Q: Car not starting when key turned

asked by on March 17, 2016

My car will not start. When I turn the key, I get no response. The lights do not come on and the car is totally dead.

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

Noise in pulley area
Your serpentine belt may be due for a change. Over time the rubber in the belt can get worn or glazed which will cause the belt to squeak. It is also possible that a bearing in one of the drive...
Ignition key does not open/lock driver door lock
It depends on the problem. If you have had the ignition lock replaced and are using the key that came with it then it will not have cuts on the key for the door. Make sure you are using the...
In traffic when accelerating, engine hits over-rev protection
Hello there, thank you for asking about your 1989 Dodge Ramcharger. Check the transmission fluid to be sure the transmission is not being starved of fluid while operating. Otherwise it sounds like there is trouble in the transmission valve body...
Gap between car stereo and dashboard
Hello. While DIN and Double-DIN standards specify height, width, depth, etc. of audio equipment packaging standards, it does not take into account any trim dimensions - which may not be the same for all manufacturers. I would check back with...
Wheel bearing
Wheel bearings can be difficult to locate which of the four is making the noise. I've spent to much time crawling around a car while another technicians drives attempting to figure out which bearing is making the noise. You can...
Rough idle when cold
Hello, As a general rule, car engines do not like cold weather and will generally require more fuel in cold operating temperatures. When you start your car in the morning and turn the key to on, the coolant temperature sensor...
My car won't accelerate fast even if I have the gas pedal all the way down
This may be a result of low transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) or potentially a faulty transmission control module. A faulty transmission control module may cause a delay in acceleration or erratic shifting of gears. The transmission control module has various sensors...
Epc light on a 2009 audi a4 quattro centre brake light warning also wont start
Missing or malfunctioning lights will not prevent the car from starting. If the brake light switch is faulty that might prevent shifting out of Park once the car is running as the switch is part of the safety interlock to...
Our Honda Civic Ex starts and drives but loses the ability to accelerate which causes us to stop cut the car off then on,drive
This can be caused by a few different problems. First have computer tested for stored codes to see if it points you to the problem like a clogged fuel filter or a bad catalyst in the exhaust. If this has...

Related articles

5 Essential Things to Know About Your Car's Anti-Theft Device
Your Your car’s anti-theft device is installed in an effort to help protect your investment from thieves. Most cars today include a variety of these devices and systems that not only protect the car, but also deter theft in the...
How to Get a Replacement Car Key
Lost car keys can be extremely frustrating. Try to find missing keys first, then call a local locksmith to see if they can make a replacement car key.
How to Replace Ignition Cables (Spark Plug Wires) in Your Car
The ignition cable, or spark plug wire, carries a signal from your vehicle’s computer to the spark plugs. This is crucial to the ignition system.