Question for the mechanics of Lemmy; what is the most likely problem?

Clicking when trying to start, but all the electronics otherwise working, was a common issue for me when I had old and used cars. In my case it always meant the battery wasn't charged enough to start, but had enough charge for the rest.

The first thing I would recommend is cleaning both battery posts and the the inside of both battery clamps with either a steel brush, steel wool, or even sandpaper if you don't have the first two. If the connection is poor it can keep enough charge from going to the starter but still allow enough for the AC/Lights/etc. Cleaning the connection solved the vast majority of similar situations for me and you mentioned one was already slipping off.

If the connection was the only problem, then you still should have been able to start from another vehicle if the cables had a good connection. But, if the car battery was pretty low (possibly due to that connection keeping it from recharging properly) it might take a little bit before it actually starts. If you didn't the first time, make the connection to jump but leave yours alone for a couple of minutes while your wife's runs to charge the battery up a bit. Hers will most likely drop a tiny bit of revs when the connection is made due to the draw if the battery is low. After letting hers charge your battery for a few minutes, give it a start and if it goes that indicates the battery charge was too low.

If that makes it so the car starts, it is still possible that your alternator is failing and not charging your battery or the battery itself is failing. Whether you start it or not, getting your battery to a car parts place to get tested is a good idea. Most of the ones around here do the testing for free and can either check it while in the car or will assist with pulling it out to test if necessary.

6 comments

I've had a similar thing happen when the negative terminal was not attached tight enough, exact same symptoms. Since you've been working on the terminal, I'm gonna assume that it's the issue here. The lights, radio and heater don't nearly have the power draw that the starter does. Most likely the click you're hearing is the starter relay, but there's not enough of a connection to turn the engine over or engage the starter itself. I'd bet the battery itself is fine.
- I'm hoping it's that as that'll only cost me ten minutes of my life.
  
  Fingers crossed for you, just make sure the ground is tightly attached. It shouldn't be able to move at all when you pull on the cable.
Clicking when trying to start, but all the electronics otherwise working, was a common issue for me when I had old and used cars. In my case it always meant the battery wasn't charged enough to start, but had enough charge for the rest.
The first thing I would recommend is cleaning both battery posts and the the inside of both battery clamps with either a steel brush, steel wool, or even sandpaper if you don't have the first two. If the connection is poor it can keep enough charge from going to the starter but still allow enough for the AC/Lights/etc. Cleaning the connection solved the vast majority of similar situations for me and you mentioned one was already slipping off.
If the connection was the only problem, then you still should have been able to start from another vehicle if the cables had a good connection. But, if the car battery was pretty low (possibly due to that connection keeping it from recharging properly) it might take a little bit before it actually starts. If you didn't the first time, make the connection to jump but leave yours alone for a couple of minutes while your wife's runs to charge the battery up a bit. Hers will most likely drop a tiny bit of revs when the connection is made due to the draw if the battery is low. After letting hers charge your battery for a few minutes, give it a start and if it goes that indicates the battery charge was too low.
If that makes it so the car starts, it is still possible that your alternator is failing and not charging your battery or the battery itself is failing. Whether you start it or not, getting your battery to a car parts place to get tested is a good idea. Most of the ones around here do the testing for free and can either check it while in the car or will assist with pulling it out to test if necessary.