How to Fix a Car That Won’t Turn Over
It’s one of the most frustrating moments for any car owner: you turn the key (or push the button) and your car won’t start. The engine just refuses to turn over, and you're left sitting there wondering what went wrong. I’ve been there myself, and it’s never an enjoyable experience. There’s a sense of helplessness that accompanies this situation, especially when you're far from home or in a rush. However, before you panic and call for a tow truck, there are a few things you can check and do to potentially get your car running again. In this guide, I’m going to walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and fix a car that won’t turn over, all from my own personal experience with car repairs. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned DIYer, this article will help you address the problem step by step.
J&J Auto Repair
2879 Lockbourne Rd, Columbus, OH 43207, USA
1. Check the Battery
The first thing you should check when your car won’t start is the battery. A dead or weak battery is often the culprit when your car won’t turn over. It's not uncommon for the battery to simply give out without warning, especially in extreme weather conditions like the cold of winter or the heat of summer. Here’s what I recommend doing:
- Ensure the battery terminals are clean and free from corrosion. If you notice white, powdery substance around the terminals, it’s corrosion that can affect the battery’s performance.
- Try turning on your car's headlights. If the lights are dim or not turning on at all, it’s a sign that the battery might be dead.
- Check if you hear any clicking sounds when you try to start the car. If you do, that’s another sign of a weak or dead battery.
If the battery is the problem, jump-starting the car could help you get it running again. I’ve jump-started my own car a few times when I was in a pinch, and it’s a pretty simple process. You’ll need jumper cables and a working vehicle. Be sure to connect the positive (red) cable first to the positive terminal on both batteries, then the negative (black) cable to the negative terminal. Once the cables are securely connected, start the working car and let it run for a few minutes before trying to start the dead car.
Lopez Auto Repair
1290 W Mound St, Columbus, OH 43223, USA
2. Inspect the Starter Motor
If the battery is fine but your car still won’t start, the next step is to check the starter motor. The starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over when you turn the key. Over time, starter motors can fail, and when they do, you might hear a clicking noise, but the engine won’t actually turn over.
To troubleshoot the starter, try tapping it gently with a hammer or wrench. Sometimes, a stuck starter can be freed up temporarily by tapping it. I’ve had success with this method a few times, especially when I was stranded on a road trip. However, this is just a temporary fix. If this works, you’ll need to replace the starter as soon as possible.
3. Examine the Fuel System
If you’ve ruled out the battery and the starter motor, it’s time to move on to the fuel system. Sometimes, a car won’t start because it’s not getting fuel. There are several potential issues within the fuel system that could be causing the problem:
- Fuel pump failure: The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine. If the fuel pump fails, your car won’t start. Listen for a buzzing sound from the fuel tank area when you turn the key. If you don’t hear it, the fuel pump might be the issue.
- Empty fuel tank: It might sound simple, but double-check that you have enough fuel in the tank. I've been caught with an empty tank before and felt pretty embarrassed. Make sure to refuel if necessary.
- Clogged fuel filter: A clogged fuel filter can prevent fuel from reaching the engine. If you haven't replaced the fuel filter in a while, it could be worth looking into. Replacing the filter can solve starting issues if it's clogged.
If you suspect a fuel system problem, it might be necessary to have the vehicle towed to a mechanic for repairs. Diagnosing fuel system issues can be tricky without the right tools and experience.
4. Check the Ignition System
If you’re still having no luck with starting the car, the issue might be with the ignition system. The ignition system consists of various components, such as the ignition switch, ignition coil, and spark plugs. A malfunction in any of these parts can prevent the car from starting.
Here’s what I recommend doing to troubleshoot:
- Ignition switch: If you turn the key and don’t hear any sound or see any lights on the dashboard, the ignition switch might be faulty.
- Ignition coil: The ignition coil is responsible for generating the spark needed to start the engine. If the coil is faulty, the engine won’t start. This is something that might require professional help to replace.
- Spark plugs: Worn-out spark plugs can also be a common reason why a car won’t start. If your spark plugs are dirty or worn out, they won’t create the proper spark needed to start the engine.
If you’re unsure how to diagnose or fix these components, I’d recommend reaching out to a mechanic or calling a tow truck to get the car to a shop for further inspection.
5. Check for Faulty Fuses and Wiring
Another potential issue could be a blown fuse or faulty wiring. Fuses control various electrical systems in your car, including the ignition system. If a fuse blows, it could cause the car to not start. You can check the fuses in the fuse box and replace any that appear damaged. I’ve had issues with blown fuses in the past, and replacing them was a simple fix.
If you’re still having issues, it’s possible that there’s a problem with the wiring or an electrical component. In these cases, a professional mechanic might be necessary to diagnose the problem properly.
6. When to Call a Tow Truck
After going through all these troubleshooting steps, if your car still won’t start, it might be time to call in the experts. While there are many DIY solutions you can try, some car problems require professional attention, especially when it comes to the electrical system or fuel system. In these situations, calling a tow truck is the best option. If you need emergency towing assistance, I highly recommend checking out Rescue & Towing here for fast and reliable service.
Dealing with a car that won’t start can be stressful, but by following these steps, you can narrow down the cause of the issue and either fix it yourself or know when it’s time to seek professional help. Whether it’s a dead battery, faulty starter, or something more complex, taking the right steps early can save you time and money in the long run.
