6 Reasons Your Engine Won't Start (And What To Do)
Unexpected engine problems are not what anyone wants to deal with. When your engine won’t start you could be stranded, left without a way to work, or stuck in bad weather you don’t want to deal with. It’s an urgent problem that you want to fix right away.
If your engine won’t start, here are six common reasons why – and what to do about it. Engine issues don’t need to be complex or expensive. Let our auto repair experts in Lisbon, Maryland help you troubleshoot why your engine won’t start so you can get back on the road.
6 Common Reasons Your Engine Won’t Start
1. Dead Battery
Let’s start with the most common reason your engine won’t start – a dead battery. Your car’s battery is what gives the engine the power to start. Without a charged battery, your engine won’t turn over and nothing in your car will work properly.
Signs of a dead battery:
When you turn the key, the engine doesn’t make a sound or just clicks.
Your headlights are dim or don’t turn on at all.
What to do:
Jump-starting the car is usually the quickest fix if you’re out and need to get to an auto repair shop right away. If the battery is old, it might be time for a replacement. Once your car is somewhere safe, replace the battery to avoid breaking down again.
2. Bad Starter
The starter is a little motor that gets the engine running when you turn the key. If your starter isn’t working, your engine won’t even try to turn over. It’s a small piece that has a big impact on how your car operates and starts.
Signs of a bad starter:
You hear a clicking noise, but the engine doesn’t start.
All your dashboard lights come on, but the engine is silent.
What to do:
If the starter is bad, you’ll need a new one. It’s a more involved repair than replacing a battery but can be simple with some experience. The good news is, a starter replacement is a quick car repair that any local auto repair shop can do in a day.
3. Empty Gas Tank
This one might sound obvious, but an empty gas tank is a common reason the engine won’t start. Letting your gas tank get too low, even if your mileage read out says you have some miles left, can cause engine problems. You always want to stop right away when your gas light comes on to avoid breakdowns due to low gas.
Signs of an empty gas tank:
The engine cranks but won’t start.
Your fuel gauge shows “E” or near it.
What to do:
The good news is, an empty gas tank is an easy fix! Just add fuel, and you should be good to go. Make sure to keep an eye on that gas gauge, especially on long drives, and make sure your car isn’t running out of gas before it says the tank is empty. This could be the sign of a larger issue with your car.
4. Faulty Ignition Switch
The ignition switch is what allows your car to turn on when you insert the key and turn it. If it’s faulty, your engine won’t get the signal to start. This is similar to the starter being the reason your engine won’t start when you get in the car.
Signs of a bad ignition switch:
The dashboard lights don’t come on when you turn the key.
You have to jiggle the key to get the car started.
What to do:
If your ignition switch is the problem, it might need a replacement. A local auto repair shop can figure out if it’s the ignition switch or the starter motor, so you get the right replacement the first time and don’t need to worry about your car not starting.
5. Bad Spark Plugs
Spark plugs ignite the air and fuel mixture in your engine to get it going. If your spark plugs are worn out or dirty, they won’t create that spark, and the engine won’t start. This is a common reason an engine won’t start, although drivers often forget to check their spark plugs when engine trouble occurs.
Signs of bad spark plugs:
The engine cranks, but it struggles to start.
The car runs rough or misfires.
What to do:
Replacing spark plugs is a straightforward job and part of regular maintenance. For some cars, the spark plugs are easy to access. For other makes and models, the spark plugs can be hidden behind other engine parts and difficult to get to. If you’re unsure how to access your spark plugs, this is a fast auto repair your local auto shop can handle.
6. Broken Fuel Pump
The fuel pump sends gas from the tank to the engine. If it’s not working, your engine won’t get the fuel it needs to start. If you have gas in your car but it still isn’t starting, the fuel pump could be the issue.
Signs of a bad fuel pump:
The engine cranks but won’t start.
You don’t hear the fuel pump running when you turn the key.
What to do:
A faulty fuel pump will need to be replaced. It’s one of the larger car repairs to troubleshoot an engine that won’t start. Talk to your local auto repair shop about inspecting the car for issues before investing in the new parts.
Visit an Auto Repair Shop to Avoid Engine Breakdowns
Getting stuck with a car that won’t start is never fun, and can be frustrating, if not dangerous, if it happens at the wrong time. Knowing common reasons why an engine won’t start lets you get ahead of repairs and find the issue fast, instead of troubleshooting the issue endlessly.
Whether it’s a dead battery, a bad starter, or something as simple as being out of gas, these issues can be fixed. At our auto repair shop in Lisbon, Maryland, we’re always here to help you figure out what’s going on and get your car running again in no time.
FAQ
How can I tell if my battery is dying?
If your car is slow to start, or if the lights and radio don’t work as well as usual, it might mean your battery is running low. You can bring your car in, and we’ll check it for you and recommend a new battery replacement if needed.
What preventive maintenance can I do to protect my engine?
Regular maintenance like checking your battery, replacing spark plugs, and keeping an eye on your gas level can help prevent most starting issues. Even though Maryland does not require annual car inspections, this is an easy way to get ahead of common car repairs.
What should I do if my car won’t start, but the lights and radio work?
This could be a sign of a bad starter or ignition switch. If jiggling the key works, you may need a new ignition switch.
How long do car batteries usually last?
Most car batteries last around 3-5 years. If your battery is getting older, it’s a good idea to have it checked or replaced before it dies.
What’s the best way to jump-start my car?
You’ll need jumper cables and another car with a working battery. Connect the red (positive) cable to the positive terminal of each battery and the black (negative) cable to the negative terminal of the good battery, then to a metal part of the car with the dead battery. Start the working car first, then the dead car. Once the car is running, you can safely remove the jumper cables.
