When you place your key in the ignition of your vehicle and turn it, you expect your engine to start up. Unfortunately though, there may come a time when your car does not start up. There are numerous reasons why your car may not start. Read on to learn about the common reasons why your car may not start.
The Battery Is Dead
One of the most common reasons why a car may not start is because of battery issues. Your battery may be dead due to age or the battery may be dead due to you leaving the headlights on. If you left the headlights on, jumping your car will solve the problem. If the battery is failing due to age, replacing the battery will fix your problem. Auto repair shops can test a battery and tell you if your battery may be nearing the end of its lifespan.
You Have a Faulty Starter
Another common reason why your car may not start is because you have a faulty starter. One of the tell-tale ways to determine if you have a dead battery versus a faulty starter is to turn on your headlights and radio. If your battery is dead, your headlights and radio may be weak or may not work at all. If the starter is bad, your headlights and radio will work, your car will not turn over and start.
The Alternator is Going Bad
An alternator going bad can also cause your car not to start. The alternator is responsible for charging your battery. As such, it can be hard to differentiate between a battery or an alternator problem the first time your car dies. However, if the alternator is encountering issues, your car will likely be fine after it is jumped, but then fail to start after shutting your vehicle off. If you have to jump your car after you turn it off repeatedly, the alternator is likely the issue.
There is a Clogged Fuel Filter
The finally common reason why your car may not start is because you may have a clogged fuel filter. If your car is out of gas, it will not start. A clogged fuel filter can trick your car into thinking it is out of gas, as the clog may prevent gas from flowing properly, which in turn, may prevent your car from starting. If you have a clogged fuel filter you may smell the scent of gas as you try to start up your car, your car may not start, and if your car does start, it may sputter and feel like it is going to stall.
If your car is not starting, it may be caused by one of these reasons or something completely different. An auto repair shop or a car repair shop can take a look at your vehicle and diagnose what the problem is. In some cases, small issues such as battery corrosion can be causing the issue, while in other cases, larger problems like a bad alternator or starter may be present. If your car is not starting, or not consistently starting, bring it to us at Morgan Auto Repair and let us help you fix the problem.