Car not starting just a tick sound?

Hello,

A ticking sound while trying to start an engine is usually caused by bad connections or a discharged battery.

Basic checks are using a voltmeter and check battery state of charge, should read around 12.6V.

How to use a voltmeter:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

If the battery shows full charge next check the voltage while trying to crank the engine
It should not fall below 9V and once cranking stopped should recover back up to the original reading

Some good reading:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-battery-works
and
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked
and
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-starter-and-solenoid-works

To exclude a bad ground/earth connection you could connect a separate battery jumper lead from the battery negative terminal to the engine.

Once you get the engine started next check the alternator output with and without load.

How to:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Hope this helps.

Cheers, Boris

Hello,

As you have purchased another starter motor you could bench test the original starter motor using a set of jumper leads and the car battery, obviously disconnected from the vehicle. If the old starter is faulty, I would suggest testing the other starter too.

How to:
https://youtu.be/1-PXBjovZDE?si=Ezw7_V9VIYRmnXxP

This should prove if you have a starter issue or a problem with the wiring.

Cheers, Boris

Hello,

Follow the below guide to test alternator:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

A good video:
https://youtu.be/Z-p4dMJUpUw?si=lcf7PZU1lpAwcXMt

Cheers, Boris