Posted under Car Maintenance

Nearly all of us have experienced this scenario: You get in your car, turn the key in the ignition (or press the start button), and…nothing. Your car refuses to start. It’s frustrating and inconvenient, but it happens. As the frustration mounts, you inevitably think to yourself: My car won’t start; what gives?

There are several answers to that question, so let’s review some of the most common reasons your car may not start.


8 Reasons Why Your Car Won’t Start

1. Dead Battery
A dead battery is one of the most common reasons why a car won’t start. After all, you’ve probably been stranded in a parking lot, asking a good Samaritan to help you get back on the road. There are multiple scenarios as to why your battery can die, such as:
●    Leaving an electrical accessory, such as your headlights or dome light, on for too long
●    Faulty wiring
●    The car battery’s lifespan has expired

Jump-starting your car is the first step in reviving your battery. If that doesn’t work, check for battery corrosion, clean all the corroded connections, and try jump-starting the battery again. Still nothing? It may be time to replace your battery.

2. Bad Alternator
The alternator is an AC generator that recharges the battery and keeps the vehicle’s electrical system running after the engine has started. Since the alternator and battery work hand in hand, jump-starting your battery is a good place to start. If your car starts but stalls shortly afterward, you may have a defective alternator on your hands. Why? A bad alternator can’t sufficiently charge the battery while the engine is running, causing the battery’s charge to deplete faster than usual. You should also look out for other warning signs like dimming lights, problems with the stereo system output, strange sounds, and the smell of burning rubber or wires.

3. Starter Motor Issues
The starter motor is an electric motor connected to your battery that cranks the engine by converting the battery’s electrical energy into mechanical energy. If your car clicks but won’t start or the lights come on, your starter motor could be the problem.

4. Faulty Ignition Switch
Do you know the slot where you insert your key and turn it? That’s the ignition switch. It’s responsible for beginning the electrical process that cranks your vehicle and for providing power to other areas, including the electronic accessories, engine, and ignition system. If you have a faulty ignition switch, you likely won’t hear the starter motor working to crank the engine. You may also experience electrical issues, such as flickering or dimming lights. Additionally, a mechanically defective ignition switch can prevent you from turning your key at all.

5. Defective or Worn-Out Spark Plugs
Spark plugs ignite the air/fuel mixture within the engine’s combustion chamber, producing the power that drives your engine. Without them operating properly, your vehicle won’t start. Over time, your spark plugs can become worn out or defective, potentially losing power and fuel economy. If you think your spark plugs are the culprit, consider replacing your spark plugs.

6. Clogged Fuel Filter
You may not realize it, but contaminants and rust can get into your fuel system. A fuel filter helps keep contaminants and rust away from the fuel injection system, ensuring clean fuel and optimal engine performance.

Over time, the fuel filter will naturally clog from capturing all those contaminants. But if your filter becomes severely clogged, it can restrict enough fuel from reaching the engine, potentially causing starting problems. If your car cranks but won’t start, your fuel filter may have reached its expiration date.

7. Jammed Steering Wheel
Although it's not a common problem, a jammed steering wheel can prevent your car from starting. This issue often stems from the steering lock mechanism activating unexpectedly due to the wheels being turned sharply or mechanical wear. While this feature is meant to deter theft by locking the steering without the key, it can malfunction and leave you stranded.

To solve the problem, try carefully turning the steering wheel while turning the ignition key. If that doesn't do the trick, it's best to seek professional help. If the steering wheel keeps jamming, it may indicate a more severe problem that requires professional attention.

8. No Gas
It might sound too simple to be true, but one of the most straightforward reasons your car won't start is also the easiest to overlook: your car has run out of gas. 

We get it. Life gets busy, and sometimes you may ignore or forget the warning signs, including the low fuel light on your dashboard. Other times, you might overestimate how much fuel you have left or underestimate the distance to the next gas station. Whatever the reason, the result is the same: a car won't start because there's no gas to feed the engine.
To prevent this from happening in the first place, make a habit of refueling before your gauge drops too low. Additionally, keeping track of your vehicle's average fuel consumption can give you a better idea of when to head to the pump, ensuring that your vehicle has what it needs to start and keep running smoothly.


Let Jiffy Lube Handle the Details

As you can see, there are several reasons why your car may not be starting. But try not to stress! Trained technicians at Jiffy Lube® will be glad to help get you rolling again. They will perform diagnostic services and make recommendations based on your specific vehicle manufacturer. Also, no work will be performed until you decide on the best option for your vehicle.

NOTE: Not all services are offered at each Jiffy Lube® location. Please check with your local Jiffy Lube service center or visit jiffylube.com for specific services offered.