2001 Elantra GT: Problems Starting Car

Hello all,

My car is an automatic 2001 Hyundai Elantra GT w/ approximately 65,000 mi. The car recently, and very suddenly, started having trouble whenever I try to start it. When I turn the key, I often get a rapid clicking noise. Once the car starts, it runs fine. Furthermore, after I have gotten it to start, it starts easily if I turn the car off and try again. However, upon leaving the car to sit for extended periods of time (hours), it becomes stubborn again. Any help is appreciated.

P.S.

Another anomoly appeared once I started having problems starting the car. The display on the trip computer that shows the car's gas milleage resets itself every time I start the car. I hope this may shed some light on what may be wrong. Thanks again.

Sounds like you need a battery.

Hello all,

My car is an automatic 2001 Hyundai Elantra GT w/ approximately 65,000 mi. The car recently, and very suddenly, started having trouble whenever I try to start it. When I turn the key, I often get a rapid clicking noise. Once the car starts, it runs fine. Furthermore, after I have gotten it to start, it starts easily if I turn the car off and try again. However, upon leaving the car to sit for extended periods of time (hours), it becomes stubborn again. Any help is appreciated.

P.S.

Another anomoly appeared once I started having problems starting the car. The display on the trip computer that shows the car's gas milleage resets itself every time I start the car. I hope this may shed some light on what may be wrong. Thanks again.

I too have a '01 Elantra GT- manual trans. Same problem- drove car, turned car off ten minutes w/ radio on- no problems. When starting car experienced same rapid clicking- radio cont, to work. Had to push start car- ran fine all day. Next morning unable to disable keyless remote and car would not start. Half hour later car started fine. Took to dealer- battery replaced- dealer states no probs w/ alternator or ignition?! One week later exact same problem- car runs fine, an hour later appears as battery dead! Car towed to dealer who reports no problems- have had car a week @ dealer and car starts and runs w/o problems!! Any ideas? Apparently intermittent problem- could alternator be culprit? Help!!

The only time I had these problems was that I was sitting in it for an extended period of time and then the clock went out... I tried to start the car and had the rapid "clicking" sound..... jump started it and it ran fine since. Charge your battery or get a new one.

Had same problem with mine, replaced the battery and no trouble at all. While I had it in getting a battery I also had them test the alternator, alternator tested weak and they replaced it under warranty. I would definitely look at the battery first. According to my dealer these "Soleil" batteries are 3-5 year batteries.

alternator.

I have a 2OO1 too and mine starts fine but kinda weird. Like starts at really low rpms and barley starting. I cant compain though 11OOOO miles and almost no problems.

The only time I've had the clicking noise is when I've had a bad battery connection (on a new battery, mind you) because of corrosion. Check for white powdery stuff around the terminal posts. If it's there, clean it off (with the clamps disconnected) with a mixture of warm water and baking soda. Then make sure they're dry and put some petroleum jelly (vaseline) on the posts/clamps to prevent the corrosion from coming back.

I had the same problem a few years back. Lights came on, radio worked, but it wouldn't start. Put in a new battery and things have been fine since. I'm on my third battery now (90K on a 2000) but I also have remote start on my car and that tends to burn up the battery a bit more for some reason.

I got a 110,000 on my '01 and havent ever changed the battery so ya know.

update: Just got a new battery, starts better