What could cause a starter motor to click without cranking?

The situation where a starter motor clicks without cranking typically indicates an issue with the starting system, and low battery voltage is a common culprit. When the battery voltage is insufficient, it cannot provide the necessary power to the starter motor to engage the flywheel and crank the engine. Instead, what you may hear is a single click or rapid clicking, which is the starter solenoid attempting to engage but failing due to a lack of adequate electrical power.

In this scenario, other options, such as faulty fuel injectors, high oil pressure, or worn brake pads, are not relevant to the operation of the starter motor. Fuel injectors are part of the fuel system and do not impact the starting function. High oil pressure could potentially affect engine operation post-start but does not influence the starter's ability to crank the engine. Worn brake pads relate to the braking system and have no connection to the starting process. Therefore, understanding that low battery voltage can prevent the starter from functioning correctly highlights the critical importance of battery health in the starting system.