9 Reasons Your Car Won't Start
There is almost nothing worse than getting up in the morning and finding out that your car won't start. Your good day can be completely thrown off with the turn of a key. When your car doesn't start, it's the beginning of a bad day.
We rely on our vehicles more than we might realize. They are the way we get around and what our entire day revolves around. What happens when they stop working out of nowhere?
When your car won't start your entire day is thrown off. If you're wondering why your automobile is having problems, it could be due to one or a combination of certain problems. Here are nine reasons your car may be having difficulty starting.
1. Empty Gas Tank
A common problem that may cause your car not to start is that there is no fuel in the tank. If you're someone who drives till your car is on empty, this could be the reason for your car not starting. Your car will not be able to function without the fuel tank having gas in it.
Be sure that on those cold nights you're maintaining and filling your gas tank above empty. By refueling your tank, you maintain an adequate amount of gas to keep your car running. Always make sure that you're not parking your car with no gas at night.
2. Starter Has Died
The starter is the reason your motor turns on. If your starter goes, your engine won't start.
If you hear a clicking sound when you go to start your car, it is a great indication that your starter has gone. When your starter goes, your car will require towing to be fixed.
3. Battery Is Dead
Your car cannot run without a battery. A dead battery is a common problem with many cars. Various reasons may lead your car battery to die.
A good indication that your car battery has gone is when nothing in your car will turn on. One way to fix this may be to jump your car with another battery to give it a boost of life. Your mechanic will be able to tell you if your battery needs to be replaced or if the connections are possibly corroded.
4. Alternator Has Gone
The alternator in your car going may mean that it is no longer keeping your battery charged. When the alternator in your car goes it typically gives some indication before it fails. This may be in the sign of a belt failing or a switch on the dash appearing.
Your alternator could start to die over time. Other warning signs include your headlights beginning to dim.
If these signs occur, scheduling a visit with your mechanic could prevent waking up to a dead battery.
5. Fuel Pump Is No Good
Your car needs to be in working order to start. If the fuel isn't making its way to the engine, your car is missing a vital piece of support. If you can't hear the pump start when you turn the key, this may be the problem with your car not starting.
The fuel pump is how the gas gets to the combustion chamber. If the gas isn't making it out of the tank your car will not be able to move or start.
6. Spark Plug Malfunction
Your battery is connected by spark plugs. In some cases, these plugs can become corroded and need a replacement for your battery to be able to start. For many cars, these plugs need to be maintained and replaced regularly.
These plugs should be checked any time your car goes in for an inspection or tune-up.
7. Anti-Theft Device in Place
Your anti-theft device is one of the best ways to keep your car from being stolen. However, these devices can also malfunction and make it so that your engine won't start. This may mean that a factory setting is no longer working in your car.
To fix these problems, your car needs to be serviced. Anti-theft devices are not foolproof. They can have technical problems that may cause your battery to falter.
8. Locked Steering Wheel
Often, many cars have a setting where the wheel cannot be moved once the key is taken from the ignition. Your car may not start if the steering wheel ends up locked. Try holding your key in place and turning your steering wheel the opposite way to make the wheel budge.
In some cases, the ignition lock needs replacing, and your car will not be able to start. A good mechanic can fix the ignition and get your car back on the road as soon as the piece comes in.
9. Fuel Filter Isn’t Working
Did you know that the fuel filters in your car should be changed every 20,000 to 40,000 miles? If your fuel filters stay clogged and dirty for too long your car can begin to malfunction. One of these ways is by not starting when you go to turn on the engine.
These Factors Could Be Why Your Car Won’t Start
If you're having a morning when your car won't start, it could be any of these reasons. Having a reliable shop take care of your vehicle will get you back on that normal routine in no time. Your mechanics are waiting to help you and to fix your car.
For emergency repairs and all other check-ups with your vehicle, schedule your appointment with us today. We'll make sure your car is ready to keep you safe on the road.
Wondering when your car won't start? Call our ASE Certified technicians at Phil’s Service for more information about car problems and to Make an appointment.
There is almost nothing worse than getting up in the morning and finding out that your car won't start. Your good day can be completely thrown off with the turn of a key. When your car doesn't start, it's the beginning of a bad day.
We rely on our vehicles more than we might realize. They are the way we get around and what our entire day revolves around. What happens when they stop working out of nowhere?
When your car won't start your entire day is thrown off. If you're wondering why your automobile is having problems, it could be due to one or a combination of certain problems. Here are nine reasons your car may be having difficulty starting.
1. Empty Gas Tank
A common problem that may cause your car not to start is that there is no fuel in the tank. If you're someone who drives till your car is on empty, this could be the reason for your car not starting. Your car will not be able to function without the fuel tank having gas in it.
Be sure that on those cold nights you're maintaining and filling your gas tank above empty. By refueling your tank, you maintain an adequate amount of gas to keep your car running. Always make sure that you're not parking your car with no gas at night.
2. Starter Has Died
The starter is the reason your motor turns on. If your starter goes, your engine won't start.
If you hear a clicking sound when you go to start your car, it is a great indication that your starter has gone. When your starter goes, your car will require towing to be fixed.
3. Battery Is Dead
Your car cannot run without a battery. A dead battery is a common problem with many cars. Various reasons may lead your car battery to die.
A good indication that your car battery has gone is when nothing in your car will turn on. One way to fix this may be to jump your car with another battery to give it a boost of life. Your mechanic will be able to tell you if your battery needs to be replaced or if the connections are possibly corroded.
4. Alternator Has Gone
The alternator in your car going may mean that it is no longer keeping your battery charged. When the alternator in your car goes it typically gives some indication before it fails. This may be in the sign of a belt failing or a switch on the dash appearing.
Your alternator could start to die over time. Other warning signs include your headlights beginning to dim.
If these signs occur, scheduling a visit with your mechanic could prevent waking up to a dead battery.
5. Fuel Pump Is No Good
Your car needs to be in working order to start. If the fuel isn't making its way to the engine, your car is missing a vital piece of support. If you can't hear the pump start when you turn the key, this may be the problem with your car not starting.
The fuel pump is how the gas gets to the combustion chamber. If the gas isn't making it out of the tank your car will not be able to move or start.
6. Spark Plug Malfunction
Your battery is connected by spark plugs. In some cases, these plugs can become corroded and need a replacement for your battery to be able to start. For many cars, these plugs need to be maintained and replaced regularly.
These plugs should be checked any time your car goes in for an inspection or tune-up.
7. Anti-Theft Device in Place
Your anti-theft device is one of the best ways to keep your car from being stolen. However, these devices can also malfunction and make it so that your engine won't start. This may mean that a factory setting is no longer working in your car.
To fix these problems, your car needs to be serviced. Anti-theft devices are not foolproof. They can have technical problems that may cause your battery to falter.
8. Locked Steering Wheel
Often, many cars have a setting where the wheel cannot be moved once the key is taken from the ignition. Your car may not start if the steering wheel ends up locked. Try holding your key in place and turning your steering wheel the opposite way to make the wheel budge.
In some cases, the ignition lock needs replacing, and your car will not be able to start. A good mechanic can fix the ignition and get your car back on the road as soon as the piece comes in.
9. Fuel Filter Isn’t Working
Did you know that the fuel filters in your car should be changed every 20,000 to 40,000 miles? If your fuel filters stay clogged and dirty for too long your car can begin to malfunction. One of these ways is by not starting when you go to turn on the engine.
These Factors Could Be Why Your Car Won’t Start
If you're having a morning when your car won't start, it could be any of these reasons. Having a reliable shop take care of your vehicle will get you back on that normal routine in no time. Your mechanics are waiting to help you and to fix your car.
For emergency repairs and all other check-ups with your vehicle, schedule your appointment with us today. We'll make sure your car is ready to keep you safe on the road.
