If your car won’t start – it can be worrying – and not to mention inconvenient. As the owner of a vehicle, there is nothing worse than the moment when you hop in your car, put the key in the ignition, and your car won’t start. Unfortunately, this happens to people every day, as often at the worst time. Like, when you are about to head out on a road trip or late from the office. Whatever the situation is at first you will be annoyed that your plan or day has been ruined. But once you become calm then you definitely become concerned thinking “Why won’t my car start?”.
The reason behind not starting the car can vary but there might be a technical fault when the lights of the car dashboard are on but the car won’t start. But you must know the reason behind this and also the simple solution about how to fix them. As a rule of thumb, we always recommend having your vehicle professionally looked at but sometimes this isn’t an option at the time especially when your car won’t start. Hope this article will help you to control this dreadful situation.
Weak Or Dead Battery
The battery is usually the main reason that your car won’t start and is one of the most common callouts nowadays. A dead battery can be caused by a variety of things but the most common reasons are the battery being too old to hold a sufficient charge, accidentally leaving your car on, corrosion, or a broken/loose connection. Sometimes be resolved with the “quick fix” of jumping your car, still depending on the issues. You may be able to jumpstart your battery and get your car started by using another car and jumper cables.
Ignition System Failure
If you’ve already ruled out your battery as being the issue, then maybe it’s possible that your ignition switch is to blame. By trying to turn on your headlights you can test this. It is likely not an issue with your battery if your car won’t start but the lights come on, so it’s time to turn your attention to your ignition switch. A failed ignition switch won’t be able to supply power to the ignition system, starter motor, and other engine controls, preventing the engine from starting. A failed ignition switch is commonly caused by wiring or fuse issues, so it’s important to get your vehicle checked out by a technician who can properly address these mechanical issues.
Starter Motor Issues
Another possible reason why your car won’t start even when your battery is in good condition is because of an issue with your starter motor. The starter motor has the vital role of actually getting the engine to fire, the reason is, it is connected to the battery. Oftentimes when your car won’t start, when you turn the key you might be hearing a clicking noise. This can be a sign that your engine won’t turn over now, due to the starter motor failing. Below we mention the reasons why your starter is acting up and might need to be replaced.
- Battery corrosion
- Oil leaks
- Dirty, loose, and/or corroded wiring to and from the starter
- Bad relay or fuse
- Worn-out or damaged parts in the starter system
Fuel System Problems
You might be dealing with a fuel pump issue if you have enough gas in the tank but your car still won’t start. The reason behind this is that this is the system that moves the fuel from your gas tank to the combustion chamber. If the pump is weak or not working, the fuel may not be able to get from your tank to the engine – resulting in the inability for it to start.
The easiest way to tell if you have a fuel pump issue is to listen closely for the pump to start running even before you start the car. Before turning it all the way to start the car while having the key in the “on” position, you should hear the sounds of the fuel pump starting. Sometimes it can be difficult to hear, in case you know what you’re listening for, then you might be able to pick up the sound and successfully diagnose the issue.
Electrical Or Wiring Problems
Electrical problems in non-starting cars include issues with battery cables, with the fuse box, or with the body control unit. Remember that if the car hasn’t been driven for a while then rodents can nest under the bonnet of your car and gnaw the wiring. If this happens then avoid doing anything because it can only be fixed by a professional and experienced team.
Timing Belt Problem
Your vehicle’s timing belt is an extremely important part of the engine. It’s beneficial in ensuring that valves in the engine open and close at the right time. In case you are dealing with a timing belt problem then the engine will not be able to run smoothly if it is even able to run at all. Unfortunately, the timing belt is often an overlooked maintenance item for your vehicle’s engine, but failing to replace the timing belt promptly will result in having to replace your engine altogether.
Now you might know what is causing your car to not start, so it’s time to get help from professionals. Although some of the issues above can be easily fixed by you at home but for more serious issues, you will want to ensure the issue is properly addressed by an experienced mechanic. There is nothing worse than when your car does not start the next morning. Avoid further complications by giving us a call at the given number so we can help you identify the problem, fix your vehicle, and get you on the road again in the least possible time! Don’t hesitate to get a reliable solution, give us a call as quickly as possible!