Stranded Solutions: A Guide on What to Do When Your Car Won't Start
Posted on June 7, 2024
Stranded with a dead engine and no mechanical tools in sight? It's a situation that leaves you feeling utterly helpless. From a dead battery to a failed fuel pump, there are many reasons why your car isn’t starting.
When your car fails to start, it could be anything from a simple problem to a more complex issue. In this blog post, we'll discuss the common reasons why your car won't start and offer clear tips for diagnosing and fixing these problems. You’ll notice that some of the symptoms are very similar so it’s hard to be sure of what the issue is. It’s always best to have the professionals at CarHub have a look to properly diagnose your problem.
Common Reasons Why your Car Won’t Start
While some issues can be easily resolved on your own, others may require professional attention at a dealership or auto repair shop. Here are some of them:
1. Dead Electric Car Battery
Facing a dead electric vehicle (EV) battery isn't ideal, but it's a possibility. If this happens, your best bet is to either plug in the EV or have it towed to the nearest charging station. However, letting your battery die too often can harm its health, which results in premature wear and tear and pricey repairs down the line.
2. Bad Battery Connection
Spotting a failing battery is simple: if your car cranks slowly and emits a clicking sound, it clearly indicates that your battery needs attention. If your battery has completely died, you can attempt a jump-start to get moving again.
3. Trouble with Your Alternator
Since the alternator controls many electrical systems in your car, there are telltale signs to watch out for. If you notice dimming lights or reduced audio output, it could indicate an issue with the alternator.
Don't ignore these signs; have your car inspected promptly. Remember, a failing alternator could mean trouble for your battery next.
4. Your Car Isn’t in Park or Neutral
If your car refuses to start, it could simply be stuck in gear instead of being in park or neutral. To resolve this, first press the brake pedal and shift the car into park. If your vehicle is already in motion, shift it to neutral before attempting to start the car again.
5. Dealing with a Jammed Steering Wheel & Lock
This feature prevents theft by locking the steering wheel when someone attempts to turn it without the car running. To release the steering lock, simply wiggle the steering wheel and gently try turning the key again.
6. Having a Dead Key Fob Battery
In newer vehicle models that rely on a key fob to start the engine, there's a simple issue that can cause starting problems: if the fob is dead, the vehicle won't recognize it. Unlike vehicles with traditional keys, there are some vehicles you won't be able to start until you replace the battery in the fob, however most cars have a built-in backup system for this situation.
For many brands, simply hold your dead key fob up to the ignition button. The car can detect the key’s signal from that close range, allowing you to start the vehicle without a problem. Then get the battery changed as soon as possible.
7. Dealing with Faulty Immobilizers
A malfunctioning immobilizer can further exacerbate this issue, as it restricts your vehicle's ability to start, assuming you don't have the key fob. This is a security feature to deter theft. Look out for flashing lights indicating a low-key fob battery or the absence of a key fob altogether.
8. Empty Fuel Tank
If you find yourself out of gas, grab a gas can and head to the nearest station. Aim for at least two gallons of gas to refill your tank. After refueling, you might need a jumpstart to get your car going again after it's stalled due to lack of fuel.
9. Your Starter Motor Isn't Working Properly
Your car might not start because of a bad starter motor. This is the part that gets the signal to start the engine. If it's broken, your car won't start. To check if the starter motor is the problem, just turn the key. If the lights come on but the car doesn't start, chances are it's the starter motor.
10. Faulty Fuse
Fuses in cars are easy to get to – you'll find them under the hood or under the steering wheel. They control the car's electrical system. If a fuse blows, you can replace it. But if it's really bad, it could damage some wiring, stopping the car from starting.
11. Broken Ignition Switch
If your car's having trouble starting, the ignition switch might be the culprit. Look out for flickering dashboard lights or any electrical glitches. And if turning the ignition key feels tough, that could be a sign too.
12. Old Spark Plugs
Spark plugs often cause cars not to start. When they're faulty, they make the engine misfire, use more gas, and create other issues. You may notice that the engine sound is jittery or rough,, or the engine sounds or feels different when idling.
13. Faulty Fuel Pump Relay
If your car won't start and you don't hear the fuel pump in the fuse box, it might be because of a faulty fuel pump relay. Without enough fuel reaching the engine, your car may struggle to start.
14. Broken Distributor Cap
Even if your car starts, a faulty cap could still be the problem. If you notice strange noises, see the check engine light on, or experience engine misfires, it's wise to have your mechanic inspect the distributor cap and other starting components of your car.
15. Worn-out Timing Belt
A worn-out timing belt can cause your engine to make strange noises when you start it up, and it might even misfire or not start at all. This belt is crucial for your car's engine to run smoothly by firing cylinders at the correct times.
16. Blocked Fuel Filter
If the fuel is unable to reach the combustion chamber, you might encounter difficulties starting the engine. A vehicle nearing the end of its lifespan could be experiencing problems with its fuel filter.
17. Car Wiring Issue
If there's a problem with a ground wire, you might notice things like difficulty starting the car, a dead battery, the engine not running properly, a flickering dome light, problems with the throttle, sensors acting up now and then, and more.
18. Low AdBlue Level
Certain modern vehicles depend on AdBlue to initiate engine restarts. In some models, AdBlue is essential for operating the vehicle's software effectively.
Troubleshooting Car Engine Starting Issues
Often, the behavior of your car during startup can provide valuable clues about potential issues that may be affecting its performance.
1. No noise when starting the car
Silence upon attempting to start the car could suggest a problem with the battery's connection. Check for loose or corroded terminals and any visible damage to the cables.
- Shift the Gear Lever
With your foot on the brake, move the gear lever to neutral and attempt to start the engine. If unsuccessful, return the lever to park and try again.
2. Fast Clicking Noise During Ignition
A rapid clicking sound upon starting the ignition typically signals an issue with the electrical system. This could be due to a depleted or low battery, or potentially a problem with the alternator.
3. Single Click at Ignition Start
A single click upon turning the ignition key is typically indicative of a starter or starter relay issue. It may also signal an electrical circuit problem, such as a faulty ground connection.
- Try Key Cycling
If your car powers up but doesn't start, switch on the dome light and observe it while attempting to start the engine. If the light goes out, it indicates the battery is very weak—nearly dead.
- Gently Tap the Battery Terminals
If you're stranded without tools to clean corroded battery terminals, try tapping or gently jarring the terminals to improve contact.
- Try Tapping the Starter
If possible, tap the starter motor with the tire iron from your car jack. Occasionally, this can free up stuck electrical contacts.
4. The engine cranks but the car fails to start
When an engine cranks but the car won’t start, it's often due to a fuel-related issue. This could be caused by a flooded engine, an empty fuel tank, a blocked fuel filter, or a faulty fuel pump.
- Swapping Relays
To check the functionality of the fuel pump relay, turn off the radio, then turn the key to the run position. Listen for a two-second buzzing sound, which indicates the fuel pump priming the injection system.
- Smacking the Fuel Tank
If your car won't start, consider tapping the underside of the fuel tank multiple times using the heel of your shoe. to jolt the fuel pump motor, then attempt to start the vehicle.
- Un-flooding a flooded engine
When dealing with a flooded engine, if you detect the smell of gasoline, it indicates a flooded engine. To address this, press the accelerator pedal to the floor and keep it there while you crank the engine.
- Tricking the computer
A vacuum leak or malfunctioning temperature sensor might lead to an air/fuel mixture that's too lean. After trying other troubleshooting methods, press the accelerator halfway and then try to start the engine.
5. Engine Starts but Cuts Out
When an engine starts but then cuts out, several issues could be at play:
- Fuel injection or carburetor problem
- Flooded engine (if accompanied by a strong petrol smell)
- Immobilizer fault
What Should I Do If My Car Won't Start?
If you find yourself in the frustrating situation of a car that won't start, don't panic! Follow these steps to troubleshoot the car issue and get back on the road:
- Check the battery.
- Inspect the fuel.
- Test the ignition switch.
- Look for warning lights.
- Assess the starter motor.
- Try a different key.
- Seek professional help.
Remember to stay calm and methodical in your troubleshooting process, and don't hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
Who to Call When Your Car Won't Start
If you find yourself stranded with a car that refuses to start and you're not a member of any road emergency service companies like CAA, don't worry. You can still get the help you need by contacting us for prompt assistance with your breakdown. If you have a new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep RAM or Fiat vehicle that is within the 5 years allowed for Roadside Assistance, we’ll help direct you to them. Or you can choose to use another company to have your vehicle towed to us. Do give us a call to explain the situation.
Our team is ready to provide the support and expertise necessary to get you back on the road, regardless of your membership status. If you would like us to recommend a towing company, we can do that too – simply let us know, and we'll connect you with a reliable service to ensure your vehicle is safely brought to us.
Don't Let a Stalled Engine Ruin Your Day - Get the Solutions You Need Here
When you find yourself in the frustrating situation of a car that won't start, remember that there are solutions available to get you back on the road quickly and safely.
Let CarHub North York Chrysler be your guide through any bumps in the road, so you can keep cruising with confidence. Reach out to us today and discover a world of reliable solutions for all your automotive needs.
FAQs About When Car Won't Start
1. Why won't my car start with power?
If your car's engine won't turn over despite the dashboard lighting up, it's likely a battery issue. Check for damaged or corroded battery terminals. Ensure the clutch is fully depressed (for manuals) or in park/neutral with the brake pedal pressed (for automatics) when starting.
2. Why won't my car start with a good battery?
If your battery is fine but the car doesn't start, it could be due to a faulty starter or insufficient fuel.
3. How can I tell if it's the starter or battery?
Listen to the engine when starting. If dashboard lights are on but you hear clicking or whirring noises, it's likely a starter issue as the battery is supplying enough power for other components.