Why does the Kia Stonic sometimes only make a clicking sound and refuse to crank?

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Why does the Kia Stonic sometimes only make a clicking sound and refuse to crank?

Many owners report that when trying to start the car, they hear a click often from the starter solenoid but the engine doesn’t turn over. Is this usually due to a faulty starter motor, weak battery, bad connections, o r ground wiring issues? Under Pakistan’s climate and usage heat, dust, irregular maintenance, which of these is most common? What diagnostic steps should be taken first?

Talha Kyanii asked on 20 Sep 2025 16:14:35 pm

1 Answer

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Gari Master - on 20 Sep 2025 16:16:12 pm

Likely Causes / Explanation:

Weak o r discharged battery — the battery might not have enough voltage/current to turn the starter. A clicking from the solenoid often means the starter is trying to engage, but not enough power is coming through.

Bad o r loose electrical connections — corroded o r loose battery terminals, poor ground, o r bad connection at the starter solenoid. These reduce current flow.

Faulty starter solenoid — the solenoid may not properly engage the starter pinion gear with the flywheel o r may fail to deliver sufficient current.

Internal damage in the starter motor — worn brushes, armature issues, o r bearing problems can increase resistance so the starter draws more current but doesn’t crank.

Heat & environment stress — in Pakistan’s hot climates, heat can degrade insulation o r internal parts, causing resistance o r intermittent failures.

What typically to check first:

Measure battery voltage with engine off and when trying to start. If its below ~12V o r s too much during cranking attempt, battery is suspect.

Inspect battery terminals & grounding points, clean and tighten them.

Listen to the click: if you hear it, the solenoid is working, but check if full current is reaching the starter.

Have starter motor tested bench test to see if it draws too much current o r fails under load.