Troubleshooting A Car That Won't Start

21 February 2017
 Categories: Automotive, Blog


Having access to reliable transportation is a privilege that many people take for granted. Getting behind the wheel of your vehicle to travel somewhere, only to find that the car won't start can be disheartening. While there are many things that can cause your car not to start properly, there are some simple ways that you troubleshoot this problem in order to find a solution.

Here are three simple things to check when your car won't start.

1. Check for a dead battery.

If you inadvertently leave an interior light on in your vehicle or your car's battery is older, a dead battery could be preventing your vehicle from starting up. The battery provides the initial surge of power required to turn the starter.

If you turn your vehicle's key and the starter doesn't crank or spin, then you should try jumping your battery using some cables and a functional vehicle to see if you can get your car to start. Once the car has been started the alternator can recharge a battery that has died, or you can drive to your local mechanic to have a bad battery replaced.

2. Check for a blown fuse.

Modern cars are powered by several relays that help to transfer power from one part of the engine to another. Fuses work to regulate the flow of electricity through your vehicle, and a blown fuse could be preventing your starter from receiving power from the battery.

If your starter doesn't crank or spin when you turn the key, then you should remove the panel from your vehicle's fuse box, pull the fuse that corresponds with the starter from its slot, and look for signs of damage. A blown fuse can easily be replaced to get you back on the road.

3. Check for loose wiring.

Your vehicle's ignition system relies on a series of wires to help transmit an electric signal that helps start your vehicle. When you turn the key and you hear the starter spin but the engine doesn't spark, then loose wiring could be to blame.

Lift the hood of your vehicle and wiggles the wires that are attached to the spark plugs in your engine. Sometimes wiggling these wires will restore the proper connection needed for the spark plugs to fire and crank your engine to the on position.

When you are able to troubleshoot some simple problems that could be preventing your vehicle from starting, you can get your car running so that you can have a mechanic check for more serious damage. For more information, contact companies like Malibu Motors Service.


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