The starter clicks, but does not turn the engine on the Lada Granta: 7 reasons and how to fix the problem

Why the starter clicks but does not turn the engine on a Grant: the main reasons

If when you turn the ignition key to Lada Granta you hear characteristic clicks, but the engine does not start, the problem lies in the starting system. This is one of the most common malfunctions that owners of domestic cars encounter. Clicks indicate that the starter solenoid relay is activated, but the starter itself does not turn the crankshaft. There may be several reasons - from a dead battery to mechanical failure of the Bendix.

It is important to understand that ignoring this problem can lead to more serious consequences: for example, burnout of the starter windings or failure of the solenoid relay. In most cases, you can fix the problem yourself, without resorting to the help of a car service. The main thing is to correctly diagnose the cause and follow a clear algorithm of actions.

In this article we will look at all the possible reasons why the starter clicks but does not turn. Grante, and also give step-by-step repair instructions. We will pay special attention to diagnostics - this is a key stage on which the success of the entire repair depends.

1. Discharged or faulty battery

The most common, but also the most common cause of starter clicking is low battery charge. When the voltage drops below 11.5 V, the starter cannot crank the crankshaft, but the retractor relay is still able to operate, making clicks. It's easy to check: turn on the headlights or radio. If they work sluggishly or go out when you try to start the car, the problem is in the battery.

It is also worth paying attention to battery terminals. Oxidation or poor connections can create additional resistance, causing insufficient voltage to reach the starter. In this case, the clicking sounds may be accompanied by crackling or even sparking under the hood.

• 🔋 Check the battery voltage with a multimeter (normal: 12.6–12.8 V with the engine off).
• 🔌 Clean the terminals from oxidation and tighten them tightly.
• 🔄 Try to “light” the car from another battery or charger.
• 🚗 If the battery is old (more than 5 years), its capacity could have dropped critically and will require replacement.

⚠️ Attention: If after “lighting up” the engine starts, but a few days later the problem repeats, the battery does not hold a charge. There are two possible reasons: sulfation of the plates (replacement is required) or a malfunction of the generator (does not charge the battery).

2. Malfunction of the starter solenoid relay

The solenoid relay is responsible for two key processes: bringing the bendix gear into engagement with the flywheel and closing the contacts to supply current to the starter winding. If the relay fails, you will hear a click (activation) but the starter will not turn. Reasons for relay failure:

• 🔥 Burning of contacts (“nickels”) inside the relay due to high currents.
• 🧲 Break or short circuit in the relay winding.
• 🛠️ Mechanical wear or jamming of the anchor.

You can check the solenoid relay without removing the starter. To do this:

1. Turn the key to the ignition position (but do not engage the starter).
2. Using a screwdriver or wrench, close the two bolts on the back of the relay (contacts 30 and 50).
3. If the starter works, the relay is faulty and requires replacement.

⚠️ Attention: A spark may occur when the relay contacts close - do not touch metal parts with bare hands. Also make sure the car is in neutral!

What does the retractor relay look like on Grant?

On the Lada Granta, the retractor relay is integrated into the starter housing and is a cylindrical block with two bolts for connecting wires. It is usually black or dark gray, located on the battery side.

3. Wear or breakage of the bendix (overrunning clutch)

Bendix - This is a mechanism that transmits rotation from the starter to the engine flywheel. If its gear or freewheel is worn, the starter may click but not turn the crankshaft. Typical signs of a Bendix malfunction:

• 🔊 There is a click, but the engine does not rotate.
• 🔄 The starter turns “idle” (the sound of rotation is heard, but the engine does not start).
• 🛠️ After several attempts to start the car, the car is able to start (the gear is temporarily “engaged”).

You can check the Bendix by removing the starter from the car. To do this:

1. Clamp the bendix in a vice (through a soft pad to avoid damage).
2. Try turning the gear in both directions. It should rotate freely in one direction, and be blocked in the other.
3. If the gear rotates in both directions or does not lock, the bendix is faulty.

On Lada Granta Bendix cannot be repaired - only replaced. Average cost of a new part: 800–1500 rub. depending on the manufacturer.

Check the gear for chips and worn teeth|Make sure the overrunning clutch locks when rotating in one direction|Inspect the bendix shaft for play|Check the integrity of the spring inside the clutch-->

4. Open circuit or short circuit in the starter winding

If the starter clicks but does not turn, and the battery and solenoid relay are working properly, the problem may lie in starter winding. Signs of malfunction:

• 🔥 Burning smell from under the hood after several attempts to start.
• 🔌 The starter “barely” rotates, despite the charged battery.
• 🛠️ Traces of melting or blackening are visible on the starter housing.

You can check the winding with a multimeter in continuity mode:

1. Remove the starter from the vehicle.
2. Disconnect the solenoid relay.
3. Check the stator and armature windings for breaks or short circuits to the housing.

If the winding is faulty, the starter must be replaced or rewinded (which is often uneconomical). Average cost of a new starter for Lada Granta: 3500–6000 rub..

Malfunction	Signs	Remedy	Repair cost
Low battery	Clicking noises, dim headlights	Charging or replacing the battery	500–5000 rub.
Faulty solenoid relay	Click without rotation	Relay replacement	800–1500 rub.
Bendix wear	The starter turns idle	Bendix replacement	800–1500 rub.
Winding short circuit	Burning smell, weak rotation	Starter replacement	3500–6000 rub.
Poor ground contact	Clicks, unstable operation of electronics	Cleaning and tightening contacts	Free

5. Poor contact of ground or power wiring

Often the problem lies not in the starter itself, but in poor ground contact or a broken power cable. On Lada Granta The starter "ground" is attached to the body or engine, and over time this connection can oxidize or become loose. Also worth checking:

• 🔌 Power wire from the battery to the starter (must be intact, without fractures).
• 🔧 Ignition switch contact group (wear can lead to loss of voltage).
• 🔋 Starter fuse (on Grant this is usually F19 (50A) in the mounting block).

How to check weight:

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Locate the starter ground mounting point (usually on a stud next to the battery or on the transmission).
3. Clean the contact area from rust and oxidation, then tighten the nut tightly.

6. Mechanical faults: flywheel, ring gear, gear

If the starter is working, but the engine does not start, the problem may be mechanical part:

- Tooth wear flywheel crown (bendix gear cannot engage).

- Seizing of the flywheel or crankshaft (for example, due to water hammer or scuffing in the cylinders).

- Starter gear failure.

You can check this by trying to crank the engine manually:

1. Place the car in neutral gear.
2. Remove the spark plugs (to reduce compression).
3. Try turning the crankshaft by the pulley bolt or flywheel (through the inspection window of the box).

If the crankshaft does not turn or rotates with great effort, the problem is mechanical, and the starter has nothing to do with it.

⚠️ Attention: If you hear a metallic grinding sound or feel sticking when you try to turn the crankshaft by hand, do not try to start the car with the starter - this may lead to its breakdown or breakage of the timing belt.

7. Malfunction of the ignition switch or immobilizer

Less often, but still there are cases when the starter clicks due to problems with ignition switch or immobilizer. Signs:

• 🔑 When turning the key, there is no characteristic click of the relay (but the starter does not work).
• 🚨 The immobilizer indicator on the dashboard flashes or lights up.
• 🔌 Other electrical appliances (headlights, radio) work fine.

You can check the ignition switch by closing the contacts 30 and 50 on the solenoid relay (as described earlier). If the starter works, the problem is in the lock or its wiring. It is also worth checking the immobilizer fuse (F3 (10A) in the mounting block).

What to do if the starter clicks but does not turn: step-by-step instructions

To quickly diagnose and fix the problem, follow this algorithm:

1. Check the battery:
   • Measure the voltage with a multimeter.
   • Clean the terminals and check the contact.
2. Check the solenoid relay:
   • Close the contacts 30 and 50 screwdriver
   • If the starter works, replace the relay.
3. Check Bendix:
   • Remove the starter and inspect the gear.
   • Check the overrunning clutch for locking.
4. Check wiring and ground:
   • Clean the ground attachment points.
   • Ring the power wire from the battery to the starter.

Check the mechanical part:

• Try turning the crankshaft by hand.
• Inspect the flywheel crown through the inspection window.

If after all the checks the problem remains, the starter must be removed and tested on a bench or replaced with a known good one.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about starter malfunctions on Grant

Is it possible to drive if the starter clicks, but the car can be started using the pushrod?

Yes, but this is a temporary solution. If the problem is with the battery or contacts, you can drive the vehicle until the problem is resolved. However, if the reason is in the starter (for example, wear of the bendix or winding), each push start aggravates the breakdown. We recommend that you carry out a diagnosis as soon as possible.

How much does it cost to replace a starter on a Grant service?

The cost of replacing a starter in a car service is 800–1500 rub.. Taking into account the price of a new starter (3500–6000 rub.) the total amount will be 4300–7500 rub.. If you decide to replace only the solenoid or bendix, the cost will be lower: 1500–3000 rub. along with work.

How can you tell the difference between a starter problem and a battery problem?

If the battery is low:

• The headlights are dim or go out when trying to start.
• Multiple clicks are heard (the relay is trying to operate).
• Other electrical appliances (radio, power windows) work slowly.

If the problem is in the starter:

• One clear click, but the starter does not rotate.
• The headlights burn brightly, there is no voltage drop.
• When the contacts on the solenoid relay are closed, the starter does not respond.

Is it possible to repair a Granta starter yourself?

Yes, if you have basic power tool skills. Replacing the solenoid relay or bendix does not require special equipment. However, rewinding the winding or repairing the armature at home is difficult - it’s easier to buy a new starter or contact a service center.

What starters are suitable for the Lada Granta?

On Lada Granta (depending on the year of manufacture and engine model) starters from the following manufacturers are installed:

• KZATE (article 5712.3708000-01) - standard option.
• Bosch (article 0 001 108 005) - high quality analogue.
• Valeo (article 438286) is a reliable substitute.
• Baker (article 5712.3708000) - a budget option.

When choosing, pay attention to the number of gear teeth (must match the flywheel crown).