It was a cold morning, and I was running late. As usual, I hopped into my car, turned the key, and... nothing. The engine didn’t even make a sound. After several attempts, I figured it was time for a jumpstart. Luckily, I had jumper cables and another car to help me. I connected the cables, started the other car, and tried starting mine again. This time, the engine roared to life! I breathed a sigh of relief, thinking everything was fine. However, to my surprise, the next day, the same thing happened: my car wouldn’t start again. I had to figure out what was going wrong and how to fix a car that wouldn’t start after jumpstarting.
Walter's Auto Repair
5508 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90805, USA
Step 1: Checking the Battery
When your car fails to start after a jumpstart, the first thing to check is the battery. A weak or dead battery is one of the most common reasons your car won’t start, even after jumpstarting it. If you’ve just jumpstarted your car and it starts, but then dies again shortly afterward, this could indicate that the battery is no longer holding a charge. To troubleshoot this, I recommend checking the voltage of the battery. You can do this with a multimeter. If the reading is below 12.6 volts, then it’s time to replace the battery. If the battery is older than three to five years, it may not be able to hold a charge anymore and should be replaced.
Smart Start Ignition Interlock
8013 Astoria Blvd, East Elmhurst, NY 11370, USA
Test the Battery Voltage
To test the voltage, turn off your car and connect the multimeter’s red lead to the positive terminal and the black lead to the negative terminal. A healthy battery should read 12.6 volts or higher. Anything lower than that means your battery is underperforming. If it reads 12.0 volts or lower, the battery is likely the culprit. While you're at it, look for any corrosion around the battery terminals, as this can also interfere with the connection and prevent the car from starting properly.
Cleaning the Battery Terminals
If you notice any corrosion on the battery terminals, you can clean it using a mixture of baking soda and water. Simply disconnect the battery cables, scrub the terminals with the baking soda paste, rinse with water, and dry them thoroughly before reconnecting. Corrosion can prevent your car from starting, even if the battery is working fine, so this step is important to try before considering a battery replacement.
Step 2: Inspecting the Alternator
If your battery is fine, but the car still won’t start after jumpstarting it, the next component to check is the alternator. The alternator is responsible for charging the battery while the engine is running. If the alternator isn’t functioning properly, the battery won’t get charged, and your car will have trouble starting. Sometimes, even if the battery appears to be working, the alternator could be the issue.
Signs of a Faulty Alternator
One of the common signs of a bad alternator is that the battery warning light on the dashboard stays on while you're driving. Additionally, if you notice dimming headlights or electrical issues such as malfunctioning power windows or radio, these could indicate a problem with the alternator. Another test you can perform is to start the car with a jumpstart, and once it's running, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. If the engine stalls immediately, it's a strong sign that the alternator is not charging the battery. You should get the alternator tested at an auto parts store to confirm if it’s faulty.
Step 3: Inspecting the Fuses and Relays
If both the battery and alternator check out fine, the next step is to check the fuses and relays. Sometimes a blown fuse or a faulty relay can prevent your car from starting properly, especially if there is an issue with the ignition system or fuel delivery system. For example, if the starter motor is not receiving power, it may be due to a blown fuse or a malfunctioning relay.
Testing the Starter Motor Fuse
Start by locating the fuse box in your car (usually under the hood or inside the cabin). Check the fuse for the starter motor. If it's blown, replace it with a fuse of the same rating. You can find the fuse diagram in your car’s owner’s manual, which will help you identify the right fuse. If replacing the fuse doesn’t fix the issue, the relay that controls the starter motor might be faulty, and you will need to replace it. Testing the relay can be done with a simple continuity test using a multimeter.
Step 4: Inspecting the Ignition System
Another reason your car might not start after jumpstarting could be an issue with the ignition system. The ignition switch, ignition coil, and spark plugs all play a role in starting the engine. If one of these components fails, it can prevent the car from starting. The ignition switch could be faulty or there could be an issue with the coil or spark plugs not providing the necessary spark to ignite the fuel in the engine.
Testing the Ignition Switch
If you hear nothing when you turn the key, this could indicate a faulty ignition switch. You can test the ignition switch using a multimeter. If the switch isn’t working, it will need to be replaced. Additionally, inspect the spark plugs for wear and tear or corrosion. Spark plugs that are old or dirty can prevent proper ignition and cause starting issues.
Step 5: Investigating the Fuel System
Sometimes, the issue isn’t electrical—it’s fuel-related. If your car’s fuel system isn’t supplying the engine with enough fuel, the engine won’t start, even after a jumpstart. The fuel pump, fuel filter, or fuel injectors could be to blame. The fuel pump delivers fuel from the tank to the engine, while the fuel filter ensures that the fuel is clean and free of debris. If the fuel pump is faulty, your car won’t start, and you may hear a clicking sound coming from the fuel tank when you turn the key.
Checking the Fuel Pump
One way to check if the fuel pump is working is to listen for a humming noise coming from the gas tank when you turn the key to the “on” position. If you don’t hear this noise, the pump may be faulty. It’s also a good idea to inspect the fuel filter and replace it if it's clogged. If all else fails, a mechanic can perform a fuel pressure test to determine whether the pump is delivering the correct amount of fuel.
Step 6: Other Electrical Issues
If none of the previous steps resolves the issue, there may be an underlying electrical problem in your car. This could be related to faulty wiring, a blown fuse, or an issue with the car’s electrical control unit (ECU). Electrical problems can be tricky to diagnose without the proper tools, but a professional mechanic can use a diagnostic scanner to check for any error codes in the system. The ECU controls many aspects of the car’s electrical system, and a malfunctioning ECU can cause the car to not start.
Getting Professional Help
If you've gone through all these steps and your car still won’t start, it may be time to take it to a professional. While some issues can be solved with basic tools and a bit of know-how, others require specialized equipment and expertise. A mechanic can quickly pinpoint the issue and make the necessary repairs, saving you time and frustration in the long run.
Dealing with a car that won’t start after jumpstarting it can be frustrating, but by systematically checking the battery, alternator, fuses, ignition system, and fuel system, you can often diagnose and fix the problem yourself. It’s important to remember that the problem could be one of several different issues, and addressing each component carefully can save you money and prevent unnecessary repairs. I learned that, with a bit of patience and persistence, many car starting issues can be fixed without calling a tow truck!
