Why Is My Battery Charger Making A Clicking Noise?

A battery charger is as important as the battery itself, as it is needed to power your battery. While using your battery charger, you might notice a repetitive clicking sound. We have conducted thorough research to find out this sound's cause and how to fix it. 

A defective battery, cycling circuit breaker, and short battery cables are the most popular reasons a battery charger makes a clicking noise. Other reasons are low battery volts, solenoid, and starter relay issues. 

To learn more about this, stick around and keep reading, as we will provide you with all the necessary information you need to know about your battery charger and its defects. 

Reasons Your Car Battery Charger Makes a Clicking Sound

hands charging car battery electricity trough, Why Is My Battery Charger Making A Clicking Noise?

Using a proper battery charger to ensure that your vehicle's electrical system is running efficiently is essential. Not only will regular charging help maintain the battery’s life, but it can also prevent unexpected breakdowns due to low charge levels.

There are a couple of reasons why your battery charger makes a clicking sound whenever it is connected to your car battery. They include the following:

The Battery is Low on Volts

If your battery is low voltage, it will produce a rapid clicking sound. Another indication that your battery has low voltage is the slow rate of your vehicle start up. If the voltage drops too close to zero, then it may be difficult or impossible for the starter motor to crank the engine.

Low battery voltage can also cause weak cranking power even if the starter motor is able to turn over. 

Starter Relay Issues

Another reason your battery charger makes a clicking sound is a starter relay issue. This means that the battery's starter relay is not engaging with the engine.

The clicking sound this will produce is quite different from the rapid clicking sound caused by a low-volt battery. You might only notice one loud click sound from the battery charger. 

The Charging Mode

The charging mode is another reason a battery charger makes a clicking sound. The 12 and 6-amp modes are usually quiet and do not produce any clicking sound. However, a boost mode will produce a surge in current, leading to a clicking sound from the charger.

Note that the boost mode is usually used when a car's battery is extremely low. 

How To Fix The Clicking Sound From a Car Battery Charger

close hand charging car battery electricity

If you notice a clicking sound from your car battery charger, here's what to do to fix the issue.

Check The Charger Settings

Like every other electrical component, a battery charger also has its settings. So, the first thing to do is to check the charger's settings to confirm if it is in a good state. At times, the charger might just need a reset.

Inspect The Battery

If the clicking sound continues after resetting it, the next step is to check the battery itself. For instance, the battery charger will make a clicking sound if the battery is low on volts.

Replace Shorted Cables

A battery charger will make a clicking sound if there are short cables and ring terminals. So you should replace them to stop the sound. 

Change Charging Mode 

When using your battery charger, do not put it on boost mode. Boost mode has a more intense power supply than the other modes, which can cause clicking sounds. 

How Do You Reset a Battery Charger? 

Make sure you follow the manufacturer's guide to reset the battery charger. Because different brands and types of battery chargers have their specific reset procedure. Here is a general reset step for most battery chargers

Step 1

You will first need to connect the battery charger to AC power before resetting it. 

Step 2

Next is to plug the battery charger and put it into a stand by using the mode button. An orange-reddish light would indicate it is on "standby" mode. 

Step 3

Proceed to unplug the battery charger from the AC power. Then you have successfully reset your battery charger.

How Long Does It Take To Charge a Battery

It all depends on the amperes of the charger used. For example, a battery charger of 10 amperes will take a shorter time to charge a battery, while a battery charger of 1 ampere will take longer. 

However, a standard battery charger will give out 4 to 13 amperes. So, between 10 to 25 hours is the typical charge time for a battery charger of 4 to 8 amperes.  It will take 2 to 4 hours to fully charge a battery with a battery charger of 20 amps. 

In summary, the higher the battery charger amp, the lower the charge time. 

Check out this NOCO 10 amp battery charger on Amazon 

Is It Best to Charge a Battery at 2 Amps or 10 Amps?

The amps to charge your car battery depends on the battery capacity and type. For example, you can charge smaller batteries at 2 amps but not bigger ones at 2 amps.

The general rule of thumb is to engage in slow charging regardless of the battery type and capacity. Charging at 10 amps is considered slow charging, while charging at 2 amps is more effective for smaller batteries like motorcycle batteries. 

Overall, make sure to follow the standard specification provided by the battery manufacturer.

Can a Battery Be Too Dead to Charge? 

battery charger car auto repair shop

It is still possible to charge a completely dead battery. But if you can, ensure the battery doesn't sit dead for too long. One to two months of dead batteries can still be charged, especially when you use jumper cables. 

It usually takes about seven years before a battery loses its efficacy. Proper maintenance also goes a long way in determining a dead battery recharge capacity.

How Do You Know If You Need a New Charger? 

Car battery chargers can develop faults beyond repair; in this case, they would need to be replaced completely. Here are indicators that you need to change your car battery charger as soon as possible. 

Incompatibility With Car Battery 

A battery charger may not charge your battery due to the incompatibility of the battery charger and the battery. Not all battery chargers can charge a particular battery.

A typical example is a difference between the charger used to charge an electric vehicle battery and the charger used in charging a fuel-powered vehicle. 

Once you notice that your battery charger is not charging your battery, it is time to replace it.

Slow Charging

Even though slow charging is best for charging a battery, a very slow charge isn't healthy for your battery. In most cases, a faulty charger is the cause of a slow charge. If that is the issue, you will need a new battery charger. 

What Is The Lifespan of a Car Battery Charger? 

battery charger 3d rendering isolated on

The lifespan of a car battery charger depends on several factors, such as:

  • the type and quality of the charger,
  • how often it is used,
  • and the environment in which it is stored.

A good car battery charger can last up to 3-5 years or more with proper care and maintenance. To extend the life of a car battery charger, it is important to store it in a dry, temperature-controlled environment when not in use and to avoid prolonged exposure to moisture.

It is also essential to regularly monitor your car battery's state of charge (voltage) and only charge when necessary. Doing so will reduce the wear and tear on your charger, helping it to last longer.

Additionally, regularly cleaning battery terminals with a brush or wire wool can help prevent unnecessary damage to your car battery charger. 

How Much Does a New Car Battery Charger Cost?

The cost of a new car battery charger will vary greatly depending on the size and type of charger you need. The price range can be anywhere from $30 to $100 or more.

Smaller chargers are the less expensive variety, while larger ones are more costly. It is important to note that larger chargers may come with additional features than smaller chargers.

Conclusions

hands charging car battery electricity trough

From a defective battery to a short battery cable, there are many underlying reasons why a battery charger makes a clicking sound. However, in some cases, the clicking sound does not in any way affects the performance of the battery charger. Thanks for reading. 

To read similar posts about car batteries, check out these engaging articles. 

Will Valet Mode Drain My Battery? 

Why Does My Battery Charger Keep Blowing Fuses? 

Can I Start a Car With a Battery Charger Connected? 

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