Quick answer
Listen to what happens when you turn the key. Rapid clicking or nothing at all usually means a flat battery or loose terminals. One loud click often points to the starter motor. Cranking but not starting points to fuel, spark, a sensor or the key immobiliser.
Fixes range from a ₦10,000 jump start to a fuel pump at about ₦75,000 to ₦98,000.
What the sound tells you
| What happens | Most likely cause |
|---|---|
| Nothing at all, no lights | Flat battery or a loose or corroded terminal |
| Rapid clicking | Battery too weak to turn the engine |
| One loud click, no crank | Starter motor, or its connection |
| Cranks slowly | Weak battery or a failing starter |
| Cranks normally, won't start | Fuel pump, spark, crankshaft sensor or immobiliser |
| Starts, then dies | Immobiliser (key not recognised) or a fuel problem |
Check these yourself first
- Battery terminals. Are they tight? White or green crust? Clean and tighten them.
- Lights. Dim dashboard lights or headlights mean a weak battery.
- Gear lever. Automatics only start in Park (or Neutral). Wiggle it and try again.
- Fuel. Don't trust a gauge that has been playing up.
- Security light. A key or padlock light flashing on the dash can mean the car doesn't recognise the key. Try the spare.
- Jump start. If it starts on a jump, the battery or charging system is the problem.
What the usual fixes cost
| Part (Toyota) | Price |
|---|---|
| Jumper cables | ₦10,000 – ₦25,000 |
| Battery, 62Ah | ₦45,000 – ₦65,000 |
| Crankshaft position sensor | ₦20,000 – ₦30,000 |
| Starter motor ("kick starter") | ₦35,000 – ₦120,000 |
| Alternator, Corolla | ₦40,000 – ₦100,000 |
| Fuel pump | ₦75,000 – ₦98,000 |
| Key programming (service) | ₦45,000 – ₦85,000 |
Battery, starter or alternator?
If the car starts fine on a jump but won't start again the next morning, test the battery first. If a new battery also goes flat within days, the alternator may not be charging it. Ask for the voltage to be checked with the engine running: about 13.5 to 14.5 volts is normal. More in our car battery guide.
If the battery is strong but you hear one heavy click, the starter is the usual suspect. A tap on the starter sometimes gets it going once, but that's a sign it needs replacing soon.
Don't keep cranking
Crank for no more than about 10 seconds at a time, and wait a minute between tries. Long cranking drains the battery and overheats the starter.
Questions drivers ask
Why does my car click but not start?
Rapid clicking usually means the battery is too weak to turn the engine. One loud click with a strong battery usually points to the starter motor.
My car cranks but won't start. What's wrong?
The engine turns but isn't getting fuel or spark, or the computer won't allow it. Common causes are the fuel pump, a crankshaft sensor or the immobiliser not recognising the key.
How much is a starter motor in Nigeria?
About ₦35,000 to ₦120,000 for common Toyotas from Lagos sellers, depending on the engine. Labour is extra.
Can a bad alternator stop my car from starting?
Yes, indirectly. If the alternator isn't charging, the battery runs flat and the car won't start. A new battery will go flat again until the alternator is fixed.