Car Won't Start? Here is a quick list of what could be wrong You're turning the key, but nothing's happening. Or maybe there's a clicking or grinding sound — but the car won't start. We've been there; it's not a good feeling. Let's try to figure out if it's a simple fix or something more advanced that a trusted mechanic should take care of. Does your key turn in the ignition? *Some cars don't "turn" the key - they have a button. Your car might not be starting for a multitude of reasons, which can also make it difficult to nail down on the web what exactly is wrong. most of the time, A mechanic will have to make the final prognosis, but we've put together this simple guide to help you figure out what's wrong. Here are a handful of common scenarios and compiled the most likely causes. The engine doesn't crank — no sound, no lights, nothing battery terminals are loose: This happens more often than you'd think, and it can be easily identified and corrected. try to wiggle the terminal loose by rotating it around the battery post. it shouldn't move at all. if it does, tighten the terminal bolt. In some cases, the terminal bolt will not tighten or may be too corroded to tighten. If this is the case, you'll need to repair or replace it. Battery is dead: like any other battery, the battery in your car can go dead and nothing will operate. in this case, you can try jump-starting the car. You can buy a battery pack so you don't have to worry about getting someone else's help; if that doesn't suit you, you should make sure to have jumper cables so you can ask another driver to help you out. another option is calling your insurance or auto club for roadside assistance. If you attempt to jump start the car, be sure to place the cables in the right arrangement to avoid damaging your electrical system — or yourself. After jumping the car, make sure to drive it around for a while to recharge the battery. If you're experiencing this often, or a jump doesn't work, it might be time to have the charging system inspected, as the alternator may be bad or the battery may need replacement. Ignition switch is faulty: the ignition switch is the electrical switch for the engine. just like a light switch in your house, when you activate it, it should send electricity to the light bulb, or in this case the starter motor. these switches fail electronically and mechanically — if it's the latter, you might not be able to turn the key at all. unless you're an advanced diy-er, this repair is best handled by a professional. Neutral safety switch isn't working: this device allows you to start your engine only while the vehicle's transmission is in park or neutral, and only applies if your car has an automatic transmission. replacing the neutral safety switch is best performed by professional. Immobilizer system is preventing the vehicle from starting: the immobilizer system is part of your vehicle's anti-theft system. your ignition key is programmed to work only in your car, similar to how a key card allows you into a hotel room. both types of keys can lose their programming, and similarly, the locks they work on may stop reading their information correctly. if the car doesn't recognize your key, it won't start. you'll need to visit to a qualified shop that has the equipment and knowledge to diagnose and repair these systems. The engine doesn't crank, but there's a clicking sound battery is weak: if you hear a rapid clicking noise, you may have a weak battery. check the terminals to make sure they're on tight. if that's not the problem, You may need to charge the battery. The quickest way will likely be to jump-start the car and drive it for a while; or, if it's not an emergency, you can try getting and attaching a trickle charger. Starter is faulty: the starter is an electrical motor that uses battery power to start the engine. just like any electric motor, it can fail. if the battery terminals and battery are ok, you may have a bad starter. If you have some experience working on cars, you might be able to tackle this project. but there is a risk of electric shock, so if you're uncertain, have your mechanic replace the starter. Engine is seized: this is a worst-case scenario, and would require your entire engine to be rebuilt or replaced. If this is your issue, it's worth examining if the expense is worth it or whether it's time for a new car. consult with your mechanic, and if you move forward with it, have him or her do the job. The engine is cranking slowly battery is weak: make sure the terminals are not only on the battery correctly, but tight (not with herculean strength, but well on there). If the terminals are tightened, you might just need a jump. You can invest in a battery pack, grab your handy jumper cables and ask a good Samaritan, or call your insurance for roadside assistance. after jumping the car, make sure to drive it around and recharge the battery! If you're experiencing this often, or a jump doesn't work, it might be time for a brand new car battery. It's cranking slowly, and there's a grinding noise starter is faulty: the starter is an electrical motor that uses power from the vehicle's battery in order to start the engine. it's located where the engine and transmission join together. If you hear a harsh grinding noise, you could have a loose starter motor, or it could be caused by a flywheel or pinion gear in the starter with broken or worn teeth. You'll want to have the starter replaced. It's cranking fast and there's a spinning noise timing belt (or timing chain) is broken: a broken timing belt or chain can cause some serious damage to your engine, so you'll want to get your vehicle to a shop and have the damage assessed by a trained technician. Starter is faulty: the starter is an electrical motor that uses power from the vehicle's battery in order to start the engine. If the starter's solenoid is worn too badly it can fail to engage with the device's flywheel and will make a spinning or whirring noise. You'll want to have the starter replaced. It's cranking fast and there's a grinding noise starter is faulty: the starter is an electrical motor that uses power from the vehicle's battery in order to start the engine. If you hear a harsh grinding noise, you could have a loose starter motor, or it could be caused by a flywheel or pinion gear in the starter with broken or worn teeth. You'll want to have the starter replaced. The car is cranking normally but won't start ignition switch is faulty: the ignition switch is the electrical switch for the engine. these switches can electronically or mechanically. unless you're an advanced diy-er, this repair is better handled by a professional. Fuel system fault: a fuel system fault could be due to a bad fuel pump or a fuel contamination issue. this should be examined by a professional. No spark: to figure out if your vehicle doesn't have spark, you will need a spark test. this can be dangerous and should be performed by a professional. If you don't have spark, you may need an ignition coil replacement. Faulty sensor input: a faulty sensor input can be determined by a professional. possible fixes may include maf sensor replacement, iac valve replacement, ckp sensor replacement or cmp sensor replacement.
References:
https://repairpal.com/symptoms/car-wont-start
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