Skip to Content

Honda HRV Clicking Noise Won’t Start

The Honda HRV is a popular compact SUV known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. However, like any vehicle, it can experience problems that can be frustrating for owners. One common issue reported by Honda HRV owners is a clicking noise when attempting to start the vehicle.

The clicking noise can be caused by a variety of issues, ranging from a dead battery to a faulty starter motor. In some cases, the problem may be as simple as a loose or corroded battery terminal. However, in other cases, it may require more extensive repairs.

Bright Honda HRV headlights turned on

In this article, we will explore the common causes of a clicking noise when attempting to start a Honda HRV, as well as the possible fixes for each issue. Whether you are a DIY mechanic or prefer to take your vehicle to a professional, this guide will provide you with the information you need to get your Honda HRV back on the road.

Common Symptoms of Honda HRV Clicking Noise

Red Honda HRV turning on a street corner.

When a Honda HRV makes a clicking noise and won’t start, it may indicate a problem with the starter motor or the battery. Common symptoms include a clicking noise, engine not starting, slow cranking, dimming dashboard lights, and other electrical problems. These issues may be due to a faulty starter motor, dead battery, or weak battery.

  • Clicking noise: This is the most common symptom of a Honda HRV that won’t start. The clicking noise usually comes from the starter motor, which is trying to turn the engine over but can’t.
  • Engine won’t start: If the engine won’t start at all, it may be due to a problem with the starter motor or the battery. The starter motor may be faulty or the battery may be dead.
  • Slow cranking: If the engine cranks slowly or takes a long time to start, it may be due to a weak battery. The battery may not have enough power to turn the engine over.
  • Dashboard lights dim: If the dashboard lights dim or flicker when the key is turned, it may be due to a weak battery. The battery may not be able to provide enough power to start the engine.
  • Electrical problems: If there are other electrical problems with the car, such as the radio or lights not working, it may be due to a problem with the battery or the alternator.

These symptoms may indicate a problem with the starter motor, battery, or alternator. It is important to diagnose the problem correctly to avoid unnecessary repairs or replacements.

Probable Causes of Honda HRV Clicking Noise and Failure to Start

Honda HRV front cabin

When a Honda HRV clicks but doesn’t start, the most probable causes are issues with the battery, starter motor, ignition switch, or fuel system. A proper diagnosis by a certified mechanic is recommended to ensure the correct issue is addressed. These issues can be diagnosed by jump-starting the car, tapping on the starter motor, wiggling the key in the ignition, or listening for the fuel pump.

Battery Issues

The battery is one of the most common culprits when it comes to clicking noise and failure to start. If the battery is weak or dead, it will not provide enough power to turn the engine over. This can cause the clicking noise when the starter motor tries to engage.

To check if the battery is the problem, the owner can try jump-starting the car. If the car starts with a jump, then the battery is likely the issue. If the battery is old or damaged, it may need to be replaced.

Starter Motor Problems

Another common cause of clicking noise and failure to start is a faulty starter motor. The starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over when the key is turned in the ignition. If the starter motor is damaged or worn out, it may not be able to do its job properly.

To diagnose a faulty starter motor, the owner can try tapping on it with a hammer while someone else turns the key in the ignition. If the car starts, then the starter motor is likely the problem. If this is the case, the starter motor will need to be replaced.

Ignition Switch Fault

If the ignition switch is faulty, it may cause the clicking noise and failure to start. The ignition switch is responsible for sending power to the starter motor when the key is turned in the ignition. If the switch is damaged or worn out, it may not be able to do its job properly.

To diagnose a faulty ignition switch, the owner can try turning the key in the ignition while wiggling it. If the car starts, then the ignition switch is likely the problem. If this is the case, the ignition switch will need to be replaced.

Fuel System Defects

Finally, a faulty fuel system can also cause clicking noise and failure to start. If the fuel pump is not working properly, it may not be able to provide enough fuel to the engine to start it.

To diagnose a faulty fuel system, the owner can try turning the key in the ignition while listening for the fuel pump. If the pump is not making any noise, then it may be the problem. If this is the case, the fuel pump will need to be replaced.

In summary, when a Honda HRV clicks but doesn’t start, the battery, starter motor, ignition switch, and fuel system are the most probable causes. A proper diagnosis by a certified mechanic is recommended to ensure the correct issue is addressed.

Diagnosing Honda HRV Clicking Noise Problem

Honda HRV front cabin

When a Honda HRV makes a clicking noise but won’t start, it can be frustrating and confusing for the vehicle’s owner. However, diagnosing the issue can be done by following a few simple steps.

Inspection of Battery

The first step is to inspect the battery. A dead or weak battery can cause the clicking noise and prevent the car from starting. Check the battery terminals for corrosion and make sure they are tight. If the battery is dead, try jump-starting the car or replacing the battery.

Testing the Starter Motor

If the battery is not the issue, the next step is to test the starter motor. A faulty starter motor can cause the clicking noise and prevent the engine from starting. To test the starter motor, turn the key to the “start” position and listen for any sounds coming from the starter motor. If the motor is not making any noise, it may be faulty and need to be replaced.

Checking the Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is another component that can cause the clicking noise and prevent the car from starting. To check the ignition switch, turn the key to the “on” position and listen for any sounds coming from the switch. If the switch is not making any noise, it may be faulty and need to be replaced.

Assessing the Fuel System

Finally, a faulty fuel system can also cause the clicking noise and prevent the engine from starting. Check the fuel pump and fuel filter for any issues. If the fuel pump is not working properly, it may need to be replaced. If the fuel filter is clogged, it may need to be cleaned or replaced.

By following these steps, a Honda HRV owner can diagnose the issue causing the clicking noise and get their car back on the road.

Fixing Honda HRV Clicking Noise

Honda HRV infotainment console

If your Honda HRV won’t start and makes a clicking noise, some effective fixes include battery replacement or charging, starter motor repair, ignition switch replacement, or fuel system servicing. These are just a few of the possible causes and it’s best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair.

Battery Replacement or Charging

One of the most common causes of a clicking noise and a no-start condition in a Honda HRV is a dead or weak battery. If your battery is more than a few years old, it may be time to replace it. Alternatively, if you have a battery charger, you can try charging the battery to see if that helps.

Starter Motor Repair

If your battery is in good condition, but you still hear a clicking noise when you try to start your Honda HRV, the problem may be with the starter motor. The starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over when you turn the key in the ignition. If it’s not working properly, your engine won’t start. In this case, you may need to have the starter motor repaired or replaced.

Ignition Switch Replacement

Another possible cause of a clicking noise and a no-start condition in a Honda HRV is a faulty ignition switch. The ignition switch is what sends power to the starter motor when you turn the key in the ignition. If the switch is faulty, the starter motor won’t receive power, and your engine won’t start. In this case, you may need to have the ignition switch replaced.

Fuel System Servicing

If your battery, starter motor, and ignition switch are all in good condition, but your Honda HRV still won’t start, the problem may be with the fuel system. The fuel system is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine so it can run. If there’s a problem with the fuel system, your engine won’t start. In this case, you may need to have the fuel system serviced to diagnose and fix the problem.

KnowMyAuto is the sole owner of this article was published on Sep 20, 2023 and last updated on .

Remember that these are just a few of the possible causes of a clicking noise and a no-start condition in a Honda HRV. If you’re not sure what’s causing the problem, it’s best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair.