5 Reasons Why Your BMW X3 Is Clicking but Not Starting

Are you hearing a clicking sound when trying to start your BMW X3 engine?

It’s not unusual for an internal combustion engine to generate a low-pitch noise while coming to life. However, the emergence of a high-pitched clicking noise when trying to start your car is not something that should be ignored.

The reason behind the generation of this strange noise could be anything. Often, an improper starter motor set-up is the reason why your car may make a high-pitched clicking noise. Also, electrical issues due to a defective battery or alternator can make your car engine generate high-pitch noises while coming to life.

Do you want to know some of the other reasons why a car may click but won't start? Have patience… This article will guide you through some of the obvious reasons why a car might do so.

BMW X3 won’t start but clicks- What may be the reason?

Weak car battery

Have you ever wondered what exactly happens when you turn the ignition key or push the "engine start/stop" button of your car?

Well, this action simply prompts the concerned relay to establish an electric pathway between the battery and ignition system. It also makes it possible for the starter motor to spring into action only to work in sync with the ignition system so that the engine can be cranked.

This process requires a steady supply of electricity- which is impossible without a properly functioning battery. If the battery fails to keep up with the electricity demand of the starter motor and ignition system, the engine will click when you turn the ignition key to the "start" position, but it wouldn’t come to life.

A broken alternator

Another leading reason why your BMW X3 may click but won't start when you turn the ignition key is a defective alternator. Just so you know, the alternator is an important part of your car's charging system- that is tasked with the job of recharging the battery.

If it stops working due to technical deformities, the power supply to the battery will be interrupted. And, when that happens, you will observe a series of drivability problems including- a hard time starting the engine.

Starter motor problems

You could find it hard to start your car engine- if the starter motor is not working properly. The starter motor, as we have discussed earlier in this article, is something that works in sync with the ignition system to bring the engine to life. And, to do so, it spins the engine at a certain speed till it becomes self-reliant.

If there is something off with the starter motor, your car engine might struggle to start and may produce a distinctive clicking noise. If you don't address the issue on time, it can give rise to a variety of starting-system-related problems in your BMW X3. Therefore, if you're having trouble starting your car engine, get it checked out by a certified professional.

Wiring harness issue

A wiring harness is something that is tasked with the job of conveying electricity from the battery to different electrical accessories of the vehicle, including the starter motor and vital ignition system components. Issues with the wiring harness can obstruct the power supply to the starter motor and different parts of the ignition system. And, when that happens, you may find it hard to start your car engine.

Issues with the control module

Almost all modern cars including BMW X3 comes fitted with an engine control module or ECM. Its job is to keep an eye on different aspects of engine operation. In addition to this, the ECM also regulates different aspects of the engine operation like- spark plug firing timing, fuel injection timing, and a series of other things. If there is something off with this part, you will find it hard to start your car engine.

Bottom line

These are some of the reasons why your BMW X5 engine may click but won't start. If left unaddressed, it can lead to costly repairs. Therefore, if you want peace of mind and want to save money, take your car to a nearby auto service center so that the exact issue can be identified and repaired.

With over 30 years of experience, Euro Pro is one of the largest car service centers in Both South & North Carolina. It houses very friendly and well-experienced ASE certified technicians who have over 35 years of experience working with German cars.