28 Feb So Why My Car Won’t Start?
There’s nothing more frustrating than jumping into your car and finding it doesn’t start. With long work schedules and busy personal lives, finding time to troubleshoot a problematic vehicle can be daunting. Hopefully, this blog can help you with that. Find out if your car won’t start due to a fuel pump issue or if the clicking noise is a drained battery.
What Are Your Car Won’t Start Symptoms?
Okay, so your car won’t start – what should you do? First things first. Let’s figure out the most likely cause by identifying your vehicle’s symptoms. What happens when you try to start it? Is there a noise, or is it silent? What does your dashboard look like? Are any warning indicators illuminated? Does the engine start but have a rough idle and then immediately die? Let’s go over some possibilities and then review the reasons behind them.
Clicking Noise
Have you ever heard the dreaded clicking noise that occurs instead of your vehicle’s engine rumbling to life? You insert the key and turn it; all you hear is click, click, click. There are few things in life as disappointing as this scenario. But, this symptom does narrow down the possible reasons – check out your starter motor and car battery.
Dodgy Ignition Switch
The ignition switch can wear out or become unreliable. If you start your vehicle with a traditional key, take note of increased resistance or if the mechanism feels loose.
Check your dashboard for a key-shaped warning light if you use a push button or similar method to start your car. The battery in your key fob may need replacing. The ignition button may require replacing if it is stiff, won’t push in, or won’t engage at all. A service technician can replace your vehicle’s dodgy ignition switch assembly to quickly get you back on the road.
Illuminated Dashboard Lights
Modern vehicles have so many dashboard lights that they can sometimes be lit up, like the Las Vegas Strip, when something goes wrong. Luckily, your owner’s manual should have a troubleshooting section detailing the light icons’ meaning. While knowing what the lights are telling you can be helpful, it doesn’t actually fix the problem. A trained auto service tech can ID the warning light and read the correct error code with their specialized equipment. They can then remedy the situation with repairs or replacement parts.
Stalling or Rough Idle
While stalling or a rough idle can occur for several reasons, it can be especially frustrating when coupled with a non-starting engine. Fuel system issues are usually to blame in this context. Other common fuel-related tip-offs are:
- Poor Engine Performance
- Hard Starts
- Misfires
- Engine Overheating or Vapor Lock
Possible Engine Reasons For Car Won’t Start
Have you narrowed down what happens when your car won’t start? If not, that’s okay because there’s a lot more info in the next section. The following components play a significant role in how your car works. Please keep reading to learn what these parts do and how they affect your vehicle’s performance.
Bad Starter Motor
The starter motor signals the engine to turn over when you start the ignition process. A bad starter motor may or may not result in clicking sounds. In some vehicles, a bad starter may trigger the Check Engine light on your dashboard. If you suspect the starter motor may be bad, schedule a diagnostic inspection so the technician can read the error codes and pinpoint your issue.
Clogged Fuel Filter
A clogged fuel filter can starve an engine of the necessary gasoline required for combustion. Many vehicles have two fuel filters. One filters the fuel in the tank, while another filters it in the main fuel line. The filters trap particulate matter that can damage the engine and other components. If it gets clogged with too much debris, the fuel cannot freely flow. Too little fuel moving through the system will prevent combustion, so your car won’t start.
Dead or Drained Battery
A drained battery is a common reason why your car won’t start. Do you hear a clicking noise or notice dim interior lights when you turn the key? That indicates the battery lacks a sufficient charge to turn over the engine. Inspect your car battery to see if it is a problem you can solve.
- Check the battery terminals for signs of corrosion or loose connections.
- Use a baking soda and water solution with a non-metallic brush to clean corrosion from the terminals.
- Add distilled water to the battery cells if the solution is low (if applicable).
- Secure loose connections.
- Check the charge indicator window to see if it reads ‘green’ (fully charged), ‘yellow’ (partially charged), or ‘red’ (dying or low charge).
- Re-charge or Replace as needed
Dirty Spark Plugs
Dirty spark plugs or a malfunctioning ignition coil, distributor, or ignition control module can result in a lack of spark. Your engine may crank, but it will not start without a spark. A detailed inspection by a qualified auto technician can address these ignition issues quickly. Experts recommend replacing all the spark plugs simultaneously, even if only one or two are non-functioning.
Failing Fuel Pump
Enlist a buddy to help you with this one: Have them listen for a soft thrumming sound near the fuel tank when you turn the key. If there is no sound, it may indicate a failing fuel pump. Without the fuel pump moving gas into the engine, your car won’t start.
Faulty Fuses
Blown or faulty fuses can disrupt multiple systems in modern vehicles. Check your vehicle’s fuses if you notice lights, audio, or entertainment systems are off-line. While a faulty fuse won’t necessarily be the non-starting problem, it can point to a larger issue. Electrical issues are notoriously difficult to diagnose yourself, so I suggest scheduling an appointment with a service technician.
Malfunctioning Security System
Many modern automobiles have security systems that prevent unauthorized use. Occasionally, a malfunction in this system can prevent the engine from starting, even when using a valid key. A warning light may be illuminated on your dashboard to indicate an activated security system. Read your owner’s manual for instructions on how to reset or bypass the issue.
Out Of Fuel
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but stick with me. A malfunction in the fuel gauge, fuel lines, or fuel system sensors can mean you don’t know you are out of gas. So, think about how long ago you filled your tank. Do you track your mileage for every tank? Are you close to, or over, the average miles you can travel before refueling? If you suspect you are low or out of fuel, add a few gallons to the tank and try starting your car again. If that resolves your issue, schedule an inspection to verify the fuel system is operating correctly.
Maintenance & Diagnostic Services
At JJ’s Auto Care in Jacksonville, FL, our ASE-certified technicians use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to diagnose even the most challenging problems. Our full-service repair facility will figure out why your car won’t start. We will check if the clicking noise is due to a drained battery, a bad starter motor, or a failing fuel pump.
Make A Car Won’t Start Appointment
Call us today at (904) 721-6646 or visit our website to make an appointment with one of our technicians. We can’t wait to see you!