Car won’t start
So today I was driving on the highway no problems what so ever. And the all of a sudden my car turns off I barely made it to the side. Turned it on after a few minutes got another mile down the road and it died again. Now when I go to turn the car in it doesn't turn the engine at all or makes a clicking noise. My battery is fine turns on all my lights and the radio. But my windshield wipers and windows won't work. When I'm trying to turn it on under the steering wheel I hear a loud buzzing noise. I have no idea what it is but could it be the reason my engine won't turn?
M
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Check to see if the fuse(s) in the windshield wiper and power window circuits are intact. If those fuse(s) have blown, there is probably some sort of short circuit. Even though the battery might run the lights, that doesn’t mean the battery is in good enough condition to run a starter motor which draws a large amount of current. Once full charged, the battery should definitely be load tested to be sure there is no issue there. Also, the terminal connections to the battery and the grounds should be cleaned and tightened. The loud buzzing sound could be a relay malfunction due to excessive voltage drop when you actuate the starter circuit. What I would suggest is diagnose the starter circuit and that malfunction may just resolve itself once the no start issue is resolved. To deal with the no start issue, be sure any engine immobilizer system (security system) is not activated, thus preventing the car from starting. Broadly, either the starter motor/solenoid assembly is faulty or the electrical circuit supplying the motor has a fault. That circuit begins at the battery and includes grounds, wiring (some of which is very heavy cabling), fuses, relays, the ignition switch and terminations. Basically, with the key held in the "start" position, the starter is either getting power or it isn’t. With the key in the "start" position, if the starter motor is getting power but it doesn’t work, the starter is condemned and replaced. On the other hand, with the key in the "start" position, if there is no power to the starter, then the starting circuit is traced until the fault in the circuit is found. In addition to a faulty ignition switch, faults can include high resistances, due to corrosion, wire strand breaks, or loose terminals, which can only be diagnosed using a voltage drop test. If you desire that a certified mechanic resolve this, please simply request a no start diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will get the problem diagnosed and repaired for you. Please recontact YourMechanic if you have further concerns or questions as we are always here to help you.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
The most common reasons a Ford Focus won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter. Search our network of RepairPal Certified shops near you to speak with a technician about your issue.
Why won`t my car start but the battery is good? If your car won`t start but the battery is good, the most common cause is a faulty starter – though it could also be to do with your fuel. You may have insufficient fuel to get the car going.
Broken or Damaged Ignition
If your headlights can turn on, but your car won`t crank, that means that your battery is charged, but either the starter or ignition is the problem. If the starter or ignition is the problem, a starter engine can be jumped by using a charged battery.
When your engine cranks but won`t start or run, it could mean your engine is having trouble producing a spark, getting fuel, or creating compression. The most common causes are problems in the ignition (for example, a bad ignition coil) or fuel system (for example, a clogged fuel filter).
If your vehicle won`t start, it`s usually caused by a dying or dead battery, loose or corroded connection cables, a bad alternator or an issue with the starter. It can be hard to determine if you`re dealing with a battery or an alternator problem.
Bad Sensors
One common culprit for this problem is the crankshaft position sensor, which measures the position and speed of the crankshaft. The computer uses the information from this sensor to know when to fire the spark plugs. If the sensor isn`t working, the spark plugs won`t fire, keeping the engine from starting.
The most common causes of no-start conditions are the battery, starter, battery cable, ignition switch, or the fuel pump. Any of these can be intermittent issues, which will not always act up. Given that you have had success with shaking the battery cables, this may indicate that one of the cables is failing.
Ignition timing on a no-start can be confusing, but it can still be tested by connecting a timing light, then watching the timing marks while an assistant cranks the engine. While this may or may not be base timing as specified by the manufacturer, it does let you know where the spark is occurring.
The engine will not start
If the main relay is not supplying the engine computer with the power it needs, then the engine will not be able to crank and run the right way. Failing to get the main relay replaced will usually lead to the car being unusable.
One of the best ways to determine if a car fuse has blown is by using a test light. It should illuminate both ends of the fuse, and, if it doesn`t, it needs to be replaced. Sometimes, a blown fuse is caused by a damaged wire, motor, or other part.
It could be a problem with the starter itself—such as a loose connecting wire or blown fuse—or it could be that a component in the system has worn out or needs replacing, such as the solenoid. In either case, if the starter is to blame, you`ll want to replace the part to correct the issue.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
My car will not start Intermittently. I purchased a new battery 2 weeks ago and yesterday the car wouldn’t start. Got a jump and
ANSWER : The issue you are having is probably due to an intermittent fault in the starter motor itself or a deficiency in the starter electrical circuit, for example a large voltage drop due to a poor ground or a high resistance connection. These issues can be readily diagnosed and resolved on a mobile basis if you request a hard starting diagnostic. If you request that diagnostic, the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you promptly. Based on Toyota’s Factory Service Manual, the battery should not be disconnected if the vehicle engine is running. The battery acts as a large resistive voltage sink and consequently taking the battery out of the circuit, while the alternator is still running, can create a voltage spike on the car’s electrical system which is not good for voltage sensitive components such as the engine computer. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
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The car crank but won’t start
ANSWER : Hi there. This does sound like an issue with the wiring. If the check engine light is coming on every now and then this means that when it does not come on there is no power to the computer. This can be the wiring harness issue or an ignition switch problem. I would have to test for voltage to the computer when the problem is occurring to be able to find where the issue lies. If you need assistance, a certified YourMechanic technician can be dispatched to your location to inspect your vehicle’s non-start issue and suggest any necessary repairs.
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Car won’t start. The check engine light, battery light, and oil change light are coming on. I tried jumping the car and nothing happened. Why won’t my car start?
ANSWER : Hi and thanks for contacting Your Mechanic. If sometimes your vehicle will start with the new alternator and sometimes it won’t, then there is a loose connection in your charging system. Check all of the wires to the alternator and to the battery. Make sure that the battery cables are clean and tight. Make sure that the wires to the starter are clean and tight. A loose ground to the ignition system will cause the vehicle to not crank over. Check all of the ground wires from the battery to the starter. Make sure that they are clean and tight. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your no start situation, then seek out a technician, such as one from Your Mechanic, that can assist you.
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Map sensor car won’t start up good ?
ANSWER : Your MAP sensor is an important input for your computer. It helps determine the load on the engine to calculate the correct amount of fuel to inject. It sometimes takes a few seconds for the vehicle to realize that the sensor is not producing a good signal.
At that point, it will use other methods to determine the fuel rate, such as pre-programmed fuel maps, throttle position, etc. I would suggest replacing the MAP sensor and retesting. If you would like to have it checked first, a certified technician from YourMechanic will be able to scan your vehicle and test components to determine the root cause of your starting issue before making a repair.
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My car won’t start, neither does my auto. Start. Sometime it might start if I jump it sometimes it won’t.
ANSWER : Hi there. There are a number of issues that will make a car hard to start. Everything from the electrical system to the fuel system to the actual starter itself can be the problem. Finding the root cause of a hard starting engine can take some investigation. Ignoring a hard starting issue can further damage the vehicle, which will often result in a more expensive repair. You might want to have a mobile mechanic complete a car is hard to start inspection so they can pinpoint the source of the issues you’re having and recommend the right repairs be completed.
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Whenever I drive 1.5 miles, the s3 light starts blinking and then when I stop my car and come back to it, the car won’t start.
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. It is difficult to determine the issue without some more information. To start, when the check engine light illuminates, you want to scan the vehicle for diagnostic codes. These are what set the check engine light off, and are meant to tell the driver what the computer has detected is wrong. Codes can be pulled at most automotive parts stores, and by most technicians. Once you have that information you can focus in on one component or system. If the engine is truly overheating, then you want to start by checking your coolant and fluid levels. For more help with diagnosing and resolving the issue, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
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So I have a hyundai sonata se push to start. My car won’t turn on, power is working, I push tof start but it won’t crank. I don’t
ANSWER : Hi there. It sounds like you have a failed starter. However, without proper testing there is no way to be 100% sure. I suggest having the battery tested first with a digital battery tester that provides current voltage, cold cranking amps, and state of health. Also inspect for corrosion on the terminals and cables as this will cause excessive resistance and not allow proper voltage/amps to the starter. Other possible failures could be in the wiring harness, relay, fuses, or communication network. I suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection to avoid replacing unnecessary parts. Your Mechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a car does not start inspection.
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car hesitates when trying to start the car ,but when started then i shut car off and start again it will start right up
ANSWER : Hi there:
Sometimes when you have problems starting an engine initially it is caused by a restriction in fuel flow; caused either by clogged fuel injectors or the throttle body that needs to be cleaned. Once the fuel starts to flow and engine warms up, it’s much easier to start. However, it could also be an air filter, EGR valve or other components that causes this issue as well, which is why it’s best to have a professional mobile mechanic complete a car is hard to start inspection so they can pinpoint the source of this issue.
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