There are many different reasons and factors that could be behind why your car isn’t starting. The most common reason that cars won’t start is because of a dying or dead battery.

Reasons for why your car won’t start

1. Dying / dead battery

A dying or dead battery is the most common cause for a vehicle not to start. The battery provides electrical power to the car and electrical components. When the battery is not charged enough the car won’t start or send power to the electrical components (e.g starter motor, radio and lights). Common symptoms that the battery is flat/dead is that the car won’t start, none of the electrical components are working, and the battery light is on. 

Your battery can die for quite a few different reasons; leaving headlights/ dome lights on, a loose wire, battery’s lifespan has expired, and water inside the components. To test whether your battery is the issue, safely jump-start the vehicle. If the jump start does work, it will probably mean that the cause is a starting circuit or starter motor issue rather than a flat battery.

How to fix a dying / dead battery:

  • Replace the battery
  • Replace the alternator (if faulty)
  • Clean the electrical connections 

 

2. Battery corrosion

Corrosion on your car battery can affect the connection. When a car’s battery terminals are badly corroded, they may not be able to provide the rest of your car with the electrical energy required to start the engine. To make sure there is always a clear connection always keep the battery terminals clean.

3. Signs of failing alternator

The alternator charges the battery while the vehicle is running. If the alternator is failing or having issues it won’t charge the battery properly, leading to the car not starting. 

Symptoms of a failing alternator

  • Vehicle not starting
  • Trouble starting
  • Dimming lights
  • Problems with stereo output
  • Car starts but stalls 
  • Battery not being charged
  • Squealing sound coming from the engine that increases when the radio or heater is on
  • Grinding/ clicking/ rattling or rumbling noise 
  • Battery light is on

 

4. Defective ignition switch

If your battery is working well but your car isn’t turning over on the first few tries, then it can be caused by a defective ignition switch. If your headlights are coming on then your battery will be in fine condition, and a bad ignition switch is most likely the culprit. 

 

5. Faulty starter

A faulty starter is another likely reason that your vehicle won’t start. The starter is connected to the battery and sets the engine in motion when the ignition is turned to the “crank position”. If the starter is faulty the engine will not turn over properly when the ignition key is turned on, and the engine won’t start. If there is a loud clicking sound when trying to start your car, it is a significant sign that the problem is your starter (or sometimes a flat car battery).

 

6. Bad ignition coil

The ignition coil converts a battery’s voltage into an electric spark. A faulty ignition coil means there’s not enough power to do that. If this is the case you’ll need a volt meter to test the voltage at the coil.

 

What to do if your car won’t start:

 

Old Car Batteries

Bring in your old car batteries to Grimmer Motors and we will recycle the old battery and donate 2 to 3 Native trees to Trees for Survival.

This effectively turns a dangerous item that is toxic to landfill into something of benefit to the environment.

Car starting issues in Hamilton

If you are having issues with your car not starting then Grimmer Motors has you covered. Our expert mechanics can quickly find what is causing this problem. We can then provide honest, expert advice, servicing, and repairs.

For a new battery or repairs in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!

 
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