What Should I Do If My Car Won't Start?

When your car won't start, it can be a frustrating and inconvenient experience. Understanding the potential causes and how to troubleshoot them can save you time and money. Here, we’ll delve into expert advice on dealing with a car that won’t start.

Car Won't Start but Lights Come On

If your car won't start but the lights come on the most likely cause of the issue is the power of the battery. It has enough power to run the electronic devices like lights and radio, but not enough to turn the engine over. Here are a few battery problems that might be causing your car to turn on, but not turn the engine over.

A low battery which is the most frequent cause of a car having power but not starting
Starter problems or a faulty ignition switch
Bad battery or a weak battery connection
Dead Battery

Here are steps to diagnose and resolve this issue:

Check Battery Connections: Ensure that the battery terminals are clean and tightly connected. Corrosion or loose connections can prevent the car from starting.
Test the Battery: Use a multimeter to check the voltage. A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts. If the voltage is lower, the battery might need to be charged or replaced.

If the car starts after a jump, it's likely a battery issue. However, if it doesn't, you may need to look at other potential problems.

Car Won't Start Clicking Noise

Hearing a clicking noise when you turn the key is a common symptom of a starter motor issue or a weak battery. Basically, the starter solenoid or relay contacts are operating but the starter motor isn’t cranking the engine.

Here are the car parts that could be failing if your car is making a clicking noise but not starting: a dead battery, a faulty ignition switch, a faulty starter motor, corroded battery terminals or a bad connection/loose wiring.

Here’s what you can do:

Check the Battery: As with the previous scenario, start by checking the battery voltage and connections.
Inspect the Starter Motor: The clicking noise often indicates that the starter motor is receiving power but isn't engaging the engine. This could mean the starter motor is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Check the Solenoid: The solenoid, which relays power to the starter motor, might be the culprit. If it’s faulty, the starter won’t receive the necessary power to turn the engine over.

Car Won't Start No Noise

If you turn the key and hear no noise at all, the primary cause would likely be a dead battery. However, there are a few other issues that may reside with the ignition system, the battery, the solenoid or general electrical system failure. Here’s how to diagnose:

Ignition Switch: Ensure the ignition switch is functioning. If turning the key doesn’t engage any electrical systems, the ignition switch might be faulty.
Neutral Safety Switch: For automatic transmissions, ensure the car is in Park or Neutral. If the neutral safety switch is faulty, the car won’t start.
Battery and Connections: Again, check the battery and its connections. No noise could indicate a completely dead battery or a disconnected terminal.

Car Won't Start After Replacing Battery

Sometimes, replacing the battery doesn't immediately resolve the issue. If you car wont start after replacing the battery, the most likely cause would be a faulty alternator. There are a few other electrical components you should check if the alternator is not what is causing the issues. These components are: a short circuit, a stuck relay or a wiring issue.

Here are steps to take if your car won’t start after a new battery installation:

Check Battery Installation: Ensure that the new battery is properly installed with the terminals connected tightly.
Inspect the Alternator: A faulty alternator can prevent the battery from charging, leading to starting issues even with a new battery.
Check the Fuses and Relays: Inspect the car's fuses and relays, especially those related to the starting system. A blown fuse can prevent the car from starting.

Car Won't Start but Battery is Good

If you’ve confirmed that the battery is good but your car still won’t start, consider these possibilities:

Alternator: Your alternator may not be charging the battery. Cold and damp climates allow for the alternator to go bad more quickly.
Starter Motor: The starter motor might be faulty. Listen for any clicking or whirring sounds that indicate a failing starter.
Fuel System: Ensure that the car has fuel. A malfunctioning fuel pump or clogged fuel filter can prevent the engine from starting.
Ignition System: Check the spark plugs and ignition coils. Worn or damaged components can prevent the engine from firing.

Why Won't My Car Start in Cold Weather

Cold weather can wreak havoc on your car’s starting ability. Though batteries are made to handle cold climates the cold directly affects your battery by reducing the battery’s energy output slowing down the chemical reaction taking place inside of it. This results in less power available at the start. Here’s why and what you can do:

Battery Performance: Cold temperatures reduce a battery’s capacity. Ensure your battery is in good condition and consider using a battery warmer.
Oil Viscosity: Cold weather thickens engine oil, making it harder for the engine to turn over. Use oil with the correct viscosity for cold temperatures.
Fuel System: Condensation in the fuel lines can freeze, blocking fuel flow. Using fuel additives can help prevent freezing.

Car Won't Start but Radio Works

If your car won’t start but the radio works, it suggests the issue might be with the starting system rather than the battery:

Check the Starter: As previously mentioned, a faulty starter motor or solenoid can prevent the engine from turning over.
Inspect the Ignition Switch: The ignition switch might be worn out or damaged, preventing the car from starting while still allowing accessory power.
Fuse Box: Check the fuses related to the ignition and starting systems. A blown fuse can disrupt the starting process.