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Car Won’t Start

If the car does not start, first note what happens: nothing at all, clicking, slow cranking, or normal cranking without the engine firing. Each points to different causes.

Normal risk

Not a driving risk, but do not keep cranking for long: it drains the battery and can overheat the starter.

Short answer · Why won't my car start?

No sound or dim lights point to the battery. Clicking points to a weak battery or the starter. Normal cranking without starting points to fuel, ignition, the crankshaft sensor or the immobiliser. Check for an immobiliser or key warning on the dashboard and try the spare key.

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Safe checks you can do

  1. Watch the dashboard lightsDim or flickering lights mean a weak battery.
  2. Listen to what happensSilence, clicking, slow cranking or normal cranking each point elsewhere.
  3. Try the spare keyRules out key and immobiliser problems.

Questions that narrow it down

  1. Does the engine crank?No cranking: battery or starter. Cranking: fuel, spark or sensors.
  2. Is there a key or immobiliser warning?Points to the immobiliser.
  3. Is the fuel gauge working?An empty tank or faulty gauge.

Possible causes

Listed without ranking. Use the questions above to see which ones fit your car.

  1. Flat or weak batteryMost common in cold weather.
  2. Starter motor faultClicking or no cranking.
  3. Immobiliser not recognising the keyCranks but does not start, or starts and dies.
  4. No fuel or fuel pump failureCranks without firing.
  5. Crankshaft sensor failureNo rpm signal while cranking.

Questions about Car Won’t Start

How long should I crank?

No more than about 10 seconds at a time, with pauses between attempts.

Can a jump start help?

If the battery is flat, yes. Follow the steps in your owner's manual.