Car won't start after radio instal.
Car won't start after radio instal 2014 Ford Focus. .took it into a shop got a touchscreen stereo worked the whole first day. The second day went to turn the car on and everything came on but the car. Radio lights windows all worked. But car just was clicking like it wants to turn over but never does. Any ideas on this ??
Welcome to the site..
’clicking’ like meaning low voltage?
Some of the electrical features will be disabled during a cranking attempt, but sometimes if watching headlight output, ‘then crank’, if the headlights dim, horn output is now weak, the battery state is usually low.
Quite a few of the panel indications, windows ect don’t require large amounts of current, cranking the engine does..
Have you tried jumping it?
Battery original?
’clicking’ like meaning low voltage?
Some of the electrical features will be disabled during a cranking attempt, but sometimes if watching headlight output, ‘then crank’, if the headlights dim, horn output is now weak, the battery state is usually low.
Quite a few of the panel indications, windows ect don’t require large amounts of current, cranking the engine does..
Have you tried jumping it?
Battery original?
Welcome to the site..
’clicking’ like meaning low voltage?
Some of the electrical features will be disabled during a cranking attempt, but sometimes if watching headlight output, ‘then crank’, if the headlights dim, horn output is now weak, the battery state is usually low.
Quite a few of the panel indications, windows ect don’t require large amounts of current, cranking the engine does..
Have you tried jumping it?
Battery original?
’clicking’ like meaning low voltage?
Some of the electrical features will be disabled during a cranking attempt, but sometimes if watching headlight output, ‘then crank’, if the headlights dim, horn output is now weak, the battery state is usually low.
Quite a few of the panel indications, windows ect don’t require large amounts of current, cranking the engine does..
Have you tried jumping it?
Battery original?
“Clicking” not sure how that would be directly related to fuel delivery..
People use the term ‘won’t turn over’ or what you mention “wants to turn over but never does” which would lead most to think the engine will not ‘crank over’ meaning turn/spin the engine over. Generally if the engine cranks over normally without an engine start up, better to use those terms so we’re all on the same page.
What sounds suspect is,, after the new audio unit install, the unit continues to draw voltage over night drawing the battery down. With a low battery, many system lights and windows may still operate if the battery has some charge left. With that,, a low battery will quite often cause relays to ‘click’ or rattle in the instrument panel during a cranking attempt. Low voltage can also cause invalid codes to be generated..
But if you car cranks over fine, with a no start condition, chances are the battery is fine although it approaching the end of its service life if it hasn’t already been replaced. And if an aged OE battery, reserves tend to be less for issues like leaving lights on, or extended radio play times, including normal allowed system draws etc.
Do keep us updated on the fix, hopefully under warranty
People use the term ‘won’t turn over’ or what you mention “wants to turn over but never does” which would lead most to think the engine will not ‘crank over’ meaning turn/spin the engine over. Generally if the engine cranks over normally without an engine start up, better to use those terms so we’re all on the same page.

What sounds suspect is,, after the new audio unit install, the unit continues to draw voltage over night drawing the battery down. With a low battery, many system lights and windows may still operate if the battery has some charge left. With that,, a low battery will quite often cause relays to ‘click’ or rattle in the instrument panel during a cranking attempt. Low voltage can also cause invalid codes to be generated..
But if you car cranks over fine, with a no start condition, chances are the battery is fine although it approaching the end of its service life if it hasn’t already been replaced. And if an aged OE battery, reserves tend to be less for issues like leaving lights on, or extended radio play times, including normal allowed system draws etc.
Do keep us updated on the fix, hopefully under warranty
Last edited by Hayapower; Mar 22, 2020 at 08:01 PM.
If I might,
that vehicle has a CAN system(Controller Area Network) and it is very likely the radio is one of the modules in the network
If the original radio is removed and another is substituted that is not compatible with the network it can interfere with network operation which can include starting problems and network communication problems.
How much trouble is it to remove or disconnect the add on appliance and see if starting takes place, just a suggestion.
that vehicle has a CAN system(Controller Area Network) and it is very likely the radio is one of the modules in the network
If the original radio is removed and another is substituted that is not compatible with the network it can interfere with network operation which can include starting problems and network communication problems.
How much trouble is it to remove or disconnect the add on appliance and see if starting takes place, just a suggestion.
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