Why My Car Is Not Starting

As you're heading out for the day's adventures, the last thing you want to encounter is a car that won't start. If you start the car, but nothing happens, it's time to do some troubleshooting. You may be able to figure out what is wrong with your car on your own and even fix the problem. Alternatively, you may also determine that you'll need to take your car in for a technician to get it up and running again.

Faulty Ignition

If the ignition in your car breaks, you may need to have your car towed to our shop for service. The ignition has several different components that can break and, in turn, cause a misfire. The ignition has coils that send battery voltage to the engine. If the coils break, the battery can't send electricity to the engine, which normally causes a spark and prompts the engine to start running. The ignition system also has an internal computer that can stop working, which will also necessitate a replacement part. If your vehicle uses a key fob to start, the chip that activates the key fob can also break and need to be repaired.

Dead Battery

Your car's battery will have an approximate lifespan of three years or more. That also amounts to about 50,000 or 60,000 miles. If the battery is fading, you may notice some symptoms such as dimmer interior lights or headlights. The car may also take longer than normal to start before the battery dies completely. The battery warning light might also come on in the dashboard. A technician can check your car's battery power to see if your problem is a dead battery. You can also check the battery's power levels at home.

Bad Starter

The starter is an automatic system that cranks the engine. The starter is an electric motor that helps the car start. If the starter breaks, the engine won't be able to start, which means you won't be leaving the driveway. The starter can be replaced easily by our technicians, but you'll likely need to call for a tow to the shop.

Empty Gas Tank

Many cars have a warning mechanism that lets you know if the gas tank is empty or about to run out. However, you may also need to keep an eye on the tank levels yourself if your car does not have an automatic gas gauge. If you don't have enough gas in the tank, your car will not start.

Contaminated Fuel Filter

The fuel filter in the engine is designed to keep debris from getting into the fuel lines. If the filter gets dirty or contaminated, it won't be able to filter particles, which in turn can prevent your car from running.

To schedule service for a car that won't start, contact our helpful service department today.