Washed the engine...now car won't start

[kpl1228]

Was at the self-serve car wash, and put it on "engine cleaner."
Guess i shouldn't have.
I was careful not to spray directly on electrical components, and I rinsed it thoroughly afterward. And it started right up and I drove it for an hour home in warm weather. Even stopped once at the store on the way home and it started again immediately.
But this morning, it wouldn't turn over, though it seemed to have lots of battery juice to try. Left the hood up all day for it to get sun and dry out in my driveway. Tried it two or three times when i got home today, and now it just clicks like it's a bad starter.
Is that what it is? I hope that's all. Battery's about 5 years old BTW. The newer OEM starter's about a year and half old that I replaced myself. Original alternator and wiring though.

[Tuggajb]

Easey to replace battery five years is putting it at its end of life

[Handy_Cruiser]

Remove the battery. Take it to some place like Autozone where they will charge it for free. Then have them load test it. While the battery is charging, clean all the battery connections really well. Also, remove the cover on the fuse/relay box under the hood and let it dry out if it needs too. You might use compressed air to blow it out if it is wet inside.

If your battery tests good, reinstall and try it. There's a good chance your engine will start then.

[ptcruisersteve]

Does your interior lights, headlights, tail lights, and radio work?
You might want to check all your ground wires including the ones on the inside drivers fender. Make sure they are making good contact.

[mopar1cjh]

Sounds like a battery to me, or a connection. It will click when the battery goes dead.