There are certain things in life that people take for granted, including a car starting after turning the key or engaging the push-button ignition. That’s why it’s such a shock when nothing happens. Go over common reasons your car won’t start and find out if you can fix it at home or if you need to call a tow truck.
No Lights or Sounds
If there aren’t any lights or sounds after trying to start the vehicle, you likely have one of two problems. First, you could have an issue with the battery connection. Pop the hood and try to twist and turn the cables. If the wires are correctly connected, they’ll stay in place. If they twist and turn, remove them and wipe them off with a rag. After, reconnect the cables and tighten the clamps with a wrench. Next, try to start your vehicle again. If it works, you’ve fixed the problem.
If that didn’t work, you could have a dead battery. Use jumper cables and another vehicle to jumpstart the car. After, make sure to drive it around for about 30 minutes to give the battery time to charge.
Engine Makes a Clicking Sound
A clicking sound could be a sign that your engine is weak. Check this by turning on the headlights. If the lights are dim, jumpstart the car. That should fix the problem. If the lights are bright, you might have a bad battery connection. Fix the connection to see if that works. If not, it’s likely an issue with the starter. You’ll need to call a tow truck to pick up your vehicle.
Cranks Like Normal but Engine Doesn’t Fire
If you’re out of or low on gas, your engine will crank like usual. However, it won’t fire. You’ll need to contact a service company to bring you some gas. A flooded engine can also cause this problem. You’ll want to press the gas pedal to the floor and then crank the engine, which should clear the fuel so you can start the vehicle.
Finally, you might have a blown a fuse. You likely have spare fuses in the fuse box, so you can change out the fuse and hit the road.
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Slow, Dying Crank
This is generally a sign that your battery is weak. Jumpstart your vehicle but drive it to a mechanic. A jumpstart likely won’t work the second time around.
Keep this guide handy, so you’ll be ready to address the issue if your vehicle won’t start. However, if starting your car is just one of the many problems you’ve faced, it could be time to trade in your vehicle for something else. Berglund Automotive in Roanoke, Virginia, has a diverse inventory, so you won’t have any trouble finding your ideal ride. Stop by and see us today!
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