Q: Car won't crank or turn over, cannot be jump-started

asked by on September 21, 2016

The other day, I was about to start the car, but it wouldn't start. I turned the key in the ignition and there was only clicking sound. There is no cranking and it won't turn over. I attempted to jump-start it but the engine is unresponsive. What are the possible causes?

Starter Replacement $169.22 - $1153.49 Get a Quote
Car is hard to start Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hey there. This sounds like the starter or starter solenoid has failed. Given that jumping the battery does not work, it is more likely the starter solenoid. Have a professional mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, diagnose the starting problem in order to have this corrected properly.

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

Battery draining.
Your Saturn does not have any direct relation between the door locks and the anti-theft system from the factory. If you are having issues with both of these systems in the vehicle simultaneously and the battery is draining then it...
Which Car ?
The answer is not easy figure out when dealing with used cars because you may be getting a great car or someone's lemon. Your best bet is to first find a car within your price range, in different makes and...
Engine is slow and sluggish upon cranking
Hello there, a vehicle that dies and cannot be restarted could be one of many items. The most common would be the battery (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-replacement), fuel pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-pump-replacement), battery cables (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-cable-replacement), starter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-replacement), fuel filter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-filter-replacement), or one of many sensors....
The air and heat are acting up. When I turn the car on it makes a bubbling sound.
Hello. It sounds like you have a few different things going on here. They may or may not be related. If they all occurred at the same time, then it may be a bad electrical connection. Most of the time...
Cold air intake makes engine have sputter sound during shut down.
Hi there. This sound that you are hearing is a normal condition that is occurring. When an cold air intake (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/cold-air-intake-replacement) is installed, there is a larger area for air to accumulate and when the engine shuts off, the air...
Dodge Ram 1500 won't go over 20 miles it's a 2007
Hi Lisa. Without knowing specifics about what may have occurred prior to your truck only going 20 mph, it's hard to give you accurate advice. It's possible that your truck may have a transmission issue, which typically triggers a limp...
Why do I have black soot on my exhaust? Check Engine is not on 2004 Mercedes E320
Hello - a bit of black soot on the exhaust pipe can be due to several things that don't necessarily represent a problem. If you consistently drive short trips, where the engine doesn't have a chance to warm up completely,...
I HAVE A HIGH IDLE AT RUNNING TEMP; IF CAR IS PUT IN PARK THE IDLE CLIMBS AS HIGH AS 1700 RPMS
Hi there. Generally speaking, a high idling engine is caused by a failure of the idle control valve or a vacuum leak. It's also possible that the throttle body is damaged. You might want to have a professional mechanic come...
2016 vw tiguan ac compressor failed do i need to replace ac condenser aswell
If the failure caused the system to be contaminated with metallic debris, the condenser would certainly have to be carefully inspected and might have to be replaced depending on what that inspection reveals. If there is no system contamination from...

Related articles

How to Prevent and Handle an Overheated Engine
An overheated engine can seize the motor completely. Learn how to prevent your engine from getting too hot and causing damage.
How Long Does an Ignition Lock Assembly Last?
In In order for a car to start properly, it will need to have a functional ignition lock assembly. This assembly is where your car key will go in and helps to turn on the interior lights, as well as...
How to Deal With a Dead Battery
If your battery appears to be dead, try a few steps to start your car before determining if it needs to be replaced or towed.