This article was co-authored by Jason Shackelford and by How.com.vn staff writer, Johnathan Fuentes. Jason Shackelford is the Owner of Stingray Auto Repair, a family owned and operated auto repair shop with locations in Seattle and Redmond, Washington. He has over 24 years of experience in auto repair and services, and every single technician on Jason’s team has more than 10 years of experience.
There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Is your car not starting despite having power? We’ve got you covered. There are lots of reasons why this might happen, like battery trouble, electrical problems, or faulty components. This article explains the most common causes of a car failing to start when it still has power. We’ll also include suggestions for troubleshooting specific causes, plus some honest advice about when you’re better off visiting a mechanic. Read on to learn why your car won’t crank—even if the headlights and stereo are working—and how to get it running again.
Things You Should Know
- A low battery is the most frequent cause of a car having power but not turning over. Other causes include a bad starter, a bad alternator, or electrical issues.
- If you hear clicking, whirring, or nothing at all when trying to start your car, you may have a bad starter, malfunctioning alternator, or low battery.
- Jump-start your car to charge a dead battery. Have a mechanic fix or replace bad alternators, starters, and other malfunctioning components.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Tips
- Some problems will prevent your car from starting, even if the engine cranks when you turn the key or press start. For example, your engine may crank but not start if there are problems with the car’s fuel system.Thanks
- Common fuel system problems include bad fuel injectors, clogged air intakes, a clogged fuel filter, or running out of gas due to a broken gas gauge.Thanks
Warnings
- To prevent electric shocks, use caution when attaching jumper cables to the battery terminals.Thanks
- Never touch the battery terminals, and never touch the metal part of the alligator clamps on your jumper cables until they have been completely disconnected from the battery terminals.Thanks
- Damaged, cracked, swollen, leaking, or corroded car batteries may leak battery acid, which can cause chemical burns. Wear acid-resistant worker’s gloves when handling damaged batteries.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://mechanicbase.com/troubleshooting/car-wont-start-but-radio-and-lights-work/
- ↑ https://thenewswheel.com/how-to-tell-the-age-of-a-car-battery/
- ↑ https://thenewswheel.com/how-to-tell-the-age-of-a-car-battery/
- ↑ https://mechanicbase.com/troubleshooting/car-wont-turn-over-but-has-power/
- ↑ https://mechanicbase.com/troubleshooting/car-wont-turn-over-but-has-power/
- ↑ https://mechanicbase.com/electric/alternator-symptoms/
- ↑ https://www.aa1car.com/library/troubleshoot_antitheft_system.htm
- ↑ https://vehiclefreak.com/steering-wheel-wont-lock-and-car-wont-start/
- ↑ https://www.remodelormove.com/is-it-ok-to-start-an-automatic-car-in-neutral/
- ↑ https://driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/how-to-drive-a-stick-shift/
- ↑ https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15342943/what-happens-when-the-diesel-exhaust-fluid-tank-runs-dry/
- ↑ https://mechanicbase.com/troubleshooting/car-wont-start-but-radio-and-lights-work/
- ↑ https://mechanicbase.com/engine/starter-symptoms/
- ↑ https://mechanicbase.com/troubleshooting/car-wont-start-but-radio-and-lights-work/
- ↑ https://mechanicbase.com/troubleshooting/car-wont-turn-over-but-has-power/
- ↑ https://mechanicbase.com/battery/how-to-jump-start-a-car/
- ↑ https://mechanicbase.com/troubleshooting/car-wont-turn-over-but-has-power/
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