How to Identify Different “No-Start” Issues
You go outside, it’s cold, you’re late, and oh great! Now the car won’t start. We’ve all been there a time or two, and know the stress that comes along with a broke down vehicle.
What we are talking about here is not a magic way to get a broken car started, but simply a list to help you understand different problems and their causes. This will hopefully help give you a better understanding of what to do in a similar situation.
No-Crank, No-Start
If you go to start your vehicle and it does nothing when you turn the key, then chances are you are dealing with a low/dead battery or an electrical issue. You could have a bad connection or blown fuse, but low/no power is usually the result of a dead or dying battery.
Dead Battery and a broken Terminal were causing a no-crank no-start issue on this Hyundai
If you go to start your vehicle and everything powers up but does not respond when you attempt to start it then you could be dealing with a theft system/security issue or an ignition system issue. When you turn the key it will send a signal from the ignition switch to the starter, so if there is no response when turning the key then the common spot for failure is the ignition switch.
If you go to start your vehicle and it powers up, but only ‘clicks’ when you turn the key, then most likely you are dealing with a starter solenoid/starter motor issue. The click is the sound of the solenoid engaging but the starter not turning. Before replacing the starter, be sure that the engine still turns freely by hand. If the engine does not turn, then there is a more severe issue present. To test this, you only need a socket and breaker bar to turn the crankshaft pulley bolt.
Compression test and Cylinder inspection. Low compression was allowing it to crank and not start.
Crank, No-Start
If the engine cranks but does not turn-over, and it has a good battery, then it is going to be related to the air/fuel system and will need further diagnosis. Air, fuel, spark, and compression, an engine needs all of these things, if one is missing then it will not start.
Crank, No-Start issues can seem tricky, but if you follow the basics then you will find it. Does it have spark? Is it getting good airflow to the intake? What is the fuel pressure? If the above checks out and passes, then start checking the cylinder compression.
Remember to always keep it simple when approaching a no-start issue and do not over complicate things. If you get to the point that you cannot figure it out, look for a local mobile mechanic to come help.
Thank you for sharing your article about different car no-start issues. You have pointed out some very good points and of course some ideas of check listing about figuring out the problems. These problems are some of the major ones in which our cars fail, every now and then. I myself experienced some of these problems such as dead battery.
I had to facetime with my husband and then I was not able to fix it even with his help. What happened next is that he had to leave work and come to my help with the car.
All the best! Great points!
Awesome, I am glad you were able to get some useful information from the article 🙂 Take care!
I learned a little bit more from reading this article to identify different no-start issues. From the list, I only know from my prior experience, the case of a dying battery. For that, I bought a powerbank jump-start kit to get my car started. In fact, my car failed to start during the lockdown which got me really worried at that time. So I’m really lucky to manage to buy the jumpstarter powerbank online and it got delivered quickly. Anything other than a dead battery, I will have to call for help.
That is great to hear Richard, at least you are better prepared than most!! Feel free to ask if you ever have any automotive related questions! Take care