Q: My car is not starting and does not make any noises while attempting to start

asked by on June 04, 2016

I tried to start my car this morning but it simply would not start. When I turn the key, there are neither clicking noises nor cranking noises. There are no noises at all - it's like the car doesn't even have an engine. My key is able to turn normally and the lights/radio/AC inside the car come on as well. This leads me to believe it's not a battery problem (the battery is 2.5 years old). The check engine light is the one and only light that comes on. There are no security/anti-theft lights that come on. Any information regarding this problem would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

My car has 79500 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

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

Hello there. A few problems can cause the vehicle to have a crank no start and they are all electrical.

  • The most likely cause of the vehicle not starting is the battery.

  • After the battery, the starter, alternator, a parasitic drain, or fuse would be the other possible causes.

A car can turn on the accessories such as the radio and lights but not have enough power to even attempt to turn the engine over. A qualified Technician such as one from YourMechanic will be able to diagnose this no start fault and perform any necessary repairs.

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 electronic range selection (ERS)?
Electronic range selection (ERS) allows you to put a range on the gears available in your automatic transmission. If you are in “Drive,” for instance, your vehicle can use every gear. ERS allows you to set a limit for the...
How do I display the miles to empty feature?
There is a Base Message Center that logs the functions of your vehicle. You can use this message center to display your vehicle's information and features. The Miles to Empty feature will tell you how long it will be before...
Car not starting on first attempt
Hi there. Rituals aside, if the starter is grinding the when attempting to start, there is a problem with starter, or flywheel. The starter can be adjusted with shims to gain the proper clearance. In any case, both will need...
Left cap off-check engine light won't go off
Hey there. After a few ignition cycles - started, driven, and shut down - the code should erase itself if the ECU no longer sees the loose gas cap as a continuing fault. There shouldn't be any drivability problems if...
My heat blows out of the passenger vents but blows cold air out of driver vent...what is the issue???
Hey there. The temperature blend door on the left side is not switching from cold to warm. The temperature actuator needs to be replaced and the linkage checked. Have a local expert inspect the cooling system (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ac-is-not-working-inspection) to verify these...
What are the signs and symptoms of a leaking rack and pinion?
Motor vehicle safety inspections in almost all U.S. jurisdictions do not cover maintenance and ordinary wear and tear, including de minimus "leaks", unless the "defect" found creates an immediate, obvious, and direct impact on the safety of the vehicle or...
Do i have to disconnect battery to change brake pads?
Hi there. The general rule of thumb is to remove the battery cables anytime you work on any component that is electrically powered or has an electrically powered sensor. So, in this case, it would be a good idea to...
The price to repair front wheel Barron's
Hi...this services is available for your vehicle on a mobile (at your location) basis. To obtain an exact quote for wheel bearing replacement, please click on "Get a Quote" at YourMechanic's wheel bearing replacement service page (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/wheel-bearings-replacement). The quote will...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Battery Cable
If you experience problems starting and powering the car or find corrosion on the battery terminals, you may need to replace a battery cable.
How to Attach a Car Battery-Mounted Power Cut-off Switch
Many Many people who store their vehicle (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/preparing-your-car-for-long-term-storage) for a length of time like to disconnect the battery from the electrical system of the vehicle. This prevents the vehicle from unintentionally draining the battery. With the battery disconnected, the risks...
How to Buy RV Batteries
RV RV (recreational vehicle) batteries come in many different types, and what type is best depends on the useage and conditions the RV (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/5-essential-things-to-know-about-owning-an-rv) will be exposed to. Unlike cars, RV’s use multiple batteries. These batteries are used to power...