Q: Car does not always start.

asked by on December 13, 2016

The car will goes a few days starting fine everytime. Then it will just click once when trying to start it. When hooked up to a jump (car or jump starter) usually fires up instantly. Battery is less than a year old. Had the batter and alternator checked and both are fine.

My car has 130000 miles.

This may suggest a weak battery or potentially a faulty starter solenoid. Although, a faulty starter solenoid is possible, the fact that you are able to get it started without any trouble by jumping suggests that the starter solenoid may be working properly and it is an issue of inadequate battery power to turn the motor over. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Rain is always getting onto my truck
There are several water leak issues that pertain to your truck and are addressed under technical service bulletin (TSB) 09-08-57-002D dated 02/04/2013. The TSB covers 12 different water leak repairs to the sun roof, windshield, third brake light, under seats,...
What does the malfunction indicator Warning Light mean?
The malfunction indicator Warning Light is on your instrument cluster. It illuminates when the On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation (OBD II) system detects an issue. The OBD II system monitors your vehicle’s emissions. When the malfunction indicator Warning Light is illuminated, it...
no crank with new starter, starter relay, battery, alternater.
If you tried jumping the contacts on the starter directly, then your problem is most likely a power or ground issue. The battery ground cable may not be making a good connection at the engine ground, or there could be...
CEL transmission slipping
Hi there. You definitely appear to have a voltage issue with the vehicle. From what you are can be a bad connection at the battery (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-replacement), a failing alternator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/alternator-replacement), or most commonly a bad ignition switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-switch-replacement). I usually...
Search results for Lost. My 2000 jeep Cherokee key can I get one online or were? SERVICE
You can go to the local dealer and supply your VIN number and proof of ownership. You may be able to get a new key made to match your car if your has never had the ignition key cylinder replaced....
locate fuse for windshield washer on 2002 toyota camry
The windshield wiper fuse is located in the fuse junction box under the left side of the dash. The fuse is a 25 amp fuse. It will be labeled wiper. Check the fuse to see if it is burned out....
driver side power lock doesnt work.
Thank you for writing in. There are several reasons you may be having these issues with the locks. However, without knowing what model of Chevy you are driving it is difficult to know what exact components you are working with....
Iac valve
Danny. We appreciate you contacting us and asking questions - but this issue with your Dakota is something that we really can't "guess" at what might be normal or is wrong with your Dakota. Any responsible mechanic would insist on...
My key will not turn all the way to get it out
I'll bet you need a new ignition lock. (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-diagnose-an-ignition-key-that-won-t-turn) In some cases that will mean replacing a whole lock assembly, and in others it will just mean replacing a lock cylinder. That will mean a new key, so if you...

Related articles

How Can I Prevent My Car Battery From Dying?
Your Your car battery is one of the most important parts of your car’s electrical system. Without the battery, your car simply isn’t going to work. Your battery works hard, and eventually, it’s going to wear out. So, how long...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If Safety is #1
Maybe Maybe you’re a parent buying the first car for your teenager, or perhaps you’re a new parent and the safety of your little one is of the utmost importance. Or perhaps you're a safety-minded individual looking to make a...
How Long Do Battery Terminal Ends Last?
A A properly working charging system is an essential part of keeping a car reliable. Each of the components of a charging system has a specific job that it must perform in order for the vehicle to run properly. In...