Q: Car won't turn over

asked by on December 28, 2015

Car has a new starter, but will not turn over. The battery also is good.

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

Hello, when a vehicle doesn’t start,there are two things to check, the base engine and the electrical circuits to the starter motor. The base engine is easy to check, by seeing if the crank rotates with a ratchet and socket on the damper bolt. If the crank fails to turn, a base engine problem needs to be looked at. For the starter there are two wires at the starter, a big red wire that usually comes from the battery and a smaller wire that is connected to the solenoid. The larger wire should have 12v at all times and the smaller wire should have 12v with the key in the start position. If there is no power present at the starter at either wire then some electrical testing will need to be performed. With no power present and the smaller wire the circuit will have to be traced back to a relay and the relay traced back to the ignition switch. You may need the aid of a mechanic to check the motor and the electrical system of the starter.

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

AC not cooling
Sounds like you may be having two issues. The A/C and the fan work completely independent from each other. The A/C is a sealed system that routes cold refrigerant into a radiator like part called an evaporator. The evaporator is...
Overheating after thermostat replacement
Hello. You could be having a problem with your radiator being clogged up. This will cause the flow of the coolant in the system to be restricted, causing the truck to overheat. A clog in the heater core could also...
Engine misfire - 2005 Chrysler 300
Code P0300 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0300-obd-ii-trouble-code-random-multiple-cylinder-misfire-detected-by-jamahl-walker) relates to a random cylinder misfiring which can be caused by many different issues such as the following: Faulty spark plug (s) (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/spark-plugs-replacement) Faulty ignition coil (s) (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-coil-replacement) Clogged or faulty fuel injector (s) (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-injector-replacement) Intake air...
What is cost to neutralize motor mounts, I switched out front mount but now it vibrates off of frame
I believe you need to replace all of your mounts. You are saying it is touching the frame, so I would suggest the rest of them be replaced also. You may also look around and see if you have anything...
I have and evap leak. I don't know where.
If your vehicle has an EVAP system leak, the Check Engine Light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) will normally illuminate, because a Diagnostic Trouble Code has been stored, and the Mechanic can use the Code that was stored to start his or her Diagnosis....
steering wheel turned to the far right and locked in place while the wheel are straight. and I can't turn the key.
Hi there. From the description you have provided, concerning your vehicle's steering wheel is locked far right and key won't turn with the front wheels in a forward default position, is somewhat confusing to me. It could be, undo pressure...
Heat not working since my radio system and speakers been stolen out. I dont know what's wrong
Hi there. This is unfortunate and I'm sorry to hear that this has happened. It sounds like there could be either wiring or controller damage. Do any of the servos move during switch operation? If not then there is a...
Blown Head gasket or just overfilled transmission fluid?
Hi There, Transmission fluid should not have any impact on any smoke coming out of the exhaust. Chances are, if you drove the vehicle without the serpentine belt for any distance, the motor would have overheated to a critical point...
Would a leaking valve cover gasket cause a misfire?
A leaking valve cover gasket can cause a misfire if oil is leaking into the spark plug wells. But that is usually not the problem. Most often the misfire will have a separate cause. But a leaking valve cover can...

Related articles

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.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Electronic Ignition Pickup
If your car has an electronic distributor ignition system and the engine stalls or car does not start, you may have to replace the ignition pickup.
Ten Sports Cars That Double as Good Daily Drivers
The best daily driver is a car that's reliable, usable, and still fun to drive. Popular daily sports cars include the BMW M3, Subaru WRX, and VW GTI.