Why Wont My Car Start

January 11, 2023

WHY WON’T MY CAR START?

Up close to Ford truck with lights on and hood open | Tedious Auto Repair

Why won’t my car start? Fixing cars and trucks isn’t the easiest thing in the world, especially not diagnosing the issue in the first place. It takes a lot of experience, time, and even more elbow grease to deduce what’s wrong with a vehicle, and it becomes even more complicated when the issue at hand is as simple yet broad as “Why won’t my car start?” Great question. A tricky question, but perhaps that’s what makes it great.


Today we’re going to cover some of the common issues preventing your car from starting, starting with some of the more obvious ones and then working our way to the most complex problems that may require a professional to fix. But with these tips, hopefully, you’ll understand better what may be wrong with your vehicle and how to get your engine started sooner than later.


WHY WON’T MY CAR START IN CHICO, CA


As we go through this list, you may want to check off items that are related or not related to your car or truck starting problems. It’s always good to go with your gut and start with the most likely solution, but be sure to eliminate the possibilities with care, so you know how to proceed if things become increasingly complicated.


BAD BATTERY


This one is pretty common, albeit less likely the cause of your problem these days. Battery tech has come a long way and tends to last a lot longer now; besides, they’re more affordable than ever to replace. So don’t replace the battery unless there are apparent severe problems with powering the electrical system, too (not just starting the engine). Sometimes it’s best to get a professional’s advice on when it’s time to replace a battery. If you have questions about battery replacement, contact us using the information at the bottom of the page.


BAD ALTERNATOR


The alternator recharges your car battery using energy converted from the engine, and if it’s not working, neither will your car. Sometimes you’ll hear a high-pitched squeal when turning the key, which can mean the alternator bearings have gone wrong. Or you may notice the radio tends to distort when revving the engine. These are all signs of alternator problems.


The check engine light often indicates issues with the alternator, but it can be hard to determine what the check engine light is blinking about with a proper scanner. So if your check engine is light and your car won’t start (showing the electrical system functions but not well enough), give us a call, and we’ll help you figure out the issue with one of our tech-grade scanners.


BAD ENGINE STARTER MOTOR


The engine starter is a motorized system meant to jumpstart the vehicle when you turn the key. But if the engine starter is broken, stuck, or not working well, it can keep your engine from starting. Often this requires professional diagnostics to identify correctly.


BAD IGNITION


The ignition is the part that turnover when you use your key to start the engine starter, which gets the engine going. If the ignition’s electrical system isn’t working, this can also stop your car from starting. Also, check your spark plugs if it’s been a while since they’ve been replaced.


OUT OF FUEL


Sure this one’s a little silly to write down, but with gas prices higher than ever, I think we’re all pushing the limits further and further. If you left that gas light on just before things went wonky, that might be why you can’t start the engine now. If that’s the case, refuel your vehicle, of course.


WHY WON’T MY CAR START BUT I HAVE POWER?


That’s what Tedious Repairs is here to do! Our expert auto technicians will get your engine started, your alternator repaired, your ignition fixed, or whatever you need to get you back on the road ASAP!


Use the contact information below to call, text, email, or schedule an online appointment using our book an appointment app! Thanks again for reading and let us know in the comments if you can think of other causes of cars not starting, and we’ll add them to the following article.


Why won’t the car start? I have power near me in Chico, CA


CAR WON’T START IN CHICO, CA


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