Car Battery Clicking While Charging – 4 Easy Fixes In 2024

ByVehicleslounge Updated on

Hearing clicks from my car battery during charging sparked concerns about its health and charging efficiency. This experience motivated me to delve into the intricacies of my car’s charging system and take proactive measures to ensure the battery’s well-being and smooth charging operation.

Battery making clicking noise while charging? (Short Answer)

Clicking sounds are often associated with the start relay and actuator and indicate low battery voltage. The starting motor or starter relay may not be interacting with the engine if there is a single loud click. However, rapid clicking is a reliable sign of low battery voltage.



Stay with us; this article will explore the possible causes of car battery clicking while charging and provide solutions to fix this problem.

Causes of Car Battery Clicking While Charging:

To solve the problem, it is crucial to understand its underlying causes. Let’s discuss the potential causes of car battery clicking while charging.

1. Low Voltage:

Clicking sound when charging car battery? The relay or solenoid may quickly activate and deactivate under low voltage conditions, producing a clicking noise. It might happen if the battery is substantially damaged or depleted, which prevents it from effectively absorbing a charge.

Low Voltage
source:advance auto parts

2. Loose or Corroded Connections:

Battery terminals that are rusted or filthy are another typical reason. The battery’s terminals may accumulate corrosion, mud, and dirt over time. It may prevent the charger and battery from connecting properly, resulting in a clicking noise.

3. Faulty Charging System:

A malfunctioning charger may also generate a clicking sound when it charges a car battery. If the charger isn’t working properly, it won’t be able to supply the battery with the appropriate quantity of power. The battery may click when it tries to charge because of this.

Faulty Charging System
source:autojosh

Also Read: How To Fix Reverse Polarity On A Car Battery

4. Battery Sulfation:

When lead-acid batteries are left drained for long, sulfation is frequent. It causes voltage swings that might result in clicking noises and the production of sulfate crystals on the battery plates, interfering with the battery’s capacity to charge.

5. Faulty Battery:

Additionally, a defective battery may make a clicking sound when charging. If the battery is damaged or worn out, it might not be able to maintain or accept a charge from the charger. When the light comes on, but the car won’t start, that noise can also be heard.

Faulty Battery
source:repairsmith

You always hear the same noise when there is a problem with the electrical system. In addition to the possibility that the battery has failed or is failing, the following components might also create that clicking sound including:

  • Ignition Switch
  • Starter Relay or Solenoid
  • Battery Cables
  • Starter motor
  • Incompatibility

Diagnosing the Problem:

In my experience, facing clicking sounds in my car battery during charging led me to employ the following diagnostic steps:

1. Check the Battery Voltage:

The initial step in identifying the problem is to check the battery voltage. The clicking noise was a result of the low battery voltage. To check the voltage of the battery, use a digital multimeter. A good 12-volt automotive battery should be at least 12.6 volts.

Check the Battery Voltage
source:yourmechanic

Also Read: How Long Does It Take To Change A Car Battery

2. Check the Battery Terminals:

Examine the battery terminals for corrosion or dirt. Clean the terminals using a wire brush or a combination of baking soda and water.

3. Check the Charger:

Make sure the charger is in good functioning order by checking it. The charger must be changed if it is broken.

Check the Charger
source:the home depot

4. Check The Battery:

The battery may need to be changed if all else fails. The battery may be tested to see whether it needs to be changed by a qualified mechanic or an auto parts retailer.

How To Fix A Car Battery Clicking While Charging?

I hope you have diagnosed the issues of clicking the car battery while charging; now we need to troubleshoot the possible solutions to fix this annoying problem.

1. Test Battery Voltage:

To determine the battery’s voltage, use a multimeter. If the voltage is extremely low, the battery may need a jump start from another vehicle or a battery charger built to handle severely depleted batteries.

Test Battery Voltage
source:advance auto parts

2. Check Battery Connections:

Start by looking for any rust or looseness in the battery terminals. To guarantee a strong connection, thoroughly clean the terminals with a wire brush and tighten them. Often, this procedure can remedy clicking problems brought on by bad connections.

Also Read: Why Is My Car Battery Showing 15 Volts

3. Check Charging System:

Evaluating the charging system to see if the battery connections and voltage are normal is crucial. To check for issues with the alternator, voltage regulator, and associated components, speak with a qualified mechanic or use a diagnostic tool.

Check Charging System
source:w8ji

4. Examine Battery Sulfation:

Sulfate crystals may have developed on the battery plates when the battery has been extensively depleted. To dissolve sulfate crystals and revive the battery, use a desulfator or a low-amperage battery charger.

Also Read: How Long Does It Take To Charge A Car Battery At 6 Amps

Car Battery Charger Clicking On and Off:

Car battery charger making clicking noise: Experiencing a car battery charger clicking on and off can be indicative of various issues:

  • Ensure the battery has adequate charge, as low voltage may cause the charger to click on and off intermittently.
  • Check for loose or corroded connections between the battery terminals and the charger. Tighten connections and clean terminals for a stable connection.
  • Verify that the charger is compatible with your battery and not overloaded. Overload detection may cause the charger to click on and off.
  • Test the charger with another battery or try a different charger to determine if the issue lies with the charger itself or its internal components. Malfunctions can result in intermittent clicking.

Related Questions:

1. Is It Normal For a Car Battery To Click While Charging?

No, it is not typical for a car battery to produce a clicking noise while it charges, particularly if the battery is at low voltage or is fully dead. The charger often clicks when it tries to charge the battery, but its voltage is too low to receive the charge.

2. Can A Clicking Car Battery Cause A Car To Stall?

Yes, a bad battery can make a car stall or not start at all. A clicking automobile battery has to be fixed as soon as possible to avoid more issues.

3. Why Does My Relay Click When I Have A Dead Battery?

If your battery is dead, the clicking you hear is probably the starter solenoid not receiving enough power. If the automobile shuts down while you are driving, the alternator is likely not charging the system. After you’ve jumped it off, the alternator should keep it running.

4. Should My Car Battery Charger Make A Clicking Noise?

Yes, a battery charger will generate a clicking noise. The most frequent causes of a clicking sound coming from a battery charger are a damaged battery, a cycling circuit breaker, and short battery wires. Low battery voltage, solenoid, and starting relay problems are other causes.

5. Can I jump-start a clicking car battery?

When trying to jump-start a car and all you hear is a click, check to see whether your jumper cables are making good contact, your jump box is fully charged, or your automobile battery needs to charge first.

6. Does clicking mean a dead battery?

Yes, if your car is making a clicking noise when you try to start it, it could be a sign of a dead battery. To confirm a dead battery, look for indicators like dim headlights or interior lights, slow cranking when starting the engine, and no sound at all when turning the key in the ignition.

7. Why is my fuse box clicking when charging battery?

The clicking sound from your fuse box while charging the battery is likely due to a dead battery. Connecting a battery charger might cause a ticking noise as various electrical loads (such as door/dome lights, ignition, etc.) attempt to draw power from the charger.

8. Can I continue using the charger if the battery clicks?

It’s recommended to pause charging and diagnose the issue. Continuing to charge without addressing the problem may lead to further complications.

9. Can a faulty relay switch be the sole cause of clicking during charging?

Yes, a worn-out or faulty relay switch, especially in the battery voltage regulator, can be a primary cause of clicking sounds. Replacing the relay switch may resolve the issue.

10. Can corroded terminals cause clicking during charging?

Yes, corrosion on battery terminals can disrupt the charging process, leading to clicking sounds. Regularly cleaning and maintaining terminals can prevent this issue.

Conclusion:

Having encountered the clicking sound during my car battery charging sessions, I discovered that understanding the potential causes and applying the troubleshooting steps mentioned above could address many typical issues. Prioritizing safety throughout this process was crucial for ensuring a comprehensive diagnosis and implementing the proper resolution. When in doubt, my experience emphasized the importance of seeking expert assistance to avoid overlooking more severe problems.

Also Raed:

References:

Hello, this is James Robert. For the past ten years, I have worked with various vehicles. I developed this blog to educate readers about the different problem of vehicles, I'm hoping that you'll find my blog to be beneficial and that you'll obtain the greatest advice from my experience.

Similar Posts