Every driver has to deal with this problem at least once in their life – turning the key in the ignition or pressing the start button, and the car doesn’t make a sound. Regardless of whether it happens at home or in a parking lot, it can quickly turn from an inconvenience into a hassle. Here are 5 steps that can help pinpoint the problem quickly.
Evaluate if There are Issues with the Electrical System (Battery)
A drained battery or a dead one is one of the most common problems for igniting issues. The following are some of the signs that outline a battery problem:
Interior lights and other dashboard indicators will not function, or activity will be absent; A clicking sound is prominent when turning the key; The headlights appear dim or flickering.
What can be done? Consider attempting to jump-start the vehicle with the help of a different car. If it starts up, there is probably an issue with the battery—get it tested or replaced.
Listen Out for Starter or Engine Noises
Focus on what you can hear when you turn the key. If the sounds you hear are limited to:
Only listening to a clicking noise? The reason behind your problems could be a malfunctioning starter motor.
There is no sound? The culprit may be the ignition switch or battery.
The car is cranking but won’t start? There is a probable chance that there is a problem with the fuel or spark.
Steps:
Listen to the noises and pass the information to a mechanic or roadside service to assist with faster problem diagnostics.
Ensure There is Fuel
It may sound trivial, but it occurs! If your vehicle is cranking and won’t start, check the fuel gauge. Additionally, running out of gas can be detrimental to the car’s fuel system components if done repeatedly.
What to do:
If you have no fuel, call for roadside assistance or walk towards the nearest petrol station (if safe).
Look Out for Immobilizer or Key Problems
Newer model cars come with immobilizers that prevent starting the car if the incorrect key is used. If the key fob battery is dead or the vehicle does not recognize the key, the car will not start.
What to do:
Consider using another key or changing the battery in the fob.
Look for the security light on the dashboard- it may point towards an immobilizer issue.
Request for Expert Assistance
If the vehicle still fails to start, after trying the plug the basics, the car might need professional help.
A roadside assistance service
A mobile mechanic
A trusted garage
There is no need to repeatedly try to start the vehicle as this may damage the car’s systems, particularly, the starter motor or battery.
FAQs
The most logic reason would be the car battery, as it is weak or dead. Other aspects that can create this problem would be a bad starter, underpinning issues, or complications with the ignition or immoblizer.
If the battery is the only issue, the answer is yes. Jumping a vehicle with positive and negative cables connected to the battery of other vehicles will work. If that does not resolve the matter, the problem may be far more serious.
A clicking sound normally means the basked starter motor is wanting to start but does not have adequate power or the starter sucks.
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