There’s nothing more frustrating than turning the key in your car’s ignition and hearing nothing. Whether you’re trying to head to work, picking up groceries, or just going for a drive, a car that won’t start can ruin your plans. Knowing how to troubleshoot common issues can save you time and money, as well as prevent further damage to your vehicle. By understanding basic troubleshooting steps, such as checking the battery, fuses, and connections, you can often identify and resolve the problem without needing immediate professional help.
Consequently, without these basic troubleshooting skills, you might find yourself stranded and reliant on costly towing and repair services. Failing to address minor issues promptly can also lead to more significant and expensive repairs down the line. Having the knowledge to perform initial diagnostics and basic troubleshooting techniques ensure that you’re better prepared for unexpected car troubles. In case you find yourself facing such troubles, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you when your engine won’t start.
What Does it Mean When the Engine Won’t Start?
When the car engine won’t start, it means the car’s engine fails to ignite and run despite turning the key or pressing the start button. This situation can encompass several symptoms, such as the engine not cranking at all, cranking too slowly, or cranking normally but failing to fire up. It can also mean hearing clicks or no sound at all when attempting to start the vehicle.
For the driver, this issue can indicate a variety of underlying problems, ranging from a dead battery or faulty starter motor to issues with the ignition switch, fuel system, or engine mechanical components. It means you might be temporarily immobilized, needing immediate troubleshooting to determine the cause. Understanding these symptoms helps in identifying whether a simple fix like tightening battery connections is needed or if professional assistance is required for more complex issues.
Why Won’t My Car Start?
Various factors can prevent your car from starting, ranging from simple issues like a dead battery to more complex engine problems. Here are the most common reasons:
- Dead or weak battery
- Faulty starter motor
- Electrical issues
- Fuel system problems
- Engine mechanical failures
Basic Troubleshooting: Engine Not Starting
When your engine won’t start, identifying the root cause can save you from unnecessary stress and expenses. Understanding the common symptoms and their probable causes allows you to take immediate corrective action. Below is a list of typical symptoms, their potential causes, and recommended remedies.
Symptom: Engine Not Cranking
When the engine is not cranking, it means the engine does not turn over or attempt to start when the ignition key is turned. This usually indicates a failure in the starting system, preventing the engine from receiving the necessary power to initiate the combustion process.
- Battery is Dead
Cause: Battery has no charge.
Remedy: Charge or replace the battery. - Melted Fuse or Fuse Holder
Cause: Fuse is blown.
Remedy: Replace the fuse with the correct ampere rating. - Loose Connections
Cause: Battery terminals or cables are loose.
Remedy: Tighten or clean the connections. - Faulty Ignition Switch
Cause: Ignition switch is defective.
Remedy: Replace the ignition switch if needed. - Faulty Switches
Cause: Malfunctioning operational switches.
Remedy: Check the operation of all switches and replace if necessary. - Engine Mechanical Problem
Cause: Internal engine issues.
Remedy: Seek professional help to diagnose and repair.
Symptom: Engine Cranks Too Slow
When the engine cranks too slowly, it means the starter motor is turning the engine over at a reduced speed, insufficient to ignite and start the engine. This often results in a sluggish, labored sound when attempting to start the car, indicating potential issues with the battery, connections, or starter motor.
- Weak Battery
Cause: Battery is not providing enough power.
Remedy: Charge or replace the battery. - Loose Connections
Cause: Battery cables are not secure.
Remedy: Tighten or clean the connections. - Faulty Starter
Cause: Starter motor is defective.
Remedy: Repair or replace the starter. - Engine Mechanical Problem
Cause: Internal engine issues.
Remedy: Consult a professional for diagnosis and repair.
Symptom: Starter Keeps Running
When the starter keeps running, it means the starter motor continues to operate even after the engine has started. This can cause continuous engagement of the starter gear with the engine’s flywheel, potentially leading to damage to both components.
- Damaged Starter Bendix Drive or Ring Gear
Cause: Issues with the starter components.
Remedy: Remove the starter and check if repair or replacement is required. - Damaged Ignition Key or Switch
Cause: Ignition switch is malfunctioning.
Remedy: Replace the ignition switch.
Symptom: Starter Working But Engine Not Cranking
When the starter is working but the engine isn’t cranking, it means the starter motor is engaging but failing to turn the engine over fully. This typically indicates an issue with the engine’s ring gear or other related components, which prevent the engine from starting despite the starter’s operation.
- Damaged Ring Gear
Cause: Ring gear is worn or broken.
Remedy: Remove the starter and inspect the ring gear for necessary repairs or replacement.
Symptom: Engine Cranking But Not Starting
When the engine cranks but does not start, it means that while the starter motor is turning the engine over, the engine fails to ignite and run. This typically indicates that the engine is not receiving the necessary fuel, spark, or air to initiate combustion, which prevents it from starting despite the starter’s efforts.
- Empty Fuel Tank
Cause: No fuel in the tank.
Remedy: Fill the fuel tank. - Air in the Fuel System
Cause: Air trapped in the fuel lines.
Remedy: Bleed the fuel system. - Fuel Intake Leak
Cause: Fuel leak in the system.
Remedy: Check and repair the leak. - Water in the Fuel Line
Cause: Water contamination in fuel.
Remedy: Bleed the fuel system.
Additional Troubleshooting Tips
For more troubleshooting tips in case your car won’t start, please see this list below:
- Try Cycling the Key: Turn the key to the start position repeatedly about 10 times, then wait five minutes and try to start the engine again.
- Tap the Battery Terminals: Use the heel of your shoe to tap the battery terminals gently, ensuring not to damage the battery post or case.
- Tug on the Battery Cables: Check the connections at the starter and the engine for a solid, clean connection.
- Tap the Starter: If you can access the starter motor, gently tap it with a tire iron to free up stuck electrical contacts.
- Try “Popping” the Clutch (Manual Transmission Only): With assistance, push the car to about five miles per hour, release the clutch in second gear, and the engine should engage.
- Shift the Shifter: Move the shift lever to the lowest gear position a few times and back to park, then try starting again.
- Swap Relays: Check the fuel pump relay and swap it with another identical relay if the fuel pump isn’t priming.
- Smack the Fuel Tank: Tap the bottom of the fuel tank to jar the fuel pump motor if it isn’t starting.
- Unflood a Flooded Engine: If you smell gas, press the accelerator pedal to the floor and crank the engine.
- Check the Wire Harnesses: Inspect for loose or corroded wire connections under the hood and clean or reconnect as needed.
By following these steps and understanding the potential causes, you can troubleshoot effectively and possibly get your engine started without professional help. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to contact a professional to get your vehicle back on the road safely.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried all these troubleshooting steps and your engine still won’t start, then it’s time to call for professional help. A tow to the nearest auto repair shop is likely necessary to diagnose and fix the issue accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For your reference, here are some common questions and answers related to basic troubleshooting of cars when the engine won’t start.
1. Why won’t my car start when I have power?
Even with power, a defective starter motor, starter relay, solenoid, or electrical issue can prevent the car from starting.
2. Why won’t my car start when it’s cold?
Cold weather can affect the battery, thicken motor oil, freeze the fuel system, or disrupt engine sensors.
3. Why won’t my car start after getting gas?
A faulty EVAP valve, fuel pump issues, or fuel filter clogs can prevent the car from starting after refueling.
4. Why won’t my car start with a new battery?
Ensure the battery is fully charged, properly connected, and check for other electrical issues or a bad starter.
Video: What to Do When Your Car Won’t Start?
When you get in your car but it doesn’t start, it can be a frustrating and confusing issue. In this video from ChrisFix, you can learn more about the common causes of this problem and how you can address them. By following these steps, you’ll gain a better understanding of what’s preventing your engine from firing up and how to resolve it effectively.
Summary
Understanding how to troubleshoot a car that won’t start can save you from unnecessary stress and costly repairs. With basic knowledge of common issues like battery failures or faulty starters, you can often identify and fix minor problems on your own. Make sure you know your basic troubleshooting techniques and be better equipped to handle unexpected car troubles on your own.