Why Won't My Car Start?

You never realize just how important your vehicle is until it doesn't start. You use it constantly to drive to work, pick up the kids from soccer practice, get groceries, and so much more. So when your vehicle suddenly stops working- you PANIC! "Why Won't My Car Turn On?", you shout! There are a lot of reasons why your car won't turn over, but some are more common than others. Here are the top 3 reasons why your car may not start.

Dead Battery

A Dead Battery is the most common reason why a vehicle won't start. The battery is responsible for providing electrical power to your entire vehicle and its electrical components such as the lights, radio, and so on. The alternator charges your battery while your car is running. If your battery is not adequately charged, you will not be able to start your car. Some common symptoms to look out for are none of the electrical components working or the battery light on your dash.

Why Did My Battery Die?

Your headlights or dome light may have been left on for too long or overnight
There is a loose wire
Poor conductivity of the battery
The battery's life span may have expired

You can test to see if the battery is the problem by jump-starting your car. If the jump start works, you more than likely have a dying battery or the alternator that is having difficulty recharging your battery. A technician can inspect the condition and strength of your battery, clean battery connections and check your alternator for any problems.

Bad Alternator

Alternator | Lou's Car Care Center, Inc.

If your car doesn't start, has trouble starting or stalls, a bad alternator could be the problem. If the alternator is not recharging the battery properly, the battery won't be strong enough to turn on the vehicle. If your car stalls after it has been running the spark plugs might not be getting enough power from the alternator to keep the engine going. This can also drain your battery.

Why Did My Alternator Die?

A bad fuse
Computer problems
A wiring problem
A broken pulley or belt
The alternator's life span may have expired

Faulty Starter

The starter in your car is an electrical motor that is connected to your battery. It puts the engine in motion when you turn on the ignition switch. The starter's job is complete once the engine is turned on and is functioning. If your starter goes, the engine will not crank properly or not at all when you turn the ignition key on. If you try to start your vehicle and hear a clicking sound, a broken or sluggish starter may be your problem. A bag ignition switch, as mentioned before, and a faulty starter can appear very similar.

Why Did My Starter Go Bad?

Faulty electrical connections
Starter pinion, single-pinion gear, or freewheel damage
Faulty solenoid switch

If your vehicle is experiencing any of these symptoms, let one of our expert mechanics diagnose and assess your issue. We'll get you back on the road quickly. Servicing the Baldwinsville, Syracuse, Liverpool, Camillus, North Syracuse, and Fayetteville, NY communities since 1976. Call us or schedule your appointment online today!

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