Q: Lights work, but car won't start.

asked by on December 22, 2015

All the lights work, but the engine does not turn over.

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

I would need more information to determine the problem. If you hear a clicking noise but the engine wont turn over, then your battery may not have enough charge or may have a bad connection. Test the battery, if the battery is good, then its possible you could have a bad starter, bad fuse relay or PCM. Have a technician look it over and they can test all those areas for a problem.

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

How do I use the passenger airbag sensor?
The passenger airbag sensor is located on the overhead console. The sensor detects when a person is sitting in the passenger seat, and turns on the passenger airbag. If the passenger airbag sensor says ON, or displays an airbag, then...
Faulty low air pressure sensor.
The tire pressure monitoring system will only trigger a warning light for three reasons including a low tire pressure. The other two reasons are if the computer does not detect a signal from a sensor due to it being missing...
Hear clicking sound when air conditioner is on
The clicking noise is most likely being emitted by one of the actuators that control the ducts in your air conditioning system. When they go bad they often make the clicking noise you are referring to. Depending on where the...
I have an engine light code P0507. It says that there is a high idle issue with my vehicle.
Hi there. The code P0507 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0507-obd-ii-trouble-code-idle-control-system-rpm-higher-than-expected-by-spencer-clayton) means that the idle air control valve (IAC) is registering a higher rpm than normal. Check all of the vacuum lines to the engine. A small vacuum leak will cause the engine rpm to...
Where do the two coolant lines on bottom of the thermostat run to? On a 96 Geo Tracker.
Hello. In most cases coolant hoses below or near the thermostat will run to either the vehicle's heater core, or function as bypass hoses, and connect to the manifold. If there are any ports on the manifold that are missing...
My saturn will idle at about 300-450 rpm and then eventually shut off.
Hi There, It sounds like you may have a dirty or failing idle air control valve. The idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement) monitors the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the engine at...
When i put my Car in drive or reverse i lose power but in park or netural the voltage is normal
Hello there, many faults will cause your battery light to be on when your 2005 Ford Crown Victoria is in drive or reverse. You have done well in replacing parts so far, but the vehicle must be diagnosed fully before...
Mini Cooper S 2007 overheating? Stalled while starting up again then turned off. No dash symbols. Cannot rev. No steam or leaking.
Hi there. It's 100 degrees here in Phoenix at 11:00 pst, so I understand the extreme heat! What you are describing can be caused by multiple issues, ranging from a coolant system that is clogged with debris to a failing...
Valve cover leaking on to exhaust manifold gasket can that make it blow white smoke and make CEL flash
You may have piston rings leaking compression into the crankcase causing the problem and will need to have a compression and pressure test to the cylinders to see what is leaking.

Related articles

How Much Power Does the AC Draw From the Engine?
Most cars these days come with air conditioning as a standard feature – gone are the days...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Exhaust Manifold
If the exhaust is excessively loud, there are engine performance issues, or the engine bay smells burnt, you may need to replace the exhaust manifold.
How Do I Prepare My Car for Summer?
Summer's Summer's heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic will take their tolls on your vehicle. Follow these tips to ensure optimum wellness of your car: Air Conditioning: Have your air conditioning inspected (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/heating-ac-inspection) by a qualified technician. Newer models have cabin...