What To Do If Your Car Won T Start
Posted on August 14, 2020
Getting in your car and turning the key or pressing the start button, only to find it won't start, is going to make anyone's heart sink. However, you probably won't know right away why it won't start, and you might be able to sort the problem yourself as long as you know what to look for. So, here are some car tips about different things that could be happening, and how you might be able to fix vehicle problems without having to call out some help.
Nothing happens
If you get nothing but silence when you try to start your car it might not be as bad as you think. It could be something as simple as a corroded or disconnected battery terminal, so check the connections to your battery. If they are corroded, force the point of an insulated or wooden handle screwdriver between the connector and the terminal post and twist it to lodge it in there firmly. This should form a connection, so try starting the car with the screwdriver in place. If your car then starts, you need to clean, or better still replace, the battery cables.
Clicking noise but no start
Trying the ignition and getting nothing more than a clicking sound is a dead giveaway of a dead battery. You can also check the wiring to the starter for a loose connection, but the chances are you'll have to put the battery on charge, get a jump from another vehicle, or replace the battery.
Cranks but won't start
If the car is cranking over but not starting, it's not the battery that's the problem. If you know how to, check that there's fuel getting to the engine, and if there is it could be the spark plugs. Of course, we're assuming you've checked the fuel gauge to make sure your tank isn't empty.
Engine does start, but then dies
Unless you have an older car, your engine starting and then dying is a problem you're probably going to need a professional to sort it out. If your car has a carburetor it may need adjusting, and your choke needs checking to make sure it's opening and closing. But if you've got fuel injection, it's not going to be something you'll fix yourself.
Regular, intermittent non-starting
A regular problem with starting can be hard to identify the cause of, unless it always seems to happen on damp or rainy days. If that's when it happens, there could be some moisture in the distributor cap. This can be solved using mechanic's solvent used for cleaning car parts that can be sprayed into an upturned distributor cap, swished around, and then poured out. Dry the cap as well as possible with a clean, lint-free cloth, replace it, and see if the car starts.
The embarrassing causes
There are a number of reasons why a car won't start that could be very embarrassing for you if you don't realize and then call someone out to help. If you have an automatic transmission and the car is in any gear other than park, this could easily be the reason why it won't start. Also, some automatic transmissions and some push-button starts will only allow you to start the vehicle if the brake pedal is pressed at the same time. If you're not familiar with the vehicle this is an easy mistake to make, but that doesn't make it any less embarrassing when it's pointed out to you.
If you're experiencing any of these problems and our service tips don't help, and you therefore need professional help, don't hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team of experts here at Caledon Chrysler.