Situations in which a vehicle could fail to start could be due to failure of battery or electrical components linked to the battery, ignition or starter system. It would be wrong to assume that if a vehicle fails to fire on all cylinders it is due to a problem with the battery. A starter uses maximum voltage to provide an energised spin to the engine crank.

During cold start conditions the ignition system is not functioning efficiently enough to produce spark of required intensity so one tends to crank the vehicle constantly. The vehicle will start but the current stored and generated by the battery is used in excess. Sometimes the battery may not have adequate current to support the starter which fails to deliver the necessary voltage. The click heard during this process is from the starter. The starter is an extremely robust part of the ignition system. The bendix drive, the rotor, armature which comprise the starter, need an extraordinary electrical jolt. A tiny electric current is enough to send vibrations through the starter's mechanical parts.

A common problem is when the ignition key is turned one hears the click but the vehicle refuses to start. The starter has to gather electric current and build up energy to grab the flywheel and rotate it. The bendix engages its groves with the flywheel splines. The powerful rotation of the bendix puts the crank into spin. In this process the engagement of the bendix with the flywheel is not a smooth task. The bendix is under tremendous stress due to pressures developed by combustion, which in turn causes thrust of the piston which follows through the connecting rod and the crankshaft. Since the flywheel is connected to the outer end of the crank it also is affected by pressure from the engine. When the starter is actuated, engagement of the bendix with the flywheel results in a large amount of wear and tear. The splines of the bendix and flywheel rub against each other so vigorously that the edges get damaged and eventually do not fit into each other perfectly. Excessive gaps are also caused between splines of both components which hampers rotation of the crank initiated by the bendix. So, if the starter emits a click, it could be due to starter malfunction.

Dos and Donts

• Check electrolyte level regularly. Specific gravity of the electrolyte should be monitored with the help of a hydrometer.
• The level of electrolyte should remain at the max level marked on the outer face of the battery shell.
• Several people use plain water to top up electrolyte level, which is erroneous and reduces battery life. Distilled water should be used to top up the electrolyte level.
• Fitment of a battery should be rigid so that it does not move when the vehicle is in motion. Damage of battery shell due to loose fastening could result in leakage of electrolyte. Chemical characteristics of the electrolyte can cause harm to the body metal of the car and passengers as well.
• Terminal and cable hooks of the battery should be cleaned of chemical precipitation regularly. If not, the ignition system of the vehicle would not be supplied with the necessary amount of electric current. The chemical deposits further affect the fiber shell of the battery that could also result in leakage of electrolyte.
• Do not leave electric wires, leaving the battery to connect to the starter, contact breaker points etc., exposed as contact of the exposed part of the wire with the vehicle body could create a short circuit that could consequently discharge the battery and sometimes could also be cause of fire.
• Make sure all wire connections in the circuits are well tightened and insulated to ensure healthy passage of electric current.
• Ensure that battery wire harnesses are detached from the terminals carefully without the use of force. Forceful removal loosens the terminals, consequently hampering the performance of the battery.
• Charge of battery should be monitored on a regular basis with help of a multimeter. If discharged it should be charged immediately.
• Always get the battery checked at authorised centres.