Things To Know About Your Car From Capitol Subaru: Reasons Your Car Won't Start

 

6. Battery Is Dead

By far the most common reason your car fails to start is because the battery has died. It takes quite a lot of energy to actually start your car, which is usually stored by the battery. Leaving a dome light or other accessory on overnight could allow the battery to drain. As you drive, the alternator recharges the battery -- so, simply get a jump-start for your car from a donor car, or use a jump starting tool. Then, drive around for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery. That should be all it takes in many cases to get you back on the road!

 

5. Fuel System Issue

If a jump start doesn't do the trick, that means there's likely something more serious going wrong under the hood. For example, a bad fuel pump would mean no gas gets to the engine. That would mean the engine would "crank" when you turn the key but fail to turn over and run on its own. You might also have a clogged fuel filter, bad fuel injectors, a leak in the fuel lines or you might simply be out of gas!

4. Ignition Issue

If there's no problem getting fuel to the engine, perhaps there's a problem with the spark that ignites it. In every engine cylinder, you need a working spark plug to detonate the mixture of air and fuel. Over time, spark plugs can and do go bad, as the sparks eventually take their toll on the metal. You may need the spark plugs replaced or another component of the ignition system addressed.

 

3. Bad Starter

If the starter is faulty, then it may simply need to be replaced or repaired. A component called to solenoid can go bad, and in some cases it can be replaced instead of replacing the entire starter. But, when you turn the key, the starter gives the engine its initial push to get the cycle started. If it fails, the car won't be able to start until it's replaced.

2. Insufficient Intake

Even something as easy to overlook as the air intake can prevent your car from starting up easily. If the engine air filter is very old and dirty, it can choke the engine and prevent it from getting the air it needs. A bad mass airflow sensor can send incorrect sensor data about the intake to the engine's computer, which can also cause ignition trouble. Be sure to get the engine air filter replaced regularly for the best performance over time.

1. Electrical Problems

Finally, if the alternator on your car has gone bad, then the battery is likely to just keep on dying. A jump start won't do you much good if the alternator can't recharge the battery as you drive. A bad alternator can also lead to other electrical issues, like accessories not working as they should, or headlights flickering and running dim. If your car has been behaving strangely, and now suddenly won't start, it might be time to have a new alternator installed.