Although there are many automotive mechanical issues that can prevent a vehicle from starting, the most common reasons can be narrowed down to two likely culprits. If your car is not turning over and you have no idea why, continue reading to learn the initial 3 places you should be looking to fix the problem, and some additional reasons that could also cause your car to not start.

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Car Won’t Start? Check These 3 Places First

The first and foremost place you should be suspicious of when your car won’t start is the electrical system. Problems with the electrical system are the top causes for this issue. Now, the specific area within the electrical system could be a list of things. But the top 3 most common electrical system malfunctions that prevent a car from starting up is a dead car battery, bad starter, and a faulty alternator. Let’s take a closer look at all three.

Dead Car Battery

Because it is the easiest to fix, first take a look at your car battery. A dead car battery will certainly prevent your engine from turning over because its job is to send an electrical charge to the motor. If it is drained of all power, it cannot send the electrical charge necessary to power the engine. Grab your jumper cable and a pal with a working vehicle and give your battery a jump start. Not sure how to jump start your car? Refer to the owners’ manual for instructions that are specific to your make and model vehicle. You can also ask a pal, watch a YouTube tutorial, or look it up online. Don’t worry, it’s easy!

Faulty Alternator

Your next item on the diagnostic checklist is the alternator. If the jump start was unsuccessful or your car battery is full-power, your car starting problem could be caused by a faulty alternator. Car alternators should be replaced every 8 to 10 years, give or take, depending on the make and model vehicle. Many signs of a bad alternator mimic the same as a dead or dying car battery, such as dimming lights and an illuminated dashboard battery warning light. However, signs more specific to a bad alternator include burning rubber odors, whirring sounds, and grinding noises.

Bad Starter

You might think it obvious that if a car won’t start it must be the starter, but dead batteries and bad alternators are the usual suspects. If your alternator is not the issue and the jump start did not work, your starter could be to blame. Can you turn the key in the ignition? If you can, but the car will not start, it might be an issue other than your electrical system. But if your engine will not crank at all, or it cranks slowly, it could be the starter. Also, if you see smoke outside of your car after attempting to start it, or all of the lights illuminate but the car won’t start, the starter is probable cause.

Additional Causes of a Car That Won’t Start:

➾ Blown Fuse
➾ Bad Wiring
➾ Damaged Timing Belt
➾ Worn Spark Plugs
➾ Broken Fuel Pump
➾ Clogged Fuel Filters
➾ Fuel System Issues

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