Sitting in a car that won't start can be confusing enough, but what if the car won't start but lights come on? Or you turn the key and hear nothing but a clicking noise? Most definitely not the best way to start your day, but this guide will make it easier for you to figure out what’s going on.
Let’s get down to it.
Here are the most likely reasons your car won’t start:
- Car in gear
- Dead battery
- Faulty alternator
- Problematic ignition switch
- Bad starter
You need to rule out each possible fault in that order. If there’s a way to jumpstart your car, then do it to get it home or to a workshop, then replace the affected part.
Let’s delve deeper into each of these causes and see what you can do to fix them.
5 Reasons Why Your Car Won't Start & Quick Fixes
Here are five likely reasons your car isn’t starting.
#1 Car Is in Gear
When dealing with a car that won't start, the first troubleshooting step you must take is check that your vehicle isn't in gear. Don’t laugh, we all forget some things at some point.
Cars have a safety feature that prevents them from starting when it's in gear. That makes a lot of sense since starting a car that’s in gear could send the car flying forwards, causing property damage, injuries, or much worse.
What to do about it: First, check that your car is in Park or Neutral. Putting it in any other gear will prevent the vehicle from starting at all.
#2 Dead Battery
Next, another likely reason for your car not starting is that the car battery is dead.
Remember that spark plugs need the charge delivered by your car battery to kick off the combustion process. So, a dead battery means no spark and no running engine.
When faced with a car that won’t start, think back to the last time you changed your car battery. If it’s been a couple of years, there’s a good chance that it is the problem preventing your engine from starting.
Also, take note that the same can happen if you accidentally left your headlights on when you last parked your car. Headlights will drain your car battery pretty quick if the car itself is off.
What to do about it: In the short term, what you’ll need to do is jumpstart the car. That means connecting it to the battery of another vehicle or using a portable jumpstarter if you have one. Doing that will get the car running, at least, which then allows you to get it to a workshop or back home to figure out what to do next.
Then, here are your options:
- Recharge the battery: If the battery is still in good shape, but you inadvertently drained it (maybe you left the headlights on overnight), then all you need to do is recharge the battery. After your jumpstart, drive the car around for at least 30 minutes to recharge the battery via the alternator, or remove it and use a car battery charger instead.
- Replace the battery: If the battery is more than two years old or generally faulty, you can take this opportunity to change the battery entirely, so you won’t have to think about it for another couple of years.
#3 Failed Alternator
Generally, a car typically fails to start when there’s a problem with the electrical system, i.e., the battery and the alternator. So, if you’ve ruled out the battery (say, your battery is still new, and you haven’t drained it), then the alternator is your next suspect.
The alternator supplies your car's electrical system with direct current (DC) power, and that means it charges the car battery while running. At the same time, it also powers everything else that needs electricity.
A problematic alternator will not recharge your car battery, leaving it drained the next time you try (and fail) to start your car. Besides that, the alternator will also cause starting problems and stalling while driving because it can’t deliver enough power to your spark plugs. As a result, the plugs can’t start the engine or keep it going.
What to do about it: Again, your first troubleshooting step is to jumpstart the car and get it to a mechanic or back home, as you can’t do much while stuck at your office parking lot, for example.
Next, you must replace the alternator. As you can imagine, it's possible to delay fixing certain car parts because they don't affect your car's function or safety (like fixing a faulty air conditioner). However, other things are non-negotiable because they immobilise your vehicle or put your safety at risk.
Your alternator is the latter kind of car part. Without a working alternator, you won’t be able to start your car, let alone drive it without stalling.
#4 Problematic Ignition Switch
Now, let’s suppose the car won't start, but the battery is good, and you’ve ruled out the alternator. So, the next component to investigate is the ignition switch. As the name suggests, this part switches on your car’s entire electrical system, and it’s activated when you slide the correct key inside.
To understand the significance of the ignition switch, think about any other electrical switch in your home. Even though everything else is in perfect working order, a problematic switch will prevent power from getting to where it’s needed. The same is true with your car.
Your battery might be in perfect condition, as are your alternator and spark plugs, but a faulty ignition switch will prevent your car’s systems from receiving the power they need to start and continue functioning.
However, remember that the switch lets power get to where it's needed, even when the car is already started. So, even if your vehicle is running, a faulty switch will likely cut the power from time to time, leaving you stalled in the middle of the road.
What to do about it: The ignition switch isn’t a part that you’ll want to repair. Instead, you should get it replaced with a brand-new one that you can rely on to get the car started and keep it going.
#5 Broken Starter
Last but not least, if your car won't start but has a clicking noise as you turn the key in the ignition, you probably have a broken starter. Another tell-tale sign is that the car won't start but has power.
The small starter motor (also powered by your car battery) is designed to crank your engine and get it started.
Remember how in old movies, you’d see a guy manually turning a crank on the front of a car engine to get it started? Well, that’s the job that modern-day starters have taken over.
Sadly, if that starter fails, your car engine can’t start either.
What to do about it: You might be wondering, “Can you fix a car starter without replacing it?”. Well, yes, technically, you can if you’re willing to face two challenges. Firstly, finding a shop that can fix it for you, and secondly, waiting several days for that repair to be completed.
Depending on your situation, you might find that a replacement might suit you better, whether it’s a brand-new or used part.
How to Jump Start a Car
You can find out how to jumpstart a car by checking out our previous article here. In that guide, you’ll also find information on how to find out if your car battery is indeed dead.
Are you shopping around for car parts like an alternator, ignition switch, or starter? Find those parts new and used at CarpartAU. Browse the Marketplace or use the Part Finder to get your hands on what you need!
By Ray Hasbollah