Car Won't Start (Clicking Sound) in PlantationStop driving — address now

Rapid clicking when you turn the key — or one loud click and nothing — is the starter not getting the power it needs. Nine times out of ten it starts at the battery, but the alternator or starter can be the real story.

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Most likely causes

  1. Dead or dying battery — Rapid clicking is the starter relay chattering on insufficient voltage — the classic weak-battery signature.
  2. Corroded or loose battery terminals — A bad connection mimics a dead battery perfectly; sometimes the fix is a cleaning.
  3. Failed starter motor — A single solid click with good battery voltage points at the starter or solenoid.
  4. Failing alternator — If the battery keeps running down, the alternator may not be recharging it — the battery is the victim, not the cause.

What to do

Try a jump start. If it starts and runs, get the battery and charging system tested the same day — driving on a failing alternator strands you when it finishes dying. If it won't jump, the starter is suspect and it's a tow or mobile mechanic call.

What the repair typically costs

Related services in Plantation, FL typically run $90–$900 depending on what the diagnosis finds:

Electrical diagnostic$90–$200
Battery replacement$150–$400
Alternator replacement$400–$900
Starter replacement$350–$750
Wiring / harness repair$150–$800

See the full auto electric cost guide →

Common questions

It starts with a jump — do I still need a shop?

Yes: you need to know whether the battery is done or the alternator killed it. A charging system test answers it in minutes.

How long do car batteries last in Florida?

Heat is harder on batteries than cold — 3–4 years is typical here versus 5+ in cooler climates.

Battery light came on while driving — what now?

That's the alternator warning. Head somewhere safe soon; the car is running on battery reserve alone.

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