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Top Reasons Why Your Car Won't Start

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Top Reasons Why Your Car Won't Start

Whether new or used, cars can sometimes disappoint because they hesitate to start. Turning the key or pressing the ignition button and realizing that nothing happens and you're going nowhere is just part of the human experience, but it helps to know what might be causing the problem so you can take appropriate action.


Take a look at some common reasons you're stuck and what you can do to get back on the road.


  1. Dead Car Battery


A dead battery is the most common reason why a car hesitates to start. If you have a battery tester, check your battery to see if it's weak. If you don't have one, try starting your car with jumper cables.


After a jump start, let the car run for a few minutes to give the alternator time to charge the battery.


  1. Starter Motor Problems


Nearly 7% of the cars we see that won't start have a problem with the starter motor. The starter motor is connected to the car's battery and starts the engine when you start the engine.


A symptom of a bad starter can be a loud clicking sound when you try to turn the key in the ignition. If there is a problem with the starter, a mechanic will need to check it along with the car's electrical system.


  1. Faulty Fuse


Car fuses are components that protect the electrical wiring of your car and any vehicle. And if it's defective or the fuses are bad, your car won't start.


A blown or damaged fuse can prevent power from reaching the starter relay, which is necessary to provide the spark, ignition, and power to move your vehicle.


  1. Faulty Immobilisers 


Sometimes your car's security system can prevent you from starting the car if it doesn't recognize your key. This may be due to a low battery in your keyfob. Alarm and immobilizer problems account for almost 3% of the mishaps we see.


Try holding your key fob directly against the start button, or try a spare key. If it still doesn't work or you don't have a spare key, you may need to get a new one.


  1. Timing Belt Needs Replacing


The timing belt is an internal component of the engine. It's a strip of rubber that rotates your engine's cam and crankshaft at the right time. If it fails, your car's engine will not work. You can hear the starter but not turn or even hear a ticking noise under the hood.


This is a lesser-known problem, but a timing belt can snap while the car's engine is running and damage the engine.



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