Help! My Car Refuses to Start

#1. You’re out of gas

There are plenty of reasons why your tank might be empty. Maybe you forgot to fill up,or your gas gauge isn’t working properly. If your vehicle has been sitting overnight, someone may have even siphoned the gas out of it. At any rate, it’s worth checking your fuel levels first.

#2. You have a dead battery

A battery will last between three and five years on average. A battery that has exceeded its normal lifespan will often fail to hold or keep a charge. In addition, corroded cables, poor connections, or low water levels could prevent your battery from charging, as well.

#3. The alternator is faulty

Your alternator serves as a generator to keep your battery charged. If the alternator fails, you may be able to jump start your vehicle; however, it will not hold a charge for long. You may also notice that your headlights are dimmer than usual. Should your alternator go out while driving, your car may stop abruptly. If you suspect you have an alternator problem, bring your car in to Horeb Auto Repair at once. 

#4. Your Starter has Given Out

When your starter goes out, you may hear a grinding noise when turning the key. Following that, you may notice some clicking sounds and then silence. This is a telltale sign that your starter has failed. In that case, you will probably be unable to jump start your car either. 

#5. You’ve got a Bad Ignition Switch

The ignition switch activates your car’s ignition system whenever you turn the key. Accordingly, a bad ignition switch will not allow you to turn your vehicle on. With faulty ignition switches, an automobile will often start and then stall shortly thereafter. You might also notice that it is extremely difficult to turn or remove the key. 

#6. There is a Security System Issue

Most newer vehicles come equipped with safety features that are designed to prevent auto theft. If any of these features become compromised, your automobile will not start. A common problem occurs whenever the chip inside your key and the one in your ignition do not match. That could mean you have the wrong key or that yours simply needs to be reprogrammed. 

#7. You are Experiencing Fuel System Issues

A worn fuel pump or dirty fuel filter will prevent gasoline from getting to your motor. With a worn fuel pump, your engine may try to turn over but never completely start. Should that happen, think about your recent driving experiences. If you’ve had trouble accelerating or have noticed a decrease in power while driving uphill, this could be the reason. 

Ready to Handle all Sorts of No-Start Issues

Here at Horeb Auto Repair, we’re familiar with the many reasons your car won’t start. As a leading repair shop in Houston TX, we can address the issue and get you back out on the road as quickly as possible. Please contact us if you are experiencing any of the above issues.