Why Won’t My Car Start? Common Causes and How to Fix Them
Why Won’t My Car Start? Common Causes and How to Fix Them
Car won’t start? We're here to help you find out why your engine isn’t firing up and how you can fix it. With Vixa on your side, car troubles won’t ruin your day.
First checks
It's tempting to repeatedly try the ignition if your car won’t start, but if there's a battery issue this can drain it further. So, first things first: don't keep trying to start the car.
Instead, see if you can fix or identify the issue.
Rule out the obvious – double-check fuel levels. When things are busy, it can be easy to run low without realising, or fuel could be contaminated.
Check your dashboard warning lights for clues. The Vixa app might be able to tell you what they mean.
Gently wiggle the steering wheel while turning the key. If the steering wheel's locked, it can stop the key turning.
Try a spare key or fob. With push-button start systems, a dead key fob battery or unrecognised key can activate the engine immobiliser and prevent the car starting.
Check to see if the dashboard lights up. If it does but the engine doesn’t attempt to start, a worn or broken ignition switch might be the issue.
Look for signs of a weak battery – slow cranking, dim lights, clicking.
Inspect the fuse. Got your vehicle handbook? Locate the fuse and take a look – a blown fuse can disrupt important systems and can be a simple fix.
Try a jump start if it’s safe and you’re confident.
Noticing a sound? These can help pinpoint the problem when your vehicle won't start:
Clicking sounds when you turn the key might mean you have a flat battery.
A single loud click, then silence when your electrics still work, could mean your starter motor is to blame.
A struggling engine sound might indicate low battery or starter motor issues.
Total silence could mean a dead battery or ignition fault.
Call for help
If nothing else works, call a breakdown service like AA roadside assistance. For even better help, let us know if it’s a non-start or an engine stall. A non-start is just as it sounds – the car won’t start at all. An engine stall happens when you successfully start the car, but it cuts out while driving or idling.
Signs this could have been prevented
Could you have avoided a breakdown? We hope there's not a next time, but here are a few signs that could alert you early in future.
Slower engine starts over the last few days
Dashboard warning lights you keep meaning to check on
Flickering lights or weak electrics
Needing a jump start more than once
Short, infrequent trips that don’t give your battery a chance to recharge
Key fob working inconsistently
Ignoring small noises that keep happening
And when life is too busy for you to notice the small signs, Vixa can help. Monitoring your engine and battery health, Vixa will even send proactive alerts about your vehicle at the first signs of trouble.
Find out more about how Vixa can monitor your car to help prevent unexpected issues here.