Car Won’t Start? Common Causes and How to Troubleshoot the Issue
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You’re sitting in the driver’s seat, ready to go, but your car won’t start. It’s a situation every driver dreads. You’re stuck asking yourself, why won’t my car start?
Here’s a breakdown of all the most likely causes when your car won’t start and how to address them. You’ll be back on the road before you know it.
Overview of Why Your Car Might Not Start
There are many different reasons why your car may not start. If this happens to you, try to stay calm. Car issues are always frustrating, but keeping a steady head will help you resolve the problem faster.
Go through this list of possible causes to troubleshoot the issue.
Dead Battery: The Usual Suspect
If your vehicle won’t start, it’s most often because of problems with the battery. Cars, even those fueled by gasoline, need electric power to run. A flat battery doesn’t have enough charge to start your vehicle, so nothing will happen when you turn the key or hit the start button. Similarly, a faulty battery may prevent you from starting your vehicle.
A key sign that the battery is the cause of your problems is when your engine does not turn over at all. With a dead car battery, you also won’t see any lights or sounds on the dashboard when you try to start the vehicle. If the battery is nearly dead, you may see a battery symbol on the dashboard.
If this is the case, try jump-starting the car or recharging the battery with a portable charger that works for your vehicle model.
Faulty Alternator: Draining Your Power
The alternator recharges your vehicle’s battery and keeps the electrical systems running while your car is on. When your alternator has problems, your battery will drain and eventually prevent your car from starting.
If your car starts but then immediately stalls or your interior lights turn on and quickly dim, those are signs you have a bad alternator. Also, if you smell burning when you try to start the car, the problem is probably your alternator.
There’s no easy fix for a bad alternator, so call your mechanic and plan to tow your car in for repairs.
Starter Motor Issues: When the Engine Won’t Crank
If your car clicks but won’t start, the starter motor may be the problem. Your starter motor is the part that receives the electric signal to start the engine. When it's damaged, you can’t start your vehicle.
In that case, you will need to tow your vehicle to the mechanic because there’s no at-home fix.
Fuel System Problems: Lack of Gas or Blockages
If your car turns over but won’t start, fuel system problems may be the cause.
Without fuel, your car won’t start. Check to see whether your fuel tank is empty. If so, that’s most likely the problem. The good news in that case is that you won’t need any expensive vehicle repairs — you just need more gas.
You could also have fuel system blockages preventing your vehicle from starting, such as a clogged fuel filter. In that case, you may see the check engine light come on. Contact your mechanic so they can investigate further.
Ignition Switch Failures: A Hidden Culprit
Many people overlook the possibility that the ignition switch could be the problem when a vehicle doesn’t start. If your car won’t start but the lights come on and flicker or fade, it may be the ignition switch. You’ll need to take your vehicle in for a replacement ignition switch if this is the case.
Preventative Measures To Avoid No-Start Scenarios
To keep your car starting smoothly, try these tips:
- Replace the fuel filter on the schedule recommended by the manufacturer
- Go in for regular vehicle maintenance with a trusted mechanic
- Check to make sure all lights are off so you don’t drain your battery
- Fill up the fuel tank before you hit empty
- Periodically test the battery and inspect the terminals for corrosion
Paying attention to your vehicle and addressing any issues you notice promptly will go a long way toward preventing no-start scenarios.
What To Do if Your Car Won't Start
If your car doesn’t start, follow these steps:
- Make sure the car is in park.
- Check that you have fuel in the tank.
- Check for problems with the battery and try jump-starting the car.
- Investigate other, less likely culprits, including the starter motor, ignition switch, and alternator.
- Contact your mechanic and a tow truck if you can’t find and fix the issue.
- Check your car insurance policy to see whether your repairs are covered.
Ensure Your Vehicle Is Covered: Explore Car Insurance Options
If you do need repairs to get your car up and running again, you may be worried about the cost. Having reliable car insurance can help alleviate those concerns. And you don’t need to spend hours searching for the ideal insurance plans, either.
You can explore your vehicle insurance options based on your ZIP code and driver profile with EverQuote. Get your free custom insurance comparison today in just a few minutes.