What To Do If Your Car Won't Start: Essential Tips for Diagnosing the Issue
Posted on January 19, 2021
Few things are more frustrating for a driver than turning the key or pressing the ignition button only to be met with silence. Whether you're in a hurry or far from a mechanic, a car that won’t start can leave you feeling stuck and stressed.
But before you call for roadside assistance, there are several steps you can take to diagnose the issue yourself. With the right approach, you might be able to identify and resolve the problem, potentially saving you both time and money.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons why your car won’t start and share practical tips to help you troubleshoot the issue and get back on the road.
1. Run Out of Fuel
One of the most common reasons why your car won’t start is simply that it’s run out of fuel. It can happen to anyone—maybe you miscalculated how much gas you had left, or perhaps the fuel gauge is malfunctioning. Regardless of the cause, an empty fuel tank means the fuel filters can’t deliver the necessary fuel to the injectors and engine, leaving you stranded.
How To Fix:
If you find that your fuel gauge is showing empty but you’re confident it wasn’t low before, it’s time to investigate further. Step outside and inspect for any signs of a fuel leak, such as puddles under your vehicle or a distinct gasoline smell.
A leak could indicate a cracked fuel tank or a problem with the fueling system, which may require professional attention. If no leaks are present, simply refueling your car might be all you need to get back on the road.
2. Check the Starter
If your car won’t start and you hear a clicking sound when you turn the key in the ignition, it could indicate a problem with the starter. This noise often signals that the starter motor is attempting to engage but failing to do so, which can prevent your engine from turning over.
Over time, the starter cable, a thick electrical wire that delivers current to the ignition, can become degraded due to wear and tear, resulting in starting issues.
How To Fix:
Unfortunately, if a faulty starter is the culprit, it typically requires professional servicing to resolve the issue. While you may be able to check connections or look for obvious signs of wear, replacing a starter is not a DIY job for most drivers.
In this case, it's best to call a tow truck and take your vehicle to a local repair shop for a thorough diagnosis and repair.
3. Check Your Car Batteries
A dead battery or bad connections are often culprits when your car refuses to start. Common signs include a slow engine crank, dim headlights, or flickering dashboard light.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to investigate your battery first. A weak battery may not have enough power to start the engine, leaving you stranded.
How To Fix:
To confirm whether your battery is dead, you can use a voltmeter to test its voltage. A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts. If your reading is significantly lower, you may need to jump-start your vehicle to get it going again.
Keep in mind that sometimes battery issues can stem from a faulty alternator, which is responsible for charging the battery and powering your vehicle’s electrical systems. If you suspect this might be the case, it’s best to have a professional inspect your vehicle.
4. Check Your Alternator
Common signs of a bad alternator include dimming headlights, flickering dashboard lights, or the battery warning light illuminating on your dashboard. If you notice any of these issues, it’s essential to investigate further, as a failing alternator can cause your vehicle to stall or fail to start altogether.
How To Fix:
To check if the alternator is a problem, you can follow a few simple steps.
- Start by testing the alternator with a multimeter; a healthy alternator should read between 13.7 and 14.7 volts when the engine is running.
- Next, inspect the connections for any looseness or damage, as faulty wiring can impede performance.
- Don’t forget to check the drive belt for any signs of wear or looseness; a slipping belt may prevent the alternator from charging the battery properly.
If your car still won’t start, you may need to jump-start it to see if the battery was simply drained. If the alternator fails to perform after these checks, or if you smell burning rubber, it's time to seek professional repair or consider an alternator replacement, as this is not a DIY fix.
5. Check if your Car is in Park or Neutral
Another common reason your car may not start is that the gear lever isn’t in the correct position. For automatic transmissions, the vehicle needs to be in Park (P) or Neutral (N) for the ignition to engage. If the gear lever is stuck in Drive (D) or Reverse (R), the engine won’t start, leaving you puzzled.
How To Fix:
Before you attempt to start the car, make sure the gear lever is fully engaged in Park or Neutral. If it still doesn’t start, you might be dealing with an issue related to the safety switch, which can be dangerous to drive with.
In that case, call for a tow truck to take your car to the mechanic rather than trying to drive it there yourself.
6. Identify Ignition Switch Issues
If your car won’t start, identifying ignition switch issues is a crucial step in diagnosing the problem. The ignition switch plays a vital role in activating your vehicle's main electrical systems, channeling power from the battery to all components. If this switch malfunctions, it can lead to a complete failure of the ignition system and starter motor.
How To Fix:
Look for signs that may indicate an ignition switch problem, such as a non-responsive key, flickering dashboard lights, or electrical glitches when you turn the key. If you notice any of these symptoms, you must have the ignition switch inspected and repaired by a professional.
Unfortunately, this isn't a DIY fix, so you’ll need to take your car to an automotive repair center for proper diagnosis and replacement.
7. Battery Terminals Are Dirty or Corroded
The terminals, where the battery cables connect to the battery, are often exposed to acidic fumes from the battery acid, leading to corrosion over time.
You might notice a light white or blue powdery build-up around the terminals and along the cables. If this corrosion is left untreated, it can compromise the connection, resulting in a failure to start.
How To Fix:
To fix this problem, start by making sure the car is turned off and the keys are removed. Then, use a wrench to carefully disconnect the negative terminal first, followed by the positive terminal.
With the terminals exposed, you can clean them using a mixture of baking soda and water. Apply the solution with a brush or cloth to scrub away the corrosion. Once clean, rinse with water and dry thoroughly.
8. Steering Lock Is Jammed
If your car won’t start and you find you can’t turn the ignition key, it may be due to a jammed steering lock. Most modern vehicles are equipped with a security feature that automatically locks the steering wheel when the key is not in the ignition.
This is designed to prevent theft, but it can sometimes be accidentally triggered if the steering wheel is moved slightly after the ignition is turned off.
How To Fix:
To fix this problem, gently wiggle the steering wheel while simultaneously trying to turn the ignition key. This movement may help release the lock and allow the key to turn smoothly. If the steering lock is still jammed, ensure the key is fully inserted and try turning it gently while moving the wheel.
If these steps don’t resolve the issue, it may require professional attention to ensure there are no underlying problems with the ignition system.
9. Power Cables Are Loose or Dodgy
The battery cables are responsible for transmitting electrical energy from the battery to the engine and other electrical systems.
If these cables are faulty, loose, or dirty, they can compromise the connection, leading to insufficient energy reaching the engine. This can result in symptoms like slow engine cranking or clicking sounds when you try to start the car.
How To Fix:
To fix this issue, start by visually inspecting the battery cables for any signs of damage, such as fraying or corrosion. If you notice dirt or corrosion, clean the terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water, using a brush to scrub away the buildup.
Next, ensure that the cables are securely connected to the battery terminals. If they feel loose, tighten the connections carefully. If the cables are damaged, you’ll need to replace them to restore a proper electrical connection.
10. Faulty or Worn-Out Distributor
A faulty or worn-out distributor can be another reason your car won’t start. The distributor plays a key role in delivering the spark to each cylinder, ensuring your engine runs smoothly. If the distributor isn't working properly, the spark won’t reach the engine, and your car won’t start.
How To Fix:
To diagnose this, inspect the distributor cap and rotor arm for any signs of damage. Both should be clean, with no rust, corrosion, or blackened areas.
The rotor, where the spark travels between terminals, must be especially pristine. If you notice any burn marks, carbon build-up, or loose parts, it's time to replace both the distributor cap and rotor arm.
11. Ignition Coil Isn't Providing Enough Power
If your car isn’t starting, the ignition coil might not be delivering enough power to the engine. The ignition coil is responsible for converting the battery’s voltage into the high voltage needed to create a spark in the spark plugs. If this part fails, your engine won’t get the spark it needs to start.
How To Fix:
To diagnose the issue, you can test the ignition coil. If it’s faulty, it will need to be replaced, as it can't be repaired. When replacing the ignition coil, it’s also a good idea to fit new spark plugs to help extend the lifespan of the new coil.
Additionally, check for signs of wear on the distributor cap and rotor arm, and replace them if necessary to keep your ignition system running smoothly.
12. Spark Plug Problems
Another common reason your car won’t start could be faulty spark plugs. Spark plugs ignite the fuel in your engine, so if they’re not working correctly, the engine won’t start. Over time, spark plugs can become dirty or worn out, reducing their effectiveness.
How To Fix:
To fix the issue, start by inspecting the spark plugs. If they look dirty, try cleaning them and adjusting the gap to the correct width. This can sometimes extend their life.
However, if cleaning doesn’t solve the problem or the plugs are too worn, it's best to replace them. Installing new spark plugs can improve fuel efficiency and ensure smoother starts.
13. Fuel Filter Is Clogged
A clogged fuel filter can prevent your car from starting by blocking the flow of fuel to the engine. When the filter becomes too dirty, it restricts fuel from reaching the injectors, causing symptoms similar to an empty fuel tank.
If it’s been a while since you last changed your fuel filter—typically every 15,000 to 20,000 miles—this could be the source of the problem.
How To Fix:
To fix this issue, you'll need to replace the fuel filter. While some drivers may feel comfortable doing this themselves, it's often best to have a professional handle it, especially if you're unfamiliar with your car’s fuel system. Regularly changing your fuel filter as part of routine maintenance can help you avoid future starting problems.
14. Crankshaft/Camshaft Sensors Problem
A faulty crankshaft or camshaft sensor can be another reason your car won’t start. These sensors monitor the position and speed of key engine components, and if they fail, your car may not get the necessary signal to start.
To check if this is the issue, look at your dashboard’s tachometer for any RPM readings when you try to start the car. If there are no readings, it could indicate a sensor problem.
How To Fix:
If you discover an issue with one of these sensors, you will need to have it replaced. This is not typically a DIY fix, so it's best to take your vehicle to a professional mechanic for repair. Making sure these sensors are working properly is essential to getting your car started and keeping your engine running smoothly.
15. Injectors Are Not Opening
If your car won’t start, it could be due to the fuel injectors not opening and delivering fuel to the engine. This issue is often caused by a broken fuse or faulty power wire, preventing the injectors from working properly. In rare cases, it might also be linked to a malfunctioning engine control unit (ECU).
How To Fix:
To check if the injectors are opening, you can listen for a soft clicking sound while the engine is being cranked, which indicates that the injectors are functioning.
If you don’t hear the sound, it’s a good idea to inspect the fuses or use a multimeter to check if the injectors are getting power. For more advanced troubleshooting, you may need a professional to use specialized tools like an oscilloscope.
Diagnosing Common Car Starting Problems
When your car won’t start, the sounds (or lack thereof) can provide valuable clues about what’s wrong.
1. No Noise When Starting the Car
If you turn the key or press the ignition button and hear nothing, it could be due to a poor battery connection. Check for corroded or loose cables that may be preventing power from reaching the car’s electrical system.
2. Rapid Clicking Noise When Starting
Hearing a rapid clicking sound when you try to start your car usually points to an issue with the electrical system. The most common causes include:
- A flat or low battery
- A faulty alternator
3. Single Click When Starting
If you hear a single click when turning the ignition, the problem is likely with the starter or the starter relay, which sends power to the starter. It could also be due to an electrical circuit issue, such as a bad ground connection.
4. Engine Cranks but Won’t Start
If the engine cranks but doesn’t start, it’s often a fuel-related issue. Possible causes include:
- A flooded engine
- An empty fuel tank
- A blocked fuel filter
- A faulty fuel pump
5. Engine Starts but Cuts Out
When the engine starts but quickly dies, it could indicate:
- A problem with the fuel injection system or carburetor
- A flooded engine (especially if you notice a strong fuel smell)
- An immobilizer fault preventing the engine from staying on
Preventive Maintenance Tips to Avoid Car Starting Issues
While car starting problems can’t be completely avoided, you can significantly reduce the risk by staying on top of preventive maintenance.
1. Regularly Check Your Battery
Inspect your battery terminals for corrosion and make sure they’re tightly connected. Cleaning off any buildup and ensuring a secure connection can prevent power issues. If you don’t drive your car frequently, consider using a battery charger to keep it fully charged and ready to go.
2. Monitor Your Fuel Level
Always aim to keep your fuel tank at least half full. Not only does this prevent you from running out of gas, but it also reduces the risk of sediment buildup in the fuel system, which can clog filters and affect fuel flow.
3. Replace Worn-out Parts
Components like spark plugs and fuel filters wear down over time, affecting your car’s performance. Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines for regular replacement of these parts to ensure the ignition and fuel systems work optimally.
4. Stay On Top of Oil Changes
Routine oil changes are crucial for your engine’s health. Dirty or low oil levels can cause engine damage, which may lead to starting difficulties. Make sure you follow your vehicle's recommended oil change intervals.
5. Schedule Regular Inspections
Having a qualified mechanic inspect your car periodically can help catch potential issues before they escalate. They can identify problems with your battery, ignition, or fuel system and prevent car starting problems from becoming major headaches.
When to Seek Expert Help for Your Problem
Sometimes, car issues go beyond what a DIY fix can handle and knowing when to seek expert help is key to avoiding bigger problems.
If your car shows persistent signs of trouble—like the engine cranking but not starting despite having fuel, or if you notice electrical problems like flickering lights or a completely non-responsive ignition—it’s time to call in a professional.
These can signal more serious issues, such as a faulty starter, alternator, or wiring problems that require specialized tools and expertise.
Car Won't Start? Let the Experts at CarHub Help
While diagnosing a car that won’t start can be frustrating, following these tips may help you identify the issue and even fix some problems yourself. From checking the battery to inspecting the ignition system, a few simple steps could be all it takes to get you back on the road.
If these DIY solutions don’t do the trick, it’s time to call in the professionals. At CarHub, our expert team is ready to handle any complex electrical or mechanical issues, ensuring you’re back behind the wheel quickly and without the hassle. Contact us today for fast, reliable service.