Q: Car won't start, even though lights and radio working.

asked by on January 12, 2016

My car won't start, even though the lights and radio come on.

Car is not starting Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

While the lights and radio may be working in your Chrysler Sebring, if you are unable to start the car and hear the starter crank the engine over, then you may have either a weak battery, a bad starter or even possibly an electrical concern. Now if you do hear the car’s starter cranking the engine over, then the battery and starter may not be where the issue falls. If you try to start the vehicle and do not hear the starter making noise and trying to start, then we enter the path of many reasons why your car will not start. With the information provided I highly recommend enlisting the assistance of a certified mechanic to help with determining why your vehicle is not starting, and get you back on the road in the quickest time safely possible.

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

Is it a Good Idea to Get Oversized Wheels and Tires for My Car or Truck?
Your vehicle was initially designed with a specific wheel and tire combination that the manufacturer of the vehicle felt was best suited for safety and performance. Many times, the wheels and tires that come with a vehicle may seem too...
Where are the fuses located in a 2012 Nissan Altima?
If one of the electronic components in your car doesn’t work, the first thing to check is the fuse. Fuses act as protectors – if high voltage surges through the circuit, the fuse blows. This prevents damage from occurring to...
Car jerking when shifting
Hello, it sound like your automatic transmission is having a mechanical problem internally. The first thing to check is the transmission fluid level and condition. If the level is low, top it up, check the fluid condition, it should be...
Front lower control arm bushings loose
Suspension parts wear over time. The style of your driving, as well as the condition of the local roads, can have a significant effect on the amount of time it takes to wear. The suspension is one big system; it...
Security system shut down power
The factory security system on this truck only shuts down the fuel system. This will allow the engine to crank and just not start. If there is no power at all then you have a voltage issue. If nothing turns...
The car suddenly died out at the traffic light
Hello there, many different faults can cause a vehicle to stall when stopped. A few of the most common causes would include: torque converter issues, a bad mass air flow sensor, exhaust and vacuum leaks, a faulty EGR valve, a...
Check engine running rough
You may have overfilled your engine with oil and the excessive oil started to foul out the engine cylinders. Have the oil level sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/low-oil-level-sensor-replacement) checked by having a mechanic diagnose the problem and Check Engine Light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) to see...
My 2003 Acura TL will start right up but when I put it in gear it cuts off. It will crank back up but I get the same reaction when
Several possibilities could account for this. The torque converter could be locked up. To get an "indication" of that possibility, you could try raising engine speed to around 1,800 RPM and then, with a clear path ahead, put the gear...
p2716
The trouble code P2716 will set for many reasons other than there being a defective solenoid. Consequently, the only way to reliably predict that replacing the solenoid will clear the code is to test the solenoid directly per the procedure...

Related articles

How Does a Distributor Work?
In In older cars, a distributor is one of the central parts of the ignition system. Since the early 1990's, many automakers have moved to using ignition systems without distributors. Though the number of cars with distributors has declined over...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Starter
Common signs include the engine not turning over, starter engaging but not spinning the motor, and grinding noises or smoke when starting the motor.
How to Replace an Ignition Trigger
The ignition trigger fails if the engine is misfiring or has trouble starting. The check engine light may illuminate if the ignition trigger fails.