We’ve all been there – the car’s packed, and you’re ready to hit the road. However, when you go to turn the key, nothing happens. Now you’re left wondering what could possibly be wrong with it. Our team here at Certified Autoplex is going to share the top five common reasons your car won’t start, to give you a better idea of what the issue could be before you head to a mechanic.

Chances are there’s something wrong with the vehicle that needs to be fixed. However, there is a slight chance that the issue is simply human error and can be fixed without going to the shop. It’s always a good idea to go down the checklist and make sure it’s not something you can fix on your own. Check out some common human errors below:

• Be sure to fasten your seat belt; some new cars won’t start until you’re buckled up.
• Automatic vehicles must be in park to start, so adjust accordingly if needed.
• Manual drivers should make sure the clutch is pressed in far enough.
• Check your gas tank – low fuel levels could be causing issues.

Why won’t my car start?

1. Dead Battery – If there is absolutely no reaction when you turn the key, there’s a good chance the battery is dead. The battery is what supplies power to everything electrical, including lights, radio, heat, and headlights, and it could be dead from leaving one of these things on overnight. A quick jump-start should get you where you need to be in order to purchase and install a new battery.
2. Bad Starter – Sometimes the issue lies in the starter, not the battery. This could be the case if you hear a clicking noise as the vehicle tries to turn over. It could be either a loose connection or a faulty starter altogether. A jump-start should still get the vehicle started temporarily until it can be fixed.
3. Bad Ignition Switch – The ignition switch works by sending a signal to the battery to start the engine. If this part starts to fail, there won’t be as good a connection, which can ultimately result in the vehicle not starting. Dashboard light issues could indicate a faulty ignition switch.
4. Fuel Pump Issues – Low pressure in the fuel lines can prevent the fuel pump from delivering gas to the engine. This could be from regular wear and tear, blockage, or part failure. If you let your tank run empty, it could increase the risk of issues down the road.
5. Faulty Spark Plug – This would be the ideal situation because spark plugs are simple and cheap to replace. If the battery is working, the starter is good, and the fuel is flowing to the engine, then the spark plug may be the issue if your car still won’t start.

If your vehicle isn’t starting, it can be very frustrating. Any questions you may have regarding this blog can be directed to our team here at Certified Autoplex. Drivers in the Dallas area are encouraged to visit our lot to browse our large selection of pre-owned vehicles.