Why My Car Is Not Starting

Reasons Why Your Car Won't Start

There are few things as aggravating as a car that just won't start. It's particularly upsetting when it happens before you have somewhere important to go. It can be downright frightening if you're far away from home and can't get the engine to turn over. There are a number of reasons why a car may not start. Here are some of the most common issues that cause this problem.

The Battery Has Died

This is one of the most common causes of a car not starting. This can happen for a variety of reasons. There may be an underlying electrical problem that drains energy from your battery even when the vehicle is not in use. It could also be something as simple as the headlights being left on. Batteries also just get old and stop holding a charge over time.

Bad Battery Connections

The battery may not be completely dead, but it can still be the culprit. Sometimes there can simply be bad connections. This often happens when corrosion builds up on the terminals. You may also have a frayed or otherwise faulty wire somewhere. Corrosion is easy to see and therefore easy to diagnose as the problem.

Problems With The Alternator

The alternator charges your battery while your engine is on. If the alternator goes bad, then the battery can end up dying fast. Getting a jump-start may help temporarily, but the battery will run down quickly again, leading to the car not starting the next time you get into it. Warning signs of this can be dim headlights and interior lights while the engine is running. An alternator issue may also trigger your battery warning light.

The Ignition Switch

If you turn the key or push a starter button and the engine doesn't crank at all, the issue may be with your ignition switch. If your headlights, interior lights, and radio work just fine, but the motor won't crank, then the problem can also be your starter motor. These are more severe issues that will require a technician to diagnose and repair.

If this has happened to you, try not to worry. Contact us here at our dealership, and we'll be happy to help you in any way possible. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is always ready to assist you.