Engine Cranks But Won't Start, Only Clicks 2018 Toyota 86

Few things are as frustrating as turning the key or pushing the start button in your 2018 Toyota 86, only to hear the engine crank but not fire up, accompanied by a distinct clicking sound. This common issue, where the engine cranks but won't start and only clicks, signals that power is reaching the starter motor, but something is preventing the engine from fully engaging and igniting. Understanding the root cause is key to getting your sporty 86 back on the road.

What drivers notice on this 2018 Toyota 86

When you attempt to start your 2018 Toyota 86, you'll typically experience one of these scenarios:

• The engine makes a rapid, machine-gun-like clicking sound, but the starter motor does not engage to turn the engine over.
• The engine attempts to crank slowly or weakly, then transitions into a series of clicks.
• You hear a single, louder click, and then nothing happens, or the engine cranks very briefly before stopping.
• Dashboard lights might dim significantly or flicker while the clicking occurs.
• Other electrical components (radio, interior lights) may also behave erratically or not function at all.
• The issue might be intermittent, occurring only in certain weather conditions or after the car has sat for a while.

At a glance: difficulty, repair cost, and diagnostic workflow

• Difficulty Rating: 6/10 — Easy to moderate
• Common Symptoms: Engine Cranks But Won't Start, Only Clicks 2018 Toyota 86
• Estimated Repair Cost: $80–$900 (parts + typical shop labor)
• OEM Tooling Required: Standard OBD-II scanner and hand tools

Diagnostic workflow:

1. Confirm the symptom on your vehicle.
2. Scan for stored or pending codes with an OBD-II tool.
3. Inspect the most common causes in this guide (visual checks first).
4. Run verification tests before replacing parts.
5. Repair, clear codes, and verify on a test drive.

Understanding the "Engine Cranks But Won't Start, Only Clicks" Phenomenon

When you attempt to start your 2018 Toyota 86, electrical current flows from the battery to the starter motor via the ignition switch and starter solenoid, which then engages the engine's flywheel. The clicking sound, particularly rapid clicks, indicates insufficient electrical power reaching the starter motor, or an internal starter issue. It often means the starter solenoid tries to engage but lacks the voltage or amperage to fully turn the engine. A single, louder click usually points to a seized starter, a major electrical short, or a completely dead battery. Ultimately, the engine isn't receiving the sustained force required to start.

Common Causes Behind the Clicks and No Start

Several culprits can lead to your 2018 Toyota 86's engine cranking but not starting, only clicking:

• Weak or Dead Battery: This is by far the most common cause. If your battery doesn't have enough charge (below 12.0 volts), it can't provide the high amperage required to turn the starter motor effectively. The starter solenoid might click rapidly as it tries to engage with insufficient power.
• Corroded or Loose Battery Terminals: Even a fully charged battery can't deliver power if the connection points are compromised. Corrosion (white or blue powdery substance) acts as an insulator, restricting current flow. Loose terminals prevent a solid electrical connection.
• Faulty Starter Motor: The starter motor itself can fail. Internal wear, damaged gears, or burnt windings can prevent it from turning the engine over, even if it receives power. The clicking might be the solenoid engaging, but the motor not spinning.
• Bad Starter Solenoid: Often integrated with the starter motor, the solenoid is an electromagnetic switch that engages the starter gear with the flywheel and sends power to the starter motor. If it's faulty, it might click but fail to complete the circuit or extend the gear.
• Faulty Ignition Switch: While less common for just clicking, a failing ignition switch can sometimes prevent proper power delivery to the starter circuit, leading to intermittent or no-start conditions with clicks.
• Poor Ground Connection: The battery needs a solid ground connection to the vehicle's chassis. A corroded, loose, or broken ground strap can severely impede electrical flow, mimicking a dead battery or starter issue.
• Alternator Issues (Indirect): If your alternator isn't charging the battery properly, the battery will eventually drain, leading to the "cranks but won't start, only clicks" symptom. This is usually a secondary cause, as the primary issue is the drained battery.
• Security System/Immobilizer Issues: In some cases, a malfunction in the car's anti-theft system can prevent the engine from starting. While it usually prevents any cranking, some systems might allow a brief crank or click before cutting power.

Related guides on this vehicle

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• 1997 Toyota Avalon Won't Start After Sitting for Days

Verification and Diagnosis: Pinpointing the Problem

Diagnosing your 2018 Toyota 86's starting issue requires a systematic approach. Here's how to verify the problem and narrow down the cause:

1. Check Battery Voltage: Use a multimeter to measure the battery's voltage. A healthy battery should read 12.6 volts or higher when the car is off. If it's below 12.0 volts, the battery is likely discharged. A load test at an auto parts store can confirm its health.
2. Inspect Battery Terminals and Cables: Visually check for corrosion on the battery posts and cable clamps. Ensure the clamps are tight and not wobbly. Follow the battery cables to check for any signs of damage or loose connections at the starter or ground points.
3. Attempt a Jump Start: If the battery is suspected, try jump-starting your 2018 Toyota 86. If it starts with a jump, the battery or charging system (alternator) is the likely culprit. If it still only clicks, the issue is probably with the starter motor or its circuit.
4. Listen to the Starter: Have someone try to start the car while you listen closely to the starter motor (usually located on the lower part of the engine, near the transmission). A distinct, strong click followed by no cranking points more strongly to the starter or solenoid. Rapid, weak clicks still suggest low power.
5. Test the Starter Solenoid (Carefully!): With the car in neutral (manual) or park (automatic) and the parking brake engaged, you can try gently tapping the starter motor/solenoid with a hammer or wrench. Sometimes, a stuck solenoid or worn brushes can be temporarily freed. Exercise extreme caution and ensure the vehicle cannot move.
6. Check Fuses and Relays: Consult your owner's manual for the location of the starter relay and relevant fuses in the under-hood fuse box. A blown fuse or faulty relay in the starting circuit can prevent power from reaching the starter.
7. Scan for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): While this issue isn't always tied to an OBD-II code, a scan tool can sometimes reveal codes related to the charging system (e.g., P0562 - System Voltage Low) or even immobilizer/security system issues. Connect an OBD-II scanner to your vehicle's diagnostic port (typically under the dash on the driver's side) and check for any stored or pending codes. For more comprehensive diagnostic tools and repair guides, visit our All repair guides section.
8. Known Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs): While there are no widely reported TSBs specifically for the 2018 Toyota 86 addressing this exact symptom as a common defect, it's always wise to check with a dealership or reputable service for any relevant advisories that might apply to your specific vehicle.

DIY Troubleshooting Steps & Potential Solutions

If you're comfortable with basic car maintenance, here are some steps you can take:

• Clean Battery Terminals: Disconnect the battery (negative first, then positive) and use a wire brush and a battery terminal cleaner solution to remove all corrosion. Reconnect securely (positive first, then negative).
• Tighten Connections: Ensure all battery cables are securely fastened at both the battery and the starter motor/ground points.
• Jump Start: As mentioned, a jump start can quickly tell you if the battery is the primary issue. If it starts, drive it for a while or get the battery tested and potentially replaced.
• Replace Fuses/Relays: If you identify a blown fuse or a faulty starter relay, replacing it is a straightforward fix.
• Consider Starter Replacement: If all other checks point to the starter, and you have the tools and expertise, replacing the starter motor is a common repair. This can be a complex job, so assess your comfort level. For detailed instructions on specific repairs, you can explore our All repair guides.

When to Seek Professional Help

While some troubleshooting can be done at home, certain situations warrant professional attention:

• If you're unsure about any diagnostic step or repair.
• If basic troubleshooting (battery, terminals, jump start) doesn't resolve the issue.
• If you suspect a faulty starter motor, as replacement can be labor-intensive and requires specific tools.
• If the issue is intermittent or accompanied by other complex electrical problems.
• If a scan tool reveals complex immobilizer or ECU-related codes.

A qualified mechanic has the specialized tools and expertise to accurately diagnose and safely repair your 2018 Toyota 86. For more information on maintaining your vehicle or browsing specific models, check out our Browse vehicles section.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why does my 2018 Toyota 86 just click when I try to start it?

A: The most common reasons for a clicking sound without the engine starting are a weak or dead battery, corroded or loose battery terminals, or a faulty starter motor or solenoid. The clicking indicates that the starter solenoid is attempting to engage but lacks sufficient power or has failed internally.

Q: Can a bad alternator cause my 2018 Toyota 86 to click and not start?

A: Yes, indirectly. A bad alternator won't properly recharge your battery while the car is running. Over time, this will drain the battery, leading to it being too weak to start the car, resulting in the "clicks but won't start" symptom. If your car starts with a jump but dies shortly after or won't start again, the alternator is a strong suspect.

Q: Is it safe to try tapping the starter motor?

A: Tapping the starter motor with a hammer or wrench can sometimes temporarily free a stuck solenoid or worn brushes, allowing the car to start. However, this is a temporary fix and not a permanent solution. It should be done with extreme caution, ensuring the car is in park/neutral with the parking brake engaged, and only if you can safely access the starter. It's best used as a diagnostic step to confirm a faulty starter.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional automotive advice, diagnosis, or repair by a qualified technician. Always consult with a certified mechanic for any complex issues or if you are unsure about performing any repair yourself.

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