GMC Yukon Won’t Start Clicking Noise: 5 Reasons & Solutions

Seeing your GMC Yukon having difficulty starting with a clicking noise is just frustrating. This is annoying when the light comes on, but the car fails to start. But fortunately, this is easily fixable if you know the reasons behind it.

So, why the GMC Yukon won’t start with a clicking noise? This problem may arise due to a weak battery, a bad starter, or an alternator. Note that a loose connection in the battery and engine disruptions may also result in this.

Now, this just shows the reasons behind the issue. To resolve this problem, you need to read along as we have got the solution here with many useful insights. 

Reasons Why GMC Yukon Won’t Start But Makes Clicking Noise

We understand how it feels when the GMC Yukon won’t start but makes clicking noises. So, here we have covered the causes of this problem along with their respective solutions. Take a look.

Reason 1: A Weak Battery

The main reason behind your GMC Yukon not starting is a weak battery. If you hear a clicking noise and see your car having difficulties turning on, the solenoid is not working.

Now, the solenoid can not get started due to a lack of charges in the battery. The battery requires a high charge to operate the solenoid in order to get your car started.

Solution

To fix this, you can jump-start your car, which needs jumper cables and a healthy battery. Now, take the red wire and connect it to the positive end of the weak battery.

Attach another side of this cable to the positive end of the healthy battery. Now, you take the black wire and pin it to the negative end of the donor battery.

Finally, connect the opposite end of this cable to any unpainted metal portion of your car.  Now, give it a few seconds, and then start your car. As you start your car, remove the cables in reverse order.

If you can not start the car, you need to understand that the battery is dead. And if the battery is dead, you will have to replace it right away.

Last but not least, you will need about $150-$300 to replace a battery.

Reason 2: Complications in the Battery Connection

Your car battery might be in good condition, but the terminals might be corroded. Yes, this happens when the battery acid comes in contact with the terminals. 

Due to this, there is a decrease in the current flow which stops the engine from cranking. As a result, the GMC Yukon has a clicking noise and can’t get started.

Solution

To clean the corrosion, pour hot water on the terminals one at a time. After that, take off the cables and start cleaning off the corrosion with sandpaper.

You can also apply baking soda to the corroded area. Cover the area completely and keep it like that for about 30 minutes. 

This will cause a chemical reaction to remove the corrosion from the battery terminals. Now, rub the corrosion with a rubbing brush to remove them. 

Note that if the battery is corroded way too much, you need to replace it without any delay. To replace the battery, you need to spend around $100.

Reason 3: A Bad Starter

A malfunctioning starter may result in the GMC Yukon not starting. This happens due to 2 reasons. 

If the terminal or the starter is corroded, the problem will arise as the starter will not function properly. Besides, the starter can get damaged over time and can stop the car from getting turned on.

Solution

If you find any corrosion in the terminal or starter, clean it off. Take sandpaper and rub the corroded area to let it go.

To test if the starter has gone bad or not, you can take a multimeter. See if the battery voltage is from 12 to 10.5 volts and resistance stays around 0.1, which can go up to 3 ohms.

If these 2 match, the starter is good, but if it is way farther than these magnitudes, you need to replace the starter. A starter will cost you around $90.

The following video will help you to visualize how to replace your car’s starter. 

Reason 4: Malfunctioning Alternator

When the alternator turns bad, the chemical energy from the battery can not be converted into electrical energy. 

Due to this, the car fails to start, and the alternator turns bad due to reasons like being overheated or just over time.

Solution

To resolve this, you just need to replace the alternator of your car. 

• First, remove the negative terminal of the car battery and unfasten the belt tensioner. 
• Then you take off the serpentine belt and the connectors. 
• Finally, you need to loosen and take down the alternator to replace it with a new one.

Reason 5: Engine Disruptions

Your GMC Yukon may fail to start but make clicking noises due to engine disruptions. This mainly happens when the fuel or fluid level is too low.

Moreover, it may also happen if the engine of your car gets overheated due to being exposed to direct sunlight for a long time.

Solution

Check the fuel and refill this accordingly. If you notice your car engine is exposed to sunlight, cool down the engine by keeping the car under shade. 

To check the fuel level, look at your car’s dashboard, and you’ll find the fuel gauge. It’s usually located near the speedometer and looks like a semi-circle with a needle or a digital display. 

When you turn on the ignition, the fuel gauge will show you how much fuel is left in your tank.

To check the fluid level, locate the brake fluid reservoir. This is usually on the driver’s side near the firewall.

Then check the fluid level against the “Full” or “Max” mark. If the level is low, consult the vehicle manual for the correct brake fluid type and add as needed.

Tips to Prevent the GMC Yukon from Having Starting Issues

You may be wondering about what to do to prevent the GMC Yukon from having further starting complications. So, here we have got a few tips on it, as stated below.

• Keep an eye on the battery status every time. Make sure the battery works fine, and if required, replace the battery too. You can use a battery tester for this.
• Do not override your car. This means you need to make sure you give breaks during a journey so that the battery does not heat up too much.
• Check the fuel filter, fuel level, and starter motor on a regular basis.
• Do not use any low-quality fuel for your car, even for an emergency.

If your GMC Yukon won’t start and you’re hearing a persistent clicking noise, you’re not alone in facing this frustrating situation. Similar starting problems might also occur in other models, like the Subaru Forester, which might be experiencing difficulties in starting. For those dealing with remote start issues, such as Viper remote start not working, our article on Viper remote start not working offers guidance for diagnosing and resolving this specific issue. Moreover, if you’re encountering starting problems in a Subaru Forester, our article on Subaru Forester won’t start provides insights into potential causes and solutions. By immersing yourself in these resources, you’ll be better equipped to address both remote start concerns and starting challenges effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few questions that people frequently ask, and we have got the answers to them. 

The Final Words

Now you know why the GMC Yukon won’t start with a clicking noise! We believe you can now fix this problem by following our tips. However, do not hesitate to consult a professional if you have any doubts!

As we have come to an end, here is a last tip for you. Before you start your journey, try to test your brake pedals and accelerator. Sometimes brake pedals and accelerators get rigid due to a long break. We wish you good luck!