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Why Your Hyundai Accent Won’t Start & Makes Clicking Noises

Hyundai Accent Won't Start & Makes Clicking Noises

Why Your Hyundai Accent Won’t Start & Makes Clicking Noises

Being subject to Hyundai Accent won’t start, and clicking noise can be extremely frustrating. You try to turn the key again and again, but all you hear is a clicking noise. Several different things can cause this issue. The good news is that, in most cases, it’s something that you can fix yourself.

If your Hyundai Accent won’t start and you hear a clicking noise, it could be due to a problem with the starter motor. The other reasons could be a faulty ignition switch, loose battery connection, or an alternator issue.

Most of the time, the battery is the prime suspect. Problems with the starter motor are also common. It’s important that you troubleshoot all the major components to get to the root cause.

Causes and Solutions of Hyundai Accent Not Starting

Here are a few common causes of your Hyundai Accent not starting and making a clicking noise:

Dead Or Dying Battery

jump start
Photo by Unsplash

Problem: One of the most common reasons your Hyundai Accent won’t start is a dead or dying battery. You may have left the interior lights or headlights on or something else that causes the battery to drain while you are not driving. If you’re hearing a clicking noise when you turn the key, it’s more likely that your problem is with the battery than anything else.

Hyundai Accent battery itself can be the reason for not starting as it might not hold a charge. When the battery gets old, it can’t hold a charge as well as it used to, and eventually, it will die. Also, you must know that batteries mostly last 3-5 years, depending on your driving and the area you live in.

Solution: It is possible to recharge a dead or drained battery, depending on your situation. You may need to use a set of jumper cables to jump-start your Hyundai Accent from another car with a good battery.

The best way to test the battery is by using a voltmeter. The battery is good if the voltmeter shows 12.6 volts or more, but if it shows 12.4 volts or less, it needs to be charged. If the voltmeter shows less than 12 volts, the battery is probably dead and needs to be replaced.

Faulty Starter Motor Or Solenoid

timing belt
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Problem: Starter motor problems are another common cause of your Hyundai Accent not starting. The stereo, headlights, and other accessories will work fine if the battery is charged. However, if you only hear one click, the faulty solenoid is the reason. A solenoid is a switch that engages the starter motor, and it turns on the engine and flywheel. So, if this switch is not working, your car will not start.

Solution: You’ll need to get under the car and locate the starter. Once you’ve done that, unplug all the electrical wires hooked to it. Remove the mounting bolts and pull the starter away from the engine. You can now replace this faulty starter with a new one.

If you are unsure about the starter motor situation, it is better to consult an auto mechanic instead of guessing randomly and turning a small issue into an expensive misadventure.

Problem with Cables, Connections, & Corrosion

the engine

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Problem: The electrical system of your Hyundai Accent is very sensitive. Any problem with the cables, connections, and corrosion can prevent your car from starting. You should check the clamps of cables connected to the cables directly as they might be loose and not make good electrical contact.

Solution: Tighten all the electrical clamps and clean any corrosion on the battery terminals and other areas. However, if the corrosion has built on the terminals, you should disconnect the cables and clean them off to restore good connections.

Ignition Switch Problem

ignition
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Problem: The ignition switch is responsible for sending an electrical signal to the starter motor. If it is not working, then your car won’t start. The problem could be with the key, tumbler, or ignition switch.

Solution: You can try to wiggle or jiggle the key to see if it makes any difference. If not, you can try to spray some WD-40 into the keyhole and turn the key back and forth to see if it makes any difference. If the problem persists, then you should seek professional help.

Alternator Issues

car alternator
Photo by Pexels

Problem: The alternator is responsible for charging the battery while the engine runs. If your Hyundai Accent doesn’t start, the alternator might not be doing its job. Keep in mind that activating the starting motor can drain the stored battery power quickly.

Solution: You should drive your car for some time to see if the battery recharges while the engine is running. If not, you will need to take it to a mechanic and have the alternator checked.

Wrapping Up!

black Hyundai Accent
Photo by Pixabay

Hyundai Accent not starting and producing a clicking noise instead can be a sign of a serious underlying issue. We have discussed all the possible reasons, so you can run a diagnosis to find the main culprit. If you can’t find a solution, it is better to take your car to the nearest auto repair shop for proper inspection.

FAQs

Why is my Hyundai Accent making a clicking noise but not starting?

There are a few reasons why your Hyundai Accent might be making a clicking noise but not starting. It could be because of a problem with the battery, starter motor, solenoid, cables, or ignition switch. If you are not sure about the problem, it is better to consult an auto mechanic.

What would cause no power to the starter?

A blown fuse in the starter circuit may be blamed for a no-start issue. Damaged or filthy wiring – ineffective power delivery to the starter from the car battery can also cause this problem.

How do I know if it’s my starter or solenoid?

If you turn the key and nothing happens, it is most likely a problem with the starter solenoid. If you turn the key and hear a clicking noise, it is most likely a problem with the starter motor.