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My Car Wont Start - What To Do?


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car wont start There are multiple reasons why your car won't start. Engine mechanical parts could be failed, engine oil may be faulty, your car battery may have died, the gasoline you are using could be poor quality or your car is not getting proper maintenance. These all could be the reason behind your car won't start and the worst dream of yours could be engine failure on a trip.

In this page we will examine the top 20 reasons why your car won't start and discussed with several car owners to resolve these issues of their car engine starting problem.


Reasons why your car won't start


car wont start We have discussed some of the top reasons behind car owners who can't start their cars below. There will be some situations where you will be forced call a mobile car repair service to tow your vehicle to the car repair shop, where you can solve the problem your car has. Sometime you will have some simple problems which can be solved by yourself.

You can avoid some of these problems and save your money by taking proper care and maintenance of your car. This includes changing the oil and keeping your car in excellent running condition. Always check the manual given by the car company while you are taking care of your car. Also, maintain the maintenance schedule in the manual.


The battery of the key is dead.


dead key battery For many cars, the key fob has been set as the standard. The remote keyfob brings a new level of security for your car. The fobik key controls the starting of your car. If it is not near your car, it will not start. You need to keep the fobic key with you and press the ignition button to start your car. These days, even regular cars have this feature to keep them safe.

Every fob remote runs on battery. It is mandatory to have a live battery on the key fob for its functioning. fobik key malfunction generally caused by a dead battery. You will not be able to start your car, let alone start it.


Wheel could be locked.


locked steering wheel With the modern age developing every day, vehicle security is being increased. Some of the new generation cars have an anti-theft device installed named heel lock. It functions when pulls out the from ignition. Sometimes you will face problems turning or inserting the key in the ignition while wheel lock is active. Try to steer the wheel right and left, this should allow you to insert the key and turn on your car.


Fuel tank is empty.


empty fuel tank Always check the fuel tank meter. Do not avoid the warnings from the meter you get. Avoiding those warnings and not checking the fuel can cause you a grave problem. Some people try to these warnings and depends on the remaining mileage that shows on the fuel tank meter.

The remaining mileage is an average of how much fuel your car consumes. But when you change the average speed and drive more frequently, it affects the mileage of your car. This could lead you to an empty fuel tank. And an empty fuel tank is bad news for your car's lifetime.


Corroded Battery Terminals.


corroded battery terminal Over time, corrosion builds up on the car battery terminals and the transfer of power to the starter motor is reduced or sfut off. Remove the terminal and the cables and clean them or replace the whole wiring on the battery. Ensure that they are securely connected and try starting the car again.


Problem with spark plugs.


spark plug New generation cars have been equipped with improved spark plugs, wires, and ignition systems. They generally serve more than the hundred-thousand-mile mark. But these components could decline for various reasons and could make your car ignition system fail.  These could also lead to severe fuel management and bad acceleration. Make sure that you have used good plugs and wires.


Dead Car Battery.


dead car battery The most common reason your car won't start is a dead car battery. The main reason behind your car battery dead is keeping your dome on for an extended time. Corroded cables and old battery that is reaching to end life may also be the reason behind your car won't start. You should check out your car battery if feel that the starter is not working as usual. You can run one or two simple tests to know if your battery needs to be replaced.

To start your car when the battery is dead, always carry jumper cable. Battery Terminals are Corroded

Over time o your car battery's life, corrosion builds up on the battery terminals. Corrosion can block or reduce the power transfer to the motor. Every time you replace the wires on the battery, remove all the cables and clean them.

Each time before starting your car, do a thorough check up on the cables.


Starter motor may be broken.


car starter motor With the all-new cars arriving in the market, it is a piece of good news that broken starter motors are not that common problem car owners face nowadays. But, if the motor of your car fails, then it will become inoperable. This problem will lose some of your engine teeth and your engine will not engage with flywheel effectively.

When you hear a sound of clicking, you should check if your motor is broken or it is getting the required power from the battery. Whenever you face this problem, try to start your engine by using the jump-starting method. If you are still getting that clicking sound that means probably your starter motor is failed.


Use more pressure on the clutch.


press-the-clutch When you depress the clutch before starting the car, it triggers the clutch switch that gives a signal to the computer. This signal says that the clutch is ready and you can start the engine. This rule is the same for cars that have an auto transmission system. While following this rule, you must depress the brake. Either you forget to depress the clutch or the clutch switch may be defective.


Battery terminal of the car is broken.


broken battery terminal A broken car battery terminal or a broken car battery cable or even a loose cable connection can prevent the electric current from being dispatched to the starter. If any power is approaching through, the starter may click; unless there may be no power at all. Despite your dash lights, dome lights, and headlights will not function if the terminal is broken.


Using different ignition Key.


different ignition key Trying to start your car with a key that is not from your car could be a reason your car is not starting. Every car has a security system that looks for a digital signature on the key inserts. If the digital signature is not found then the security system won't allow the car to start. If you lose your car key or FOB then you won.t be able to start your car.


Ignition switch damage.


problematic ignition switch After using the ignition cylinder so many times, ignition switch failures are pretty common (not on keyless entry vehicles). Cars that use a ignition key to turn on may have their switch damaged because they used wrong key in the past, or maybe was damaged during a burglary attempt. If you cannot turn the key in the ignition at all, which is not due to a locked steering wheel, your ignition is most likely defective and need to be repaired or replaced.


Clogged fuel filter.


fuel filter Your car's fuel filter is very important. The fuel filter does an important job by filtering the gasoline and taking out any contaminants before it is transferred to the car engine. Filtered contaminants like dirt and grit may be stored in the fuel tanks and fuel line from time to time. When your car runs low on fuel, these contaminants find a way through the filter. When this happens for several periods, too many contaminants get in the fuel filter and they block the engine from getting sufficient oil.


Your cars alternator may be faulty.


faulty alternator When the alternator stops charging your battery, the battery gets quickly discharged and your car starts refusing to get started. It also starts stalling time. Frequently check if the belt driving the alternator is in the proper place and is not slipping. Every time you face a faulty alternator problem, check with a mechanic to make it right.


Electrical System Problem.


Electrical System Problem Electrical system failure always makes it hard for you to start your engine. Bad sensors to a Faulty Engine Control Module, everything will make your car run roughly or won't let the car start. These problems can be a reason of electrical system failure:

  • Bad Alternator
  • Faulty Battery Terminals
  • Old Battery
  • Loose Wire Connections
  • Faulty Ignition Cable
  • Corroded Connections

Frequently take your car to the mechanic to check these problems. Mechanics use some code readers to find these problems and they are an expert on these situations.


Fuel Injector Is Faulty.


Fuel Injector Contaminants like carbon and dirt could find space in fuel injectors and they can block the flow of fuel. These could lead to loose or corroded electrical connections. When one fuel injector of your car is not working properly, your car could run roughly. If this problem occurs, you should seriously think about cleaning or changing the fuel injector. Instruct the mechanic to replace all of them while he is working. This will help you to eliminate any future problems regarding fuel injectors.


Replacements of Timing Belt.


Timing belt Generally, timing belts can be used up to 75,000 to 100,00 miles. They are designed in that way. Your engine valves and camshaft are controlled by timing belts. This allows the valves and pistons to stay in the perfect spot to provide the highest power from the engine. A ragged timing belt can create critical harm into the engine in extension to being incapable to commence the engine.


Seatbelt Unbuckled.


seatbelt unbuckled When drivers and other passengers in a moving vehicle keep their seatbelts unbuckled, they put themselves at great risk. Though this issue only provides a warning in the vehicle for the driver and the passengers, it doesn't stop the car from starting.


Disturbed Instrument panel.


Disturbed Instrument panel Your car's instrument panel may face some electrical problems.  There could be more than one indicator that is not working or giving false instructions. Always check ECM as they save the error codes in their database. The engine light should be checked as soon as you feel something is not right. In different vehicles, these problems occur in various ways.


Check Fuel Pump and Relay.


Fuel pump Sometimes the fuel pump and relay stop working. When this happens your car engine may suddenly stop running and it may not start. The fuel pump generates a low hump while its pumping fuel to the engine. The relay used to turn on or off the fuel pump whenever it is needed. You need to check regularly if the fuse of the relay is working or it is failed. Always call for professional help if you fell the fuel pump or the relay is not working.


Cold Start Valve.


Cold Start Valve In cold weather, a cold start valves job is to enrich the air-fuel mixture in the engine is starting. If your car has a faulty cold start valve, then your car engine will not get sufficient fuel to start. Your vehicle could face a hard time to start in cold weather, fuel economy decline and the engine performance may also decline. Your cold start valve could even misfire or it could start stalling. A professional mechanic is the only way to get a faulty cold start valve right.


Engine cranking but Car won't start.


Engine cranking You may face this problem like your car engine is cranking but not starting. There is some possible reason behind this problem and they should be discarded. In this problem your cars, starter motor, battery terminal and battery are working just fine. 

This problem may occur for several reasons like

  1. a faulty fuel pump
  2. no gas in the gas tank
  3. clogged fuel filter,
  4. bad fuel pump relay
  5. faulty cold start valve
  6. faulty fuel injector
  7. the spark plug is not working
  8. the ignition cable is facing issues.
  9. ECM saved some error codes.

All these situations may stop the car from starting. Let a mechanic inspect your car to find why your car is refusing to start. Also rotate and balance your summer tires, while the mechanic is working on the engine. 


How to Clean the Corroded Battery terminals?


You should see some ashy white deposits around the corroded battery terminals. This deposit decreases the power supply performance of your car battery, The accurate solution to this problem is to clean your car battery.

baking soda
  • To clean the contaminants as much as possible, use a disposable towel.
  • With the positive terminal try to disengage the battery cables. But do not let the battery to be short-circuited.
  • Clean all the ashy white stuff as much as possible from the terminals and cables.
  • Create a mixture of 2/3 tablespoon baking soda and distilled water in a small jar.
  • Apply the mixer of baking soda to the cables and terminals using a toothbrush.
  • You should take the protection of your hand by wearing gloves.
  • Clean al the extra elements and wash your battery with water then.
  • Try to evade getting the mixer in other parts of your car.

What if your car won't Crank?


You should for several potential reasons if your car is not cranking. They are:

  • Your car battery is completely discharged.
  • You have corroded battery terminals and faulty wire.
  • Your alternator belt may be slipping or could be broken. It can stop the battery from charging.
  • Not depressing the clutch or brake may also be the reason.
  • Your starter motor connections may be broken.
  • Maybe the neutral safety switch is on.
  • You have a faulty starter motor.
  • Your key battery is not working.
  • The FOB battery is not working.
  • You tried to use a wrong ignition key or FOB.
  • Check whether your Car Battery is the problem or not.

If you are diagnosing your car battery on a DIY basis, then the problem should be a matter of removal. Go to a repair shop to check if your car batteries health and ability store charge. Also, check if it can produce adequate cranking current for the starter. A repair shop also can confirm if the alternator is generating the required current to match the terms given by the producer.

Testing a car on the DIY can be challenging also. The process starts with charging the battery with a battery charger.  After charging, if your car starts that is good news. It means you have successfully reduced the starter motor and battery terminal problems. Your car alternator may not be generating enough current or your battery may not contain an adequate charge. Your car lights and dashboards indication system runs on the current generated by the alternator. The alternator is the cause when your car lights and dashboard system is diming. 

Hire a professional repairman to check these problems and solve them.


Car won't Start, Clicking Noise.


If you hear a clicking noise during the car engine start, it is a warning. The sound indicates that the starter is not getting enough power or maybe your starter motor failed. In this situation, check if there is a problem with the battery terminals. Also, inspect the cables if they are in perfect shape or not. Make sure the connections are secure. Remove any present corrosion and then make sure the loosen connections are tightened.

Try to give the battery a boost from a different vehicle. If the car cranks and starts, then the problem was happening due to a faulty battery. It could be a defective charging system too. Check if there is any problem from the list below and there is a problem try to solve it.

  • Your car battery is completely discharged.
  • You have corroded battery terminals and faulty wire.
  • Your alternator belt may be slipping or could be broken. It can stop the battery from charging.
  • Your starter motor connections may be broken.
  • You have a faulty starter motor.

You use the battery in a standard way then it will last approximately five years. Some times these problems are caused by an old battery. So frequently change your car battery after every five years and also take your car to a mechanic regularly.


Lights on but Car won't start.


lights are on When your car has a dead or dying battery, it is likely to happen that your car is not cranking but the lights are on. Even a dead battery can turn on the car lights or dash lights as they need very little current to work. But dead or a dying battery cannot produce the huge power a starter motor needs.

The lights can be turned by a corroded battery terminal but it can't start the car engine. If you face this problem follow these steps,

  • Inspect is the battery terminal connections are tightened or not.
  • Check if your clutch pedal is depressed.
  • Check if the brake pedal is depressed.
  • If the safety switch is engaged.
  • Try to get a boost start or jump start.
  • Take your car to a mechanic.

The battery is okay but Car is not starting.


Understanding why a car is not starting can be a method of dismissal. There are numerous simple steps to use to classify why a car doesn’t start. For instance, the general causes your car won’t start are:

  • Empty Fuel Tank.
  • You did not depress the clutch pedal
  • You did not depress the brake pedal
  • The wheel lock is on
  • FOB or the electronic key is not working properly due to some reasons.
  • You are using the wrong key.
  • Check if the ignition system fuses are working.
  • Check wheater the alternator belt is tightened or not.
  • Check wheater the alternator belt is not slipping or broken.

There are some more challenging problems or reasons behind your car that will not start and you need to visit a mechanic resolve them. Because these problems need some proper types of equipment to be identified and solved.

  • You have a faulty Cold Start Valve.
  • You have defective spark plugs.
  • Your neutral safety switch is turned on.
  • Your ignition system wires are somehow broken.
  • Your car has a clogged fuel filter.
  • The air filter is jammed because of too much dirt.
  • The relay or the fuel pump is defective.
  • You have a defective or dirty fuel injector
  • You have a torn timing belt.
  • Your car battery is dead.
  • You have a corroded battery terminal.
  • You have a defective alternator.
  • Your car starter motor is defective.
Always check ECM for saved error codes. A code reader can read these saved error codes. 


How to take care of your car if you live in an extreme weather.


extreme weather According to various research journals and analysts, your car battery life will be reduced in high or low temperatures. Places with high temperatures can reduce your cars battery life for the months even years. It may possible that your car won't start if leave it outside in extreme weather. Because extreme weather are likely to kill your battery life. Try to protect you vehicle in this extreme weather. Always keep an eye on your vehicle. If your car is sitting in extreme weather, you will find that your battery has some kind of swollen. If this happens, then you have nothing to do but changing your car battery.

Your car battery’s main work is to start the car by itself. If you are facing a problem that is not allowing the car to start, then try to jump start it for once or twice. It will help you to make sure if your battery needs to be replaced.

Check your battery with multi-meter or voltmeter. If the result is 12.4 or higher, it means your battery is good. If the result is lower than 12.4, you should replace your battery. Conclusion

If you find out that your battery is working well, you should take your car to a mechanic shop. Do a complete thorough check-up on your car.


Summerise.


Try to follow these:

  1. Change the air filter.
  2. Change spark plug.
  3. Change or check the alternator.
  4. Check the Ignition system.
  5. Check the fuel line.
  6. Make sure your engine getting fuel.
  7. Make sure that the battery is generating required power.
  8. Check if the Ignition key is the right one.
  9. Check the FOB is with you.

Always perform a complete check up on your car before going to a road trip. Make sure that you have a full fuel tank. Make sure to recharge the FOB battery always. Check if the neutral safety switch is off.

Take your car to all scheduled maintenance. Change your engine oil Timely.

Your car is an important part of your life. If it fails when you are going to an important work, you could be in grave danger.

My Car Wont Start - What To Do? - Okey DoKey Locksmith


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