Q: Sometimes I have to jitter the key after I turn it all the way or the car will keep cranking or die just to get it started
Especially in the morning or just starting it during errands,etc.my car won't start right. She will crank but won't turn over unless I jitter the key or let her die so I can start her over again-in which case she starts right up. I have been to the dealership and a dependable automotive shop many times with this problem. They all tell me the starter and alternator are good. I have replaced the battery, spark plugs, fuel pump, fuel filter, etc. The ignition hasn't been replaced-could it be this? What actually is wrong? -Baffled in Poughkeepsie,NY
My car has 84610 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
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
What others are asking
Check Engine and Service 4 Wheel Drive lights on.
Hi there. These issues that you are having would not be related to a tune up or oil change, though they should be done if they are over due. Since the check engine light is on you need to start...
Blown gasket
The smell of gasoline in the coolant is a sure sign of an internal engine problem. It may be a bad head gasket or even a crack in the engine. This engine in particular is known for head gasket failures....
Driver's side door won't open from outside
Hello. This is a common issue. The door handles are linked to the latch assembly via metal rods. The rods are inserted into the door handle which is made of plastic. Over time, the plastic part of the door handle...
Truck not starting after oil change
From the description provided, it seems that your son is experiencing a hard start condition on the Ford Ranger. The symptoms you describe can be duplicated by many different faulty components. These include parts such as a faulty fuel pressure...
There's a lot of smoke coming from my exhaust pipe when I push on the gas or going fast
Hi there. Normally, when smoke blows from the exhaust while you're under acceleration it is due to worn out or damaged piston rings. If this happens while you're driving down the road under normal throttle, it could be caused by...
Why is my steering wheel squeaking?
If you hear the steering wheel squeaking when you turn it, there is a possibility that something inside the steering column has come loose or is broken. The air bag clock spring is a common cause for a noise in...
Installing an external horn because the original horn is not working
Hello. There are several types of aftermarket horns (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-replace-a-car-horn-by-mia-bevacqua) that you can purchase and install. There are a few aspects you will want to consider before you look to purchase one. Different styles of horns are designed to have toggles...
What could cause loud clicking/clunking sound from front. Temp gauge fluttering
Hi There, it sounds like you may have two separate issues going on here. The clicking/clunking noise sounds like a bad CV joint. A CV (Constant Velocity) joint is a shaft that connects the transmission to the wheels, essentially transferring...
I have a 2006 Pontiac grand prix. The engine shut down on me, but everything still works inside the car. This is the second time
Depending on what fuse you are referring to, this may impact whether or not the car will start. There are a number of relays that will affect the ability of the car to start such as a starter relay, a...
Related articles
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Instrument Voltage Regulator
Common signs include dim or flickering gauges, inaccurate or erratic readings from the voltage regulator, and an inoperable instrument cluster.
Symptoms of Bad or Failing Spark Plugs
Common signs of faulty spark plugs include slow acceleration, loss of power, poor fuel economy, engine misfires, and difficulty starting the car.
How Long Does an Ignition Trigger Last?
In In order to crank a car, there are elements of the electrical and the fuel system that have to work together. As the car key is turned over, the ignition coil will have to let out a spark that...
Browse other content
Cities
Maintenance