Car isn't starting - even when jumped

[caveman017]

97' Camry. The car when trying to start makes this really loud-fast clicking noise and nothing happens. I know I need to replace the battery soon. Tried to jump it, same thing. Loud fast clicking noise from the starter.

We're wondering if the battery cables could be bad?

[Kenny_McCormic]

Needs a starter solenoid rebuild.

[Novice_cardude]

Not getting enough juice to the battery. Either the cables are corroded or you have a bad connection somewhere. I'd remove the terminals and clean them really well where they contact the battery and where your jump cables contact the terminal ends. Then try jumping it again. If you see a large amount of corrosion on the cable itself running down under the insulation you may need to replace the battery cables on the car.

[Riick]

The way those cables get connected, you wnt to remove the ENDS that fit on the battery, from the cabless.
Now clean up the ends -- steel wool + vinegar, then rinse, then re-connect tightly
Also you may need to keep the connection on the battery for a few minutes
((3-5 minutes) before you even TRY to crank the engine..
Gives the old battery a little time to get a charge.
BTW.. don't let them sell you Mr. Super Battery - a battery with a somewhat higher rating than the original is more than good enough.
You just don't NEED 900 Cold-Cranking Amps, unless you're living ina a VERY cold State.

[Chris Crash]

I have to agree (mostly) with everyone.

It wont hurt to take your battery terminals completely off and clean them well.

But the original symptom sounds like the starter.

The battery isn't your big problem right now if it won't start with a jump.

[Dave's]

Actually, I've experienced the same problem. My Camry wouldn't start my wife's after she left the lights on. (Just the fast clicking) AAA came out and it started right up. He claimed it was because many cars simply don't produce the amps needed to jump another car if the battery is really run down. His heavy-duty alternator did the job. Leaving the donor car running with a somewhat revved up engine for a while sometimes builds up enough juice to get the job done. Really good, tight connections using large enough cables is important too.

[Chris Crash]

Originally Posted by Dave's

Actually, I've experienced the same problem. My Camry wouldn't start my wife's after she left the lights on. (Just the fast clicking) AAA came out and it started right up. He claimed it was because many cars simply don't produce the amps needed to jump another car if the battery is really run down. His heavy-duty alternator did the job. Leaving the donor car running with a somewhat revved up engine for a while sometimes builds up enough juice to get the job done. Really good, tight connections using large enough cables is important too.

+1 on the large cables! Get a six or four gauge cable.

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by Dave's

Actually, I've experienced the same problem. My Camry wouldn't start my wife's after she left the lights on. (Just the fast clicking) AAA came out and it started right up. He claimed it was because many cars simply don't produce the amps needed to jump another car if the battery is really run down. His heavy-duty alternator did the job. Leaving the donor car running with a somewhat revved up engine for a while sometimes builds up enough juice to get the job done. Really good, tight connections using large enough cables is important too.

^

I agree with this observation, but if the car still won't start even after a more powerful jump then you need to look at the connections to the battery and/or battery cables. Start with the simplest reasons and work your way up from there.

[Mr.Nutcase]

Do a voltage drop on the starter,

[Mike Gerber]

1 click = worn starter solenoid contacts.

multiple rapid clicking nosies = corrosion, most likely where the battery terminal ends clamp on to the battery posts. Clean both the male and female ends as has been suggested above and try to start the car.

Mike

[liensalebuyer]

I had the same problem, battery was shorted, needed a new one, it was over seven years old at that time. 1993 4 cyl LE

[yotatoter]

i have to agree with the posts 1 click bad contacts in solenoid, multiple clicks is a bad connection

[lovemytoyota]

Exact same problem for about 3 weeks. I knew it's not the battery because I charged it up a few times with the battery charger. I even had the high beam turned on but all I heard was a single click and the light wasn't even dimming at all. Today, my mechanic repaired the solenoid. Total price paid: $250.