NOW WHAT? WHY WON’T MY CAR START?
While there are plenty of reasons why my car won’t start, diagnosing the issue and getting it fixed again can be a challenge. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the common reasons when a car won't start and what can be done to get the car moving again.
DEAD BATTERY
Dead batteries are by far the most common cause for a vehicle not starting. Determining why the battery is dead, on the other hand, may not be so easy. Batteries generally last 3-5 years, so a dead battery may need to be replaced altogether. On the other hand, if the battery isn't being charged properly by the vehicle, it may be another component within your vehicle that needs service.
BAD ALTERNATOR
The alternator is responsible for delivering electrical power to many components in your vehicle. It also converts energy from the engine into a charge that keeps the battery fully charged and ready to start the engine. If your alternator malfunctions or quits working, you'll likely notice some hiccups in your on-board electronics and lights, but you may also be greeted by a dead battery that is no longer being charged by your bad alternator.
BAD STARTER
This component helps your vehicle with the initial combustion of the fuel-air mixture in the cylinders of your engine that brings it to life when you turn the key or press the ignition. A bad or faulty starter can prevent this from happening—while your engine may crank and try to start, a bad starter will prevent it from happening. If your car won’t start but has power, a bad starter may be the culprit.
ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS
Problems with your vehicle's electrical system can be vague and varied, but many of them will prevent your vehicle from starting. Things like a faulty key fob, steering lock, or loose power cables on your battery can all prevent the initial flow of electricity to your spark plugs that get the engine running.
FUEL PROBLEMS
A broken fuel pump or clogged filter can certainly prevent your vehicle from starting. If your engine is unable to get the correct fuel-air mixture injected into its cylinders for combustion, then it simply won't run. If you begin to experience fuel problems, you may notice reduced fuel efficiency, erratic engine operation, and sluggish acceleration, among other issues.
