My traction off light is on. The lights, heat and radio turn on but it won’t start.
Traction off light is on. Lighslts, radio and heat work but it won't start.
My car has 84000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello. It sounds like you have a dead battery. When the battery is low enough some of these electrical systems will work but the vehicle will not start. The traction light will also come on when the voltage is low enough as the computer cannot function on low voltage. I usually start by load testing the battery and the alternator. If these are fine then the issue may be the ignition switch or the body control module, but those are not as common. If you want to have this starting issue checked out, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to you to [diagnose why the vehicle will not start] https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-not-starting-inspection
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 Pontiac Torrent 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.
The most common reasons a Pontiac Torrent heater isn`t working are a broken heater blower motor, a problem with the thermostat, or a failed heater blower motor resistor.
The most common reasons a Pontiac G6 won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
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.
The most common reason cars don`t start is a dead or faulty battery. Even though most cars run on gasoline, they all require electrical power to function. The starter that cranks your engine to start requires an electrical signal to fire. If something`s wrong with your battery, your car engine won`t turn over.
Causes of this can be not having enough coolant, a broken thermostat, a damaged heater core bypass valve, or a blockage in the core itself. If you encounter any of these issues, you should never drive an overheating car. Have it towed to an auto shop if you must, but you never want to risk your car`s engine.
Across almost all models of cars and trucks, the number one cause for a vehicle`s heater to stop working is a faulty or broken thermostat.
Limp mode protects your car. If there`s a problem with the engine or transmission, which in turn triggers a signal to the powertrain or engine control unit, then the car will enter limp mode.
Starting relay position
In most cars, it will be under the hood, in a large box with a black lid. This is where car fuses and relays are installed. It is also called a fuse box. This box is usually installed on the driver`s side of the vehicle.
The most common reasons a Pontiac Vibe won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
The most common reasons a Pontiac Grand Prix won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
The most common reasons a Pontiac G5 won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
The most common reasons a Pontiac Grand Prix won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
The most common reasons a Pontiac G5 won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Vehicle won’t start, once it’s jump started it only stays running until you turn it off, then it work start again without jumping.
ANSWER : Hi there. There could be two problems here. It is possible that your battery is bad and will not take a charge from your alternator while driving. In that case every time you shut your car off you will not have enough juice to start it again. Inspect your battery – it should have at least 12.5 to 13 volts to start your car, if it doesn’t you will need to replace the battery. The second problem could be that your alternator is bad and not charging your battery, in this case you will need to replace your alternator. Both the battery and the alternator can be tested in your car. If you would like to have the car checked for you, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose the starting problem and proceed with repairs.
Okay so when I turn my lights on at night my brake lights do not work, when I don’t have my lights on they work fine.
ANSWER : Hi there. Based on your inquiry, it’s highly probable that you have a damaged light switch or some electrical fault inside the turn signal relay. However, it’s also possible that the brake switch above the brake pedal could also be the source of your problem. Due to the fact that multiple electrical components might be causing this issue, it’s a smart idea to first have a professional mobile mechanic complete a brake lights are not working inspection, so they can determine what’s causing all of these issues and recommend the right repairs.
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.
Car won’t turn over. No lights come on when I turn it. Can’t even lock my doorsvor push the seat up or back.
ANSWER : Your probably correct, it sounds as though your battery is done. But it also sounds like you have charging system issues. I’m not sure that fixing your battery and charging system will solve the problem with the car shutting off, but it’s possible that it will and it’s a darned good place to start. By contacting Your Mechanic, you can have a technician come to your home or office to check out your car and help you figure out what to do next.
Battery light goes on when I start car then turns off, if I rev engine light comes back until rpms go down. Abs goes comes on/off
ANSWER : Batteries can die due to faults in the charging system so ideally a suspected "faulty" battery should be load tested before a decision is made to condemn it. The only exception to this rule is if the battery is already clearly "old" (greater than 5 years) but even then once you put a new battery in, as a replacement for a "dead" battery, you have to comprehensively check out the charging system. Diagnostic Trouble Code P0460 will result in disruption of the dashboard fuel gauge’s ability to accurately report your tank’s fuel levels. The fuel gauge readings may be erratic, or read somewhere off scale. Vehicles equipped with a low fuel warning light feature may also suffer from erratic low fuel warnings in the event of a code P0460. Unless the P0460 code has been reported alongside other trouble code, all of the vehicle’s essential systems should otherwise function normally. I would recommend that you request a check engine light diagnostic to first resolve the fault causing the P0460 code to set. The check gas cap light warning light could be due a faulty gas cap and/or small leaks in the EVAP system.
1990 ford e150, 351 engine. Felt something give way when I turned the key to start it. Now it won’t start. Radio and lights wor
ANSWER : There should be a shift lock override button. If you have started the car and are trying to shift out of park, simply use that button. The failure you are describing might be related to that interlock, too. The interlock may have broken such that even though the car is in park, the broken interlock is not in "that" position. Hence, when you turn the key, nothing happens because it reads the position as something other than Park and, of course, in that case the circuit will be open. Basically, you can confirm that by testing for continuity (and voltage drops) in the circuit to the starter motor/solenoid with the key on. Using the wiring diagram you may find the fault at the interlock device. If you want the foregoing diagnostic steps performed by a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, please request a no start diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you.
My traction off light is on. The lights, heat and radio turn on but it won’t start.
ANSWER : Hello. It sounds like you have a dead battery. When the battery is low enough some of these electrical systems will work but the vehicle will not start. The traction light will also come on when the voltage is low enough as the computer cannot function on low voltage. I usually start by load testing the battery and the alternator. If these are fine then the issue may be the ignition switch or the body control module, but those are not as common. If you want to have this starting issue checked out, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to you to [diagnose why the vehicle will not start] https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-not-starting-inspection
steering wheel won’t unlock my key turns only to turn lights on but that’s it can’t unlock steering wheel to start the car what to
ANSWER : The steering lock may not be unlocking either due to a faulty ignition lock housing or more commonly as the cars age a faulty spring at the steering wheel on the under side of the column. If the ignition lock housing is the issue the housing can be replaced. It s a bit tricky as the mounting bolt has break off heads and generally need to be driven out with a punch. If the lock is not disengaging because of a faulty spring on the ignition lock many owners have had the spring removed by having it drilled out of the housing. However, removing the spring may permanently disable the steering lock. The last option would be to replace the steering column. You may want to enlist the help of a mechanic who can recommend the proper repair for your situation.
