Car Won't Start?
Find Out What’s Wrong

The most common reason a car will not start — particularly after a period of inactivity or in cold weather. Symptoms include slow or no cranking, dashboard lights dimming when the key is turned and a single click or no sound at all. Jump starting confirms the battery is at fault. A battery that needs jump starting regularly has reached the end of its life and needs replacement.

If the battery is fully charged but the engine will not crank the starter motor may have failed. A single loud click when the key is turned (with dashboard lights remaining bright) indicates the solenoid is working but the motor is not. A grinding noise during cranking suggests the starter drive gear or flywheel ring gear is worn.

Check the fuel gauge — a faulty fuel level sender can give a false reading. If fuel delivery is confirmed the fuel pump may have failed. A failed fuel pump typically gives no warning — the engine will crank normally but will not fire because no fuel is reaching the injectors.

Modern vehicles use a transponder chip in the key that communicates with the immobiliser. If the key battery is flat or the transponder has failed the immobiliser will prevent the engine from starting even though it cranks normally. The immobiliser warning light typically illuminates. Try the spare key first before assuming an immobiliser fault.

The crankshaft position sensor tells the ECU the exact position of the crankshaft — essential for triggering fuel injection and ignition at the correct moment. Complete failure of this sensor prevents the engine from starting. The engine will crank normally but will not fire. An engine management light may be present and fault codes will confirm the failed sensor.