My car makes a noise like a bad starter, fast clicking, when I am driving. It lasts about 30 seconds and then stops. What does this mean?

30

Asked by smith8505 Jun 30, 2019 at 09:25 AM about the 2012 Chevrolet Impala LS FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

When I start my car, it starts with no problem.  When I start driving I get a sound
like a bad starter (fast clicking sound).  It lasts for up to 30 seconds and then
stops.  Car is running fine.  What could this mean?  Sounds like it is coming
from behind the dash.

4 Answers

That’s your throttle body adjusting so the proper amount of air is going through your fuel system.

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Thank you. Yes I did the test from hot to cold and it happened. Is this something that should be fixed right away, like will it cause more damage if left alone?

1 people found this helpful.
30

Thank you most of all for telling me what to do to test it to find out if that was the problem. Just never heard such a sound in my life and I just purchased this car used and nothing was mentioned to me about this annoying sound. Thank goodness it stops after about 30 seconds. Your answer was very very helpful. Do you know how much it may cost me to get it fixed? I think I looked up the right part and the part itself is less than $20, does this sound correct to you? Do I have to take it to a mechanic and is this the part that is behind the glove box?

2 people found this helpful.

My impala does the same thing. Well most of them do that in time. It’s a heater valve solenoid if I’m not mistaken. It usually does it when you start the car or you cut the heater or air on or/off

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