Car Lights Work but Car Won’t Start: Now What?

Hop in, press the ignition, hit the gas – or not? A dead car battery can stop you in your tracks. But what if it may not be a dead car battery after all? If your car’s lights come on when you hit the ignition but the engine won’t turn over, the answer gets a bit muddled as to what car repair you may be dealing with. We have a few signs to look out for that can indicate different car repairs to help get you back on the road, but ultimately, if you can’t get your car started, you’re headed for a Utah auto repair shop.

Typically, if your lights come on at all when you try to start your car, you’d take it as a sign that it’s not a dead car battery you’re dealing with. While it’s true you’re more likely dealing with another problem outside of the car battery, don’t completely rule it out right away. It’s worthwhile to check further to see if it may be a dead car battery after all.

Treat it like a dead battery and try jumpstarting your car. If you’re lucky, this will get you up and running again. Because electronic components require much less power than turning over the engine, it’s possible there was just enough juice to briefly power those components, but not enough to start the engine. If jumpstarting your car doesn’t work, you’ll have to move on to other possible problems.

When you try starting the car, does it crank? Is it silent? Or do you hear a click? Depending on how your car reacts and the sounds you hear, it can point to a different car repair or problem to address. With a failing starter, you may also still notice lights come on or flicker, even if your engine doesn’t turn over. Like many other car repairs, the only way to get a decisive answer is to bring your car to a mechanic for diagnostics and repairs.

Often, a failing starter motor will make a clicking sound when you try starting your car. While this is common, it’s also possible your starter is failing and won’t make a sound. Look for other symptoms, including smoke from under the hood or oil below the engine.

Pop the hood of your car and take a look at your car battery. The terminals, connections, and wires around the battery are just as important as the health of the battery itself. If the terminals or any of the connecting wires look rusty, corroded, or worn, try cleaning or replacing them. If they’ve been preventing power from making it to or from the battery, it can keep your car from starting.

Basically, those connections are necessary to get power into and out of your car battery. If they aren’t working properly, it can keep your car battery from charging fully or from getting enough power out to electrical components and the engine. It’s also possible for enough power to make it to electrical components such as your headlights or interior lights to turn them on without being able to start the car. The good news is this is a simple fix for your mechanic to take care of for you.

Don’t stress if your car won’t start – call your nearest AAMCO Utah auto shop instead. Not only can our expert mechanics get you back on the road in no time, but we also offer a complimentary tow service to your nearest location. Don’t worry about being stranded by a car that won’t start. Give us a call today or simply schedule an appointment with us online.

The post Car Lights Work but Car Won’t Start: Now What? first appeared on AAMCO Utah Transmission Repair and General Car Repair.