What to Do When Your Car Won’t Start

There is no worse feeling than getting ready to head out, turning the key in the ignition, and nothing happens; the car will not start. Having your vehicle refuse to fire up can ruin your day and leave you stranded. But there are some simple troubleshooting steps you can take to diagnose the potential problem and potentially get your car started again. 

Check the Basics First

Before diving into anything more complex, make sure you have the little fundamental things covered first:

• Are the battery terminals and cable connections clean, tight, and free of corrosion? Loose or corroded connections can prevent the proper flow of power.
• Do you have the transmission in PARK and your foot firmly on the brake pedal? Most modern vehicles require both conditions before allowing the engine to crank.
• Is there an adequate level of fuel in the gas tank? An empty tank is an obvious no-start culprit that is easily overlooked.
• Are the headlights, radio, and other accessories still operational when the key is cycled? This shows if the battery itself still has a charge.

If none of those basic potential causes are the issue, you can move on to inspecting some of the primary vehicle components involved in the starting process.

Try the Battery

In countless no-start scenarios, the battery ends up being the root of the problem:

• If the battery is more than 3-4 years old, it has likely reached the end of its typical lifespan and doesn’t hold a full charge anymore.
• Extremely hot summer or cold winter temperatures can severely zap an older or weaker battery’s ability to provide enough power when cranking.
• Leaving lights, accessories, or the key in the “on” position for extended periods while parked will drain the battery over time.

To test if the battery lacks sufficient cranking power, try jump starting the car with a set of jumper cables connected to a second running vehicle or portable battery charger for cars. According to the good folk over at Clore Automotive, if this allows the engine to then crank over and start normally, it indicates a dead or severely discharged battery.

Fuel System Diagnostics

An engine that cranks over but still will not start could potentially have a fuel delivery issue preventing the fuel/air mixture from igniting:

• If you listen closely near the fuel tank area, you may hear an audible buzz or whirring noise as the fuel pump runs when the key is cycled to crank the engine.
• Inspect the fuel lines under the vehicle for any potential leaks, kinks or severe damage preventing the flow of gas to the engine.
• The fuel filter may simply need to be changed if it is too clogged to allow an adequate fuel supply.

Other Potential Culprits

Beyond the common battery, ignition and fuel system troubles, there are some other potential problems that can prevent a car from starting:

• A faulty starter motor itself or issues with its wiring/electrical connections.
• Serious engine mechanical failure like a snapped timing belt or blown head gasket.
• Environmental factors like flooding, rodent damage, or corrosion to components.

If you go through all the typical troubleshooting checks and cannot find an obvious cause, it’s best to have the vehicle properly diagnosed by a professional mechanic with specialized equipment.

Conclusion

Being prepared with basic tools and knowledge like how to use jumper cables or having a portable battery charger for cars can help get you back on the road quickly in many no-start situations. But overall, patience, careful diagnosis and seeking expert assistance are key when a car stalling issue becomes more complicated to solve.