5 Surprising Reasons Why Your Car Won’t Start

Are you finding it hard to start your car? this article will explain reasons why Your Car Won’t Start. It is very disheartening to get disappointed by your car especially just when you least expect it.

Every vehicle comprises of both electrical and mechanical components working together to make the engine run. If any of either components becomes faulty, the engine might not be able to start.

Warning:- If your car won’t start, avoid turning the key for extended periods of time. In cold weather, letting the engine try to turn over for a while might seem like it will work, but if you try to crank the starter engine for more than 15 seconds, you may damage the starter engine.

In this article you will learn about the electrical and mechanical components of the car that would not allow the car to start. You will also learn some simple tips on how you can fix this little little electrical and mechanical problems yourself if needed.

5 common reasons why your car won’t start

If you are not very observant you might not notice when your car start developing some faults which might escalate and lead to bigger one. Reasons Your Car Won’t Start might be electrical problem or mechanical problem. Below are list of both the electrical and mechanical problems why your engine would not run

• Dead Battery

In most cases battery comes first electrical problems that would stop your car from starting. The battery survives and stay charged because of the alternator.

The primary function of the alternator is to charge the battery whenever the engine is running. If the alternator is faulty or not working, then the battery would not be charged.

Generally speaking, the car greatly depends on the battery to start in the first place. The battery has to be reasonably charged if not fully to be able to turn the starter and crank the engine before the engine can run.

Signs and symptoms of a bad battery includes slow start, long cranking without starting and corrosion. If you notice the a dead battery is the reason your won’t, you should try to jump start the battery.

Read Also:- How Often to Change Brake Fluid in Toyota

• Bad Ignition Switch

The primary function of the ignition switch is to control the motor vehicle. The ignition starter tell the starter when to run and turn the engine to start.

The ignition is also directly i control of the headlights and and other electrical components in the vehicle. When the ignitions switched on, every other electrical component including the motor starter starts working.

You can try to narrow down the cause of your issue by turning on your headlights. Because the battery controls your headlights and dashboard, if they turn on, but your engine won’t start, a bad ignition switch is the likely culprit.

Difficulty in turning the ignition is a very evident prove that your ignition switch is bad. Other signs of a bad ignition includes stalling, flickering dashboard light and difficulty in starting car.

If the ignition switch is faulty, starting the vehicle become hard, in worst cases the vehicle might not even start. Visit a mechanic or an auto electrician for diagnosis and replacement if necessary.

3. Failing Motor starter

A bad starter can be another reason why your car won’t start. The starter responds to signal from the ignition switch to turn and crank the engine there by causing the engine to run.

A broken starter would make a clicking sound whenever you try turning the ignition to start the vehicle. Other signs of a bad starter includes slow engine crank, one click sound and general difficulty in starting the engine.

If you notice your starter showing any of these mentioned signs, visit an auto repair shop as quick as possible. A bad motor starter is not something an average car owner or driver can fix at home.

• Clogged Fuel Filter

A clogged fuel filter is another reason why you car won’t start. The function of the fuel filter is to filter all dirt, debris and tiny carbon in the fuel.

Fuel filters get clogged even blocked over time as a result of dirt present in the fuel or fuel tank. Fuel filters needs to be changed at some point, check manual for fuel filter replacement intervals.

• Empty Fuel Thank

Yes you just read it right, the reason for prolong cranking without starting could be lack of fuel in the fuel tank. Most car user depend greatly on the fuel gauge to tell when to refuel and when not to.

If you are on of the type that does depends allows the fuel to finish or wait to see the fuel millage at the finish sign i have good new for you. Stop depending on the fuel gauge before refueling the fuel gauge could be giving you a false reading without you knowing that the fuel tank is actually empty.

• Battery corrosion

Corrosion on your battery can spell trouble. Check and clean your battery posts to make sure there is a clean, complete connection, then try to start your car again. An auto store employee can direct you to the right products and offer advice on how to clean your battery.

How can you tell if the ignition switch is bad?

Slow crank, difficulty in turning keys and flickering headlight are all obvious signs of a bad ignition switch. The function of the ignition switch is to send signal to the motor starter to crank the engine.

If the ignition switch fails to send the signal to the moto starter, the engine would not run. Put the ignition key into the ignition switch and crank the engine.

If the engine cranks, then your ignition switch is obviously working fine. If the engine does not crank, and you hear a “click” when you first turn the key to the “III” position, then your ignition switch is not the problem.

What can cause no crank no start?

No crank no start is typically not an electrical problem. Most often, a clogged fuel pump, bad carburetor/injector, a bad fuel filter or even an empty fuel tank could be the reason why you car won’t start.

If you are experiencing not crank no start you should consider checking through the ignition line. An empty fuel tank can also cause your car be experiencing no crank no start.

Can low oil cause car to not start?

Can low oil cause car to not start? yes low oil level can cause a car not to start. To be more specific, low oil level can cause a car’s engine seize or stop running.

Engine, does the work of lubrication, it lubricates the internal engine parts to avoid wear and tears. The oil needs to be changed from time to time as need maybe to keep the engine in good working condition.

When engine oil level goes down below the required level, overheating could occur. The internal parts of the engine is also at risk of getting damaged at any time.

What fuse would cause my car not to start?

What fuse causes a car not to start? A blown fuse in the starter circuit could be the cause of a no-start problem. Broken or corroded wiring – Damaged or dirty wires to the battery or to the starter solenoid (or wires that are loose) can prevent sufficient power from reaching the starter.

This article covers all about the reasons why your car won’t start. If you find anything confusing or you still need explanation please ask us using the comment section.