Common Causes of Why a Car Won’t Start

What can be more frustrating and stressful in the morning than finding your car that won’t start, especially if you are not sure what the issue behind it is? The crucial thing is to understand the potential reason behind the car’s failure to start. It can help diagnose the problem more effectively and seek the right solutions. A dead battery, a faulty starter motor, a bad ignition switch, and issues with the fuel system are some of the reasons behind the problem. The crucial thing is to stay calm and try to diagnose the issue. Here are some of the possible causes:

Check the Battery – the Heart of the Car’s Electrical System

The battery is on top of the susceptible list behind the car won’t start. The electrical power a car needs to start the engine, power the lights, and operate diverse accessories (when the engine is off) is provided by the battery. Check the battery’s life because a dead or discharged battery is the common reason why a car won’t start. When you see the start button and hear a clicking sound or see the dashboard lights flicker, it indicates a problem with the battery.

What Are the Main Causes of a Dead Battery?

Varied factors can lead to a dead battery. You must know about these factors to take a wise step.

The battery may die when you leave the lights or accessories on. Sometimes car drivers forget to turn off the headlights, interior lights, or other electrical parts. They can drain the battery overnight.
You should keep in mind that extreme cold can reduce a battery’s capacity to hold a charge. It may cause difficulty starting the car in the morning.
The battery life is between 3 and 5 years. Its ability to hold a charge diminishes with aging. Check the battery warranty card to know about the exact age.
An alternator plays a key role – charging the battery while the engine is running. If the alternator is malfunctioning, it may cause a dead battery.

What Are the Solutions?

The best way is to check the battery life and jump-start the car through jumper cables and another vehicle with a charged battery. It can get you back on the road by providing time enough to visit the mechanic. If the battery is old and faulty, you should replace it with a new one. Checking the battery’s health will provide you with time enough to take the right steps.

Never Ignore the Faulty Starter Motor

A starter motor plays a key role in turning the engine over when you start the car. The starter motor engages and spins the engine’s flywheel (that initiates the combustion process), when you turn the key or press the start button. If the motor fails, the engine won’t turn over. In this way, your car won’t start.

If you turn the key with no response (no clicking or cranking sounds), then it could be a sign that the starter motor is not engaging.
A repeated clicking sound at the time of starting the car could indicate a problem with the starter motor’s solenoid.
When the car starts occasionally and other times with no response, it may be due to starting motor failure.

What Are the Possible Causes of Starter Motor Failure?

From electrical issues to worn-out components and from heat damage to some unknown factors, the starter motor can fail for various reasons.
Corroded or loose connections in the starter circuit can prevent the starter motor from receiving enough power.
Not to mention the internal parts of the starter motor like the brushes and armature. They can wear out and may lead to failure.
You should also keep in mind that the starter motor can become overheated if the car has been started multiple times in a short period. It can damage the motor and cause it to fail.

Call the professional mechanic, if you suspect that the starter motor is faulty. Ask the professional to check the electrical connections and ensure that the starter motor is receiving the correct voltage.

Know the Ignition Switch

Keep in mind that the ignition switch is a crucial part of your car’s electrical system. It activates the electrical circuits required to start the engine and power other electrical parts. A faulty ignition switch can prevent the car from starting (even if the battery and starter motor are in good condition).

You must know about the signs of a bad ignition switch. If you turn the key and get no response (no dashboard lights, clicking, or engine noise), then it could be a sign of a faulty ignition switch.

If the car loses power or stalls at the time of driving, it could be due to an ignition switch that is failing.

Don’t take the key lightly if it won’t turn. The key may not turn in the ignition, indicating a problem with the switch mechanism.

What Are the Possible Causes of Ignition Switch Failure?

There are varied causes behind the ignition switch failure like wear & tear, electrical problems, and heat and stress.

The ignition switch can wear out due to repeated use – leading to poor electrical contact.
Corrosion or damage to the wiring connected to the ignition switch can cause it to malfunction.
High temperature and stress on the ignition switch can lead to premature failure.

You should call the professional mechanic and ask him to replace the faulty ignition switch. You should also keep in mind that the problem may be with the key itself, especially in vehicles with advanced key fob systems. You should ensure that the ignition switch and key are in good working condition.

Fuel System Issues

The fuel system plays a key role in delivering the fuel to the engine that is later blended with the air and ignited to produce power. Check the fuel system, if the engine isn’t receiving the necessary fuel to start and run. Fuel pumps, fuel filters, and fuel injectors are diverse parts to be taken into consideration. Always check the following issues:

If the engine cranks but doesn’t start, it could be due to a lack of fuel reaching the engine.

Sputtering or stalling is another sign that could indicate a problem with the fuel delivery.

Long cranking time due to insufficient fuel pressure may cause issues with the fuel system.

Fuel system issues can arise from diverse factors like faulty fuel pumps, clogged fuel filters, and dirty/faulty fuel injectors. The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel from the tank to the engine. If it fails, the engine won’t receive the fuel it needs to start. The fuel filter plays a key role in removing the impurities from the fuel before it reaches the engine. A clogged filter can restrict fuel flow and cause starting problems.

Fuel injectors play a key role in spraying fuel into the engine’s combustion chamber. If they are dirty or malfunctioning, the engine may not start or run properly.

The crucial thing is to diagnose and fix the fuel system issues that can be complex and require specialized equipment to test fuel pressure and inspect the fuel pump, filter, and injectors. If you suspect a fuel system problem, it will be better to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic who can find out the issues and fix the problem.