What to Do If Your Car Won’t Start
- garrettbright
- Feb 8
- 3 min read
Waking up to a car that won’t start can be frustrating, but don’t panic—there are a few common reasons this might happen. Understanding these causes can help you diagnose the issue and get back on the road quickly. Here are the five most common questions to ask when your car won’t start and what they might mean.
1. Is the Battery Dead?
A dead or weak battery is the most common cause of a car not starting. If you hear a clicking sound when turning the key or the lights and electronics are dim, your battery may need a jump-start or replacement. Corroded battery terminals or loose connections can also cause power issues.
How to Check:
Try turning on your headlights—if they’re dim or don’t turn on, the battery is likely dead.
Use a multimeter to check the voltage; a fully charged battery should read around 12.6V.
Jump-start the car using jumper cables and another vehicle, then let it run to recharge.
2. Is There Enough Fuel?
It might seem obvious, but running out of gas happens more often than you think. A faulty fuel gauge or a clogged fuel filter can also prevent fuel from reaching the engine, causing the car to stall or not start.
How to Check:
Verify the fuel level on your dashboard.
Listen for the fuel pump when turning the key to the "ON" position (a faint humming sound from the rear of the car).
Try adding fuel and restarting.
3. Is the Starter Failing?
If the battery is good but the engine doesn’t crank, the issue could be a faulty starter. A worn-out starter motor won’t engage properly, preventing the engine from turning over.
Signs of a Bad Starter:
A single loud click or no sound at all when turning the key.
Smoke or a burning smell from the engine bay.
The dashboard lights up, but the car won’t crank.
Potential Fixes:
Tap the starter gently with a wrench—sometimes this can temporarily engage it.
Check for loose or corroded electrical connections to the starter.
If it consistently fails, the starter may need replacement.
4. Is the Alternator Failing?
The alternator charges your battery while the car is running. If it fails, the battery won’t recharge, leading to a dead battery and a non-starting vehicle.
Signs of Alternator Issues:
Dim or flickering lights before the car stopped working.
The battery warning light on the dashboard.
A whining or grinding noise coming from the alternator.
How to Check:
If the car starts but quickly dies, the alternator might not be charging the battery.
Use a multimeter to check the alternator output; it should be around 13.5V to 14.5V when running.
If faulty, the alternator will need to be replaced.
5. Is There an Ignition System Problem?
The ignition system includes components like spark plugs, ignition coils, and the key fob. If these fail, your engine won’t fire up.
How to Troubleshoot:
If using a keyless start, try using a backup key fob or replacing the battery in your fob.
If the engine cranks but won’t start, bad spark plugs or ignition coils could be the issue.
Check for moisture or corrosion in the ignition system, especially after rain or cold weather.
Get Professional Help from Diamond State Mobile Mechanic
If your car won’t start and you’re unsure what to do next, Diamond State Mobile Mechanic is here to help. We provide on-site diagnostics and repairs in Springdale, Siloam Springs, Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, and Gentry. Contact us today, and we’ll get you back on the road in no time!
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