Car Won't Start? Common Causes and What to Check

A vehicle that will not start can have several causes. The sound and behavior when you turn the key or press the start button can provide useful clues.

Clicking or slow cranking

A weak battery, poor connection, starter problem, or charging-system issue can cause clicking or slow cranking.

No sound at all

The issue can involve the battery, electrical connections, starter circuit, ignition switch, or other electrical components.

The engine cranks but does not start

If the engine turns over normally but does not run, the cause may involve fuel, ignition, sensors, air delivery, or another engine-management system.

Repeatedly dead battery

If a battery keeps going dead, replacing the battery without testing the charging system or checking for other electrical problems may not solve the underlying issue.

San Diego starting-system diagnosis

Joe Jr Auto Repair diagnoses battery, charging and starting-system problems at 1433 Morena Blvd in San Diego. The shop serves Bay Park and surrounding central San Diego communities.

Call (619) 276-4600 if your vehicle has a no-start or repeated dead-battery problem.