Electrical
    high urgency
    car
    truck

    Why Won't My Car Start?

    Typical repair cost: $0–$900

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    Common Symptoms

    No crank, no click
    Clicks but won't crank
    Cranks but won't fire
    Starts then dies
    Slow crank

    Most Likely Causes

    1

    Dead or weak battery

    Cause of ~50% of no-start calls. Test resting voltage (~12.6V) and CCA under load.

    2

    Failed starter motor

    Single click with good battery voltage usually means a failed starter solenoid.

    3

    Bad alternator

    If the car ran fine then died and won't restart, the alternator likely failed and drained the battery.

    4

    Failed fuel pump

    Cranks but no fire, and you don't hear the pump prime when you turn the key on.

    5

    Bad ignition switch or security system

    Theft-deterrent lockout shows on dash; some keys need re-programming.

    How a Shop Diagnoses It

    1. 1.Test battery: ≥12.4V resting, ≥10V while cranking, and a CCA load test.
    2. 2.Voltage-drop test the battery cables and ground straps (≤0.3V).
    3. 3.Listen for the fuel pump priming for 2 seconds when key is turned on.
    4. 4.Pull codes — modern cars store crank/no-start data even when off.

    When to see a professional

    Call a mobile mechanic or tow if a jump doesn't hold for 30 minutes of driving — repeated jumps damage modern electronics.

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