Why Won’t My Vehicle Start?

Posted July 29, 2024

It can be frustrating to head to your car and find out suddenly that it won’t start, especially when you need to be somewhere. Several things can cause your car not to operate, from malfunctioning sensors to failed starters. Consulting with an auto repair shop can help ensure an accurate diagnosis. In this article, we will cover possible reasons your car may fail to start.

Malfunctioning Sensors

Cars have several built-in sensors to monitor their various facets. For example, a tire pressure sensor will notify you when air pressure inside your tires is lower than the recommended pounds per square inch (PSI). The oxygen sensor in your engine helps indicate if there is too little or too much oxygen in your fuel. The most general alert your car shows is the check engine light on your dashboard, which could indicate a variety of issues. According to Way, driving with the check engine light on for around 50 to 100 miles is usually okay. If your check engine light’s been on for a while, and your car suddenly dies, it’s important to swiftly identify the reason.

Dead Battery

All vehicles receive their electrical power from specialized car batteries. However, batteries should be replaced every few years. It’s common for weak batteries to die entirely in frigid temperatures. Your battery may also die because of accidentally leaving the radio on. Leaving a vehicle’s headlights on for extended periods may also contribute to depleting the battery more quickly than is necessary. A professional auto shop can help you determine why your battery is dead and even install a new one.

Ignition Starter Went Out

It’s surprisingly common for an engine starter to go out. You may not hear a grinding noise or notification that the starter is malfunctioning. Instead, you get in your car and only hear a few clicks when you try to start it. Despite the engine not starting, lights and everything else in the car will still work. A local auto repair shop can help identify if your vehicle’s ignition starter is not working properly. They can remove the starter from your car to have it tested.

There can be a plethora of reasons your car may not start. A vehicle’s failure to start could be due to a broken alternator. The alternator is supposed to charge the battery, so if your battery is dead this could be a reason why. Our professional technicians at Veenstra’s LLC can evaluate your vehicle to find the root cause of the problem. Contact us when you need help from an auto repair shop.