Q: When turning the key to start the car sometimes the engine turns over and starts sometimes it doesn't .

asked by on February 06, 2017

Already cleaned the battery terminals what next ?

My car has 100000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Battery is dead Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Starter Replacement $169.22 - $1153.49 Get a Quote
Car is not starting Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Be sure you have a fully charged battery that passes a load test. Starters motors can display intermittent operation if they are faulty. With a fully charged battery, if the starter motor does not run that signifies an electrical problem in the starter circuit or a problem with the starter motor itself. If there is power to the starter motor and yet it doesn’t run, the starter is condemned and replaced. Alternatively, if there is no power to the starter, or there is a big voltage drop anywhere on the circuit to the starter, then the circuit has to be traced until the fault in the circuit is found. Notably, faults can include high resistances, due to corrosion, wire strand breaks, or loose terminals, which can only be diagnosed using a voltage drop test. Regardless of what the underlying cause of the no start condition is, if you desire that a certified mechanic resolve this promptly, please simply request a no start diagnostic and the responding mechanic will get it diagnosed and repaired for you. Please let us know if you have further concerns or questions as we are always here to help you.

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

Warning lights and loss of power
When the EML light comes on there could be a range of issues from big to small. The main issue with this is that when the vehicle sets this light, it will also put the car into a limp home...
Dash lights on, everything fine on checkup
The reason your Check Engine Light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-does-the-check-engine-warning-light-mean) is on would depend on what the particular code stored states. As for this issue, I would recommend getting an engine diagnostic performed by a certified technician. Engine issues typically do not cause...
Is there a way to find what past work has been done on my used vehicle?
Hi, thanks for writing in. There is not really a way to tell when and if the spark plugs were changed. A good mechanic, however will be able to remove them without breaking them and tell you whether or not...
what would cause leak of brake fluid that leaves puddle behind rear driver wheel
The best way to inspect an issue like this is to look for the leak. The easiest way to do this is to remove the front tire. Open the hood and locate the master cylinder. Start with a full reservoir,...
My tire blew on my 2016 Ford Fusion and theres a line or cord broken. Since than I noticed that my rear park aid, hill assist, and
If you are referring to an "electrical wire" breaking, then the answer is, "yes", a break in the wire could account for the malfunctions you have noted. If the damage is limited to just the wiring, a certified mechanic could...
Grinding noise while driving and turning right.
The origin of the noise should be apparent to a mechanic once he or she road tests the vehicle. If not, installing remote wireless chassis ears at a few key spots in the front end will pinpoint the origin of...
Replacing plug on Carburetor
The plug is designed to prevent tampering although you should examine the plug to be sure it is not also intended to prevent the mixture screw from moving once the adjustment is made. If the plug is only "concealing" the...
I had O2 sensor replaced twice in 4 months, but the engine light came on again 2011 Audi A6.
Hi there. If the check engine light is still on for the oxygen sensors, look at the description of the code to see if the sensor relates to a lean or rich condition. If the code does not, then there...
Check engine light was on and now temperature gauge go hot ? i replace the thermostat but still go hot .help ?
It sounds like you may have a number of issues going on. Overheating can be caused by a number of things such as low coolant levels, a faulty thermostat (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/thermostat-replacement), a clogged radiator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/radiator-replacement) or a failing coolant fan switch....

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2009 Mazda Tribute Hybrid
2009 2009 marked the end of the very short life of the Mazda Tribute Hybrid. All told, the automaker produced fewer than 700 models, and it was ultimately retired well before the Tribute itself ceased production in 2011. For the...
A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 Mazda CX-7
If If you want an SUV, but don’t care as much about the “utility” part as you do the “sport” features, you should take a look at what the 2012 Mazda CX-7 has to offer. Key Features With a turbo...
Understanding the Mazda Oil Life Monitor and Service Indicator Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Mazda Oil Life Monitor system indicates when and what service your car needs.