserted in all the way.

 

[AStar617]

It really sucks that so few cars have voltimeters in the cluster these days. Love my winter beater truck for it.

As stated before, get a jumpstart, new battery if problems persist, etc...

 

[xrax]

How old is your battery? First step would be to jumpstart car. If car runs it's likely the battery. If it dies it could be the alternator. You can have it tested at Autozone but if the battery is more than 3 years old it probably is bad. My battery went about 6 months ago and I turned the key and got some weird noises. The dash lights were doing some strange stuff. Turns out that the cars computer wasn't getting enough power to work. I got a jump and was on my way to get a new battery.

 

[KoolDrew]

Originally posted by: CrackRabbit
Your battery is dead. Just because the lights turn on and the radio work it doesn't mean it has enough juice to crank the car.

 

[bwnv]

Old trick to check if it's solenoid- have someone tap solenoid with a wrench while trying to start it. Sometimes it helps, but probably will need a new starter anyhow.

 

[redls1]

also check to see if there is corrosion on the battery terminals, might need to clean them off.

 

[edprush]

Originally posted by: xrax
How old is your battery? First step would be to jumpstart car. If car runs it's likely the battery. If it dies it could be the alternator. You can have it tested at Autozone but if the battery is more than 3 years old it probably is bad. My battery went about 6 months ago and I turned the key and got some weird noises. The dash lights were doing some strange stuff. Turns out that the cars computer wasn't getting enough power to work. I got a jump and was on my way to get a new battery.

This is a 17 years old Ford F150....it has never heard of a computer.

 

[Pepsi90919]

Originally posted by: edprush

Originally posted by: xrax
How old is your battery? First step would be to jumpstart car. If car runs it's likely the battery. If it dies it could be the alternator. You can have it tested at Autozone but if the battery is more than 3 years old it probably is bad. My battery went about 6 months ago and I turned the key and got some weird noises. The dash lights were doing some strange stuff. Turns out that the cars computer wasn't getting enough power to work. I got a jump and was on my way to get a new battery.

This is a 17 years old Ford F150....it has never heard of a computer.

you're wrong again there buddy.

 

[tfinch2]

What's with edprush and POS old trucks?

 

[Rastus]

Always check your battery cables first.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Clean the battery posts and cable end lugs. Reinstall with a coating of Vasoline.
Check all ground cables while your under the hood.
...Galvanized

 

[boggsie]

Originally posted by: redls1
also check to see if there is corrosion on the battery terminals, might need to clean them off.

Had this happen more than a few times ... jump didn't work to start the car because there was corrosion between the poles and the clasp on the cable. It is more difficult, but possible with modern battery connections.

 

[spidey07]

my guess is battery or starter.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

1. clean the battery terminals
2. check and clean the ground wire
3. if it doesn,t start at this point charge the battery
4. if it still clicks instead of starts replace the selenoid or starter if its a one piece unit
5. Once it starts check the amp meter on the dash to make sure its charging, if not replace the alternator

 

[SampSon]

Starter.