Common Causes of No Starts

When it comes to automotive trouble few things are as frustrating as jumping in your car, turning the key and having the engine fail to fire. Fortunately most no start issues can be quickly diagnosed and repaired. If your car has trouble starting it could very likely be suffering from one of the following issues, but a professional auto repair technician will be able to conduct the necessary diagnostics to find out for sure, getting you back on the road fast.

Dead Battery

Perhaps the most common reason that a car will not start is because the battery has died. While batteries do need to be replaced from time to time, it is more likely that you just need a jump start due to leaving the lights on or playing the radio for too long with the engine off. Give a jump start a shot, if your car still won't start, call the shop.

Failed Starter

The starter motor is responsible for getting the motor spinning. If you hear a loud click or a series of clicks when you turn the key it is most likely the failed starter motor you're hearing. The noise is the sound of the pinion gear actuating but not engaging.

Malfunctioning Alternator

The alternator is responsible for running electronics on the while the motor is running, as well as keeping the battery charged. If the alternator begins to fail you may experience flickering lights, strange radio issues or trouble with power accessories.

Failing Ignition

The ignition system is responsible for starting the events that result in the engine firing. This begins with connecting the electrical pathway from the battery to the starter motor. A common sign of ignition failure is the key not turning, however, more subtle clues include dim exterior lighting.

Out of gas

Now, before you search your car up and down for what could be causing its no start issue, have you checked the gas gauge? Although this seems relatively simple, many people neglect to think about it when their car won't start!

If your car won't start and you need automotive diagnostics in Austin head to Austin Auto Repair. Our expert technicians will have you back on the road in no time. At the first sign of trouble give us a call at (512) 865-6217 and we will make you an appointment for quality auto repair in Austin at your earliest convenience.

Austin Auto Repair Blog

Written and Published By MORBiZ