5 Reasons Your Car Won’t Start

Getting into your car, just to find it won’t start is pretty much a worst case scenario, especially if you’re in a rush. And while sometimes it only takes a quick fix to get you on the move again, some problems need more care. Your expert technicians at Auto Correct are here to lend a helping hand, and let you know about a few of the most common causes for a car not starting.

5 Reasons Your Car Isn’t Starting

Dead Battery

Car battery problems are easily the most common reason for a car not starting. Luckily, this is one that can usually be handled on your own, at least in the immediate case. If the issue is with the battery connections, you may only need to readjust your cables, or you’ll need to clean off the terminals — make sure the car is completely off at the time.

If the battery is completely dead, you can jump start it with another vehicle using jumper cables. We advise letting the battery charge to full before you drive, and then having your battery checked by a mechanic or technician to be sure this was a fluke — batteries can be drained by leaving your lights on or even being hit by cold weather — rather than a failing battery.

Bad Alternator

Alternators take energy generated by the engine and use it to recharge the battery and power the electrical systems in the car. If your alternator is failing, the battery will not recharge, so if, after giving your battery a jumpstart, it fails again, it is likely an alternator issue. Other signs are dim lights and quiet audio output.

Engine Problems

Many parts of the engine could cause your vehicle not to start if they fail. Faulty ignition switches won’t pass power from the battery to the starter motor, preventing the car from starting right at the very beginning. A failed starter will obviously prevent your engine from getting the signal to start in the first place. Spark plugs can also be a cause. If they are too dirty or corroded, they will not produce a good spark to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the engines, so the engine won’t run.

Fuel System Issues

Issues in your vehicle’s fuel system could prevent it from starting. A completely empty fuel tank is an easy fix — get yourself some more gas, and your car should be good to go. A faulty fuel pump, which moves gas into the engine, would prevent the engine, and therefore your car, from being able to start and run. Additionally, a clogged fuel filter can cause problems with starting your car. Fuel filters remove impurities from gas as it moves into the engine, which can lead to the filter getting clogged and eventually damming up, preventing the fuel from passing through. Replacing the filter will fix this problem.

Jammed Steering Wheel

If your car has insertable keys, you’ve likely experienced a jammed steering wheel before. You put in your key but find you can’t turn it. This is due to an anti-theft measure that locks the steering wheel. This can usually be fixed by inserting your key, turning it slightly — don’t force it — then turning the steering wheel to each side to move it out of the lock. Once it releases, you should be able to start your car.

Fixing Your Car Trouble At Auto Correct

There are many reasons why your car might not start, and even the simple fixes may be indicative of a larger issue. If you’re having trouble, especially repeated trouble starting your car, stop by and see our certified technicians at Auto Correct in Glendale, AZ. We’ll track down the issue and get it set to rights for you.