Is Your Car Clicking Instead of Cranking? It Might Be the Starter Solenoid (All You Need To Know)

 

The starter solenoid is a small but crucial component that bridges the gap between your battery and starter motor by acting as a switch.

The solenoid is effectively a very high current relay. The starter motor itself can take up to 300A to spin the motor, while the ignition key (in the old days) or the ECU (nowadays) can only comfortably source <= 1A.

Whatever commands the car to start (key or ECU) actually commands the solenoid to close, which provides massive current to the starter. It's a voltage-operated switch (aka relay).

When you turn the key, the solenoid activates, sending power to the starter, which in turn cranks the engine. The solenoid drives the actuator gear forward so that it makes contact with the teeth on the flywheel. Once the car starts the solenoid disengages from the circuit usually due to the action of a helical compression spring.- Signs of a Bad Starter Solenoid

Clicking noise instead of cranking: If it is the solenoid, likely you won’t hear your starter engage the engine. You might hear a single click or series of clicks, or no noise at all, but no noise of the starter. If it is the starter, you may hear a high loud whine of the starter motor as the solenoid tries to kick out the starter gear, or you may hear a loud grinding noise if the gear is fried.

Starter keeps running after key release: If your starter motor keeps spinning even after you've released the key, it's a strong indication of a faulty solenoid which shows that the solenoid did not disengage to stop the current flow. This can damage the starter if not addressed promptly.

Clicking noise without starter engagement: You might hear a clicking sound when you turn the key, but the starter doesn't engage. This could be due to a worn-out or damaged solenoid connection.