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Engine makes a clicking noise when trying to crank?

Tiny
KENDIBELL1
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 INFINITI G37
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 185,000 MILES
I tried to crank the car and made a clicking noise. I just replaced the battery and alternator, so I bought a starter they put it on today and said it's still making the clicking noise. What can it be?
Saturday, February 25th, 2023 AT 6:30 PM

19 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Does it seem that the clicking is coming from the starter motor? By any chance, did you try turning the engine by hand?

Also, if it is loud enough, record it and upload it for me to hear.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, February 25th, 2023 AT 11:38 PM
Tiny
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Yes, it sounds like the starter and no I don't know anything about turning a motor. I did purchase the starter used.
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Sunday, February 26th, 2023 AT 2:26 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

No problem. If the starter is clicking, it usually indicates a weak battery. However, you indicated a new battery made no difference.

If the battery is new, the alternator, and the starter, my concern is the engine may have locked. The only way to check this is by turning the crankshaft to see if it moves.

If you look below, I attached the serpentine belt routing diagram. I highlighted the crankshaft pulley. There will be a bolt centered in that pulley. You need to place a socket on it and using a breaker bar, see if you are able to turn the engine by hand. It will be tight, but you should be able to turn it.

If you can, record the clicking and upload it for me to hear. It may help me determine what is happening.

Take care and let me know what you find.

Joe

See pic below.
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Sunday, February 26th, 2023 AT 7:55 PM
Tiny
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Thank you. I passed this info along to my mechanic he said he is about to try that now he said it is a single click it's making.
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Tuesday, February 28th, 2023 AT 8:41 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

A single click is usually the result of a weak connection. However, if the engine won't turn, the same thing can happen.

Let me know what you find. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, February 28th, 2023 AT 7:27 PM
Tiny
KENDIBELL1
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Hey, Good morning. He replaced the starter turned the engine and I got a new battery still won't crank. He can't figure it out I don't know what to do now.
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Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 AT 5:25 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Has anyone had the chance to confirm the engine isn't locked?

Let me know.

Joe

PS: Hang in there. We'll get it figured out one way or another.
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Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 AT 6:58 PM
Tiny
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I'm going to record the click in the morning my uncle said he will be here in the a.M. Also I'll send you the audio.
I truly appreciate you.
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Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 AT 11:58 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

That sounds like a plan. I will watch for your reply.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, March 9th, 2023 AT 7:24 PM
Tiny
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My uncle thinks it is something with the engine, he has a machine hooked up to it saying it's giving some error codes.
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Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 AT 4:21 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

If it is locked up, this will cause what you are experiencing. However, usually, there are indicators that the engine is failing. For example, you may have heard knocking or ticking from the engine.

On the other hand, if a head gasket fails, it can allow coolant to enter a cylinder. As a result, you have a hydrostatic lock.

Let me know what you find. Also, if you have some of the codes that were found, let me know what they are.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 AT 6:52 PM
Tiny
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It was the wiring throwing codes so he hooked up his computer and cleared them out, cranked right up.
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Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 AT 7:01 PM
Tiny
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Is it running properly? Was it a wiring issue that was causing the issue? If so, do you know which wires were the cause?

I'm just interested in knowing.

Thanks,

Joe
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Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 AT 7:10 PM
Tiny
KENDIBELL1
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
He said something about a module and ignition switch and something about a module can make the car battery drawn thinking it's still on when it should be asleep.
I can ask him more tomorrow.
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Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 AT 8:54 PM
Tiny
KENDIBELL1
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It's running great no pause when it cranks.
I got in the freeway and drove about 15 miles and came back.
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Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 AT 8:55 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

That is great news. If you do have a chance to ask, I would like to know what he did. Not only am I interested, but it will likely help others in the future.

Let me know and thanks for the update.

Joe
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Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 AT 9:13 PM
Tiny
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I sure will.
I know it took him 3 hours he printed out the diagram to the wiring system then hooked up some type of computer and when by down each module he said and it was giving error codes that he had to clear.
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Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 AT 9:36 PM
Tiny
KENDIBELL1
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These are the diagrams he printed out and followed he told me to get up to see if it cranked right up and it did seems like it has more of a kick to it now when it cranks.
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Thursday, March 16th, 2023 AT 6:15 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Thanks for the update. I suspect it was either related to a fusible link or one of the relays. I can't read what is highlighted in pic 1, so I can't be sure.

Regardless, I'm glad to know it's fixed.

Take care and feel free to come back in the future.

Joe
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Thursday, March 16th, 2023 AT 7:36 PM

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