Q: Why won't my car start?

asked by on December 05, 2016

Hi there, My car has not been starting like normal lately. Sometimes it takes a couple of tries but finally gets going. As of today, it will not turn on at all. I had the battery replaced a couple of weeks ago so I'm thinking it's the starter or alternator - but I don't know which one. I do not hear any clicking, but the lights have been dimmer than usual. My next step is to try and give it a jump, but I still feel like it will die out again in a day or so. Any ideas on what the real problem is?

My car has 120000 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


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Engine shutting down.
Thank you for your inquiry. There are different options to take into consideration with diagnosing this issue. A restriction in the fuel delivery system is a likely cause. The fuel builds too slowly, enough to start the vehicle, but not...
Exhaust blowing gray blue smoke when accelerating
Hello. If this occurred right after the oil was replaced, then you need to check the oil level. The symptoms you are having are consistent with someone putting way too much oil in the engine. If this was the case,...
Removing the rear reflectors from the bottom of the car
The reason they do that is to make them more aerodynamic, so that they get better gas mileage ratings for the Federal Government and so that they get points from the government. So go ahead and take them off if...
Knocking sound when driving. Disasters when braking or accelerating.
If the knocking only appears when you are at cruise and becomes more frequent as you go faster, then you may have an axle inner joint or a transmission mount or engine mount issue. This may be why the noise...
My car has been having issues staring I turn the key and no clicking or sound happens lights still work and I know not battery
There are several issues that could possibly cause this issue. A bad connection (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/electric-problems-inspection), a failed starter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-replacement) (or starter solenoid), a bad relay (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-relay-replacement), or any number of other possibilities. It would be best to have a certified mechanic...
Won't start
A number of faults can occur when an engine overheats. If the engine was overheated severely, it is possible that the engine has internal damage and has seized. Also, engine electronics are very sensitive to heat and liquids. If coolant...
I'm kinda stuck- with a seized caliper pin, rear brake- 2008 Altima coupe. I already purchased the new pads and rotors- but don't
Hi Kim: If the pin is stuck in the torque plate, due to corrosion, there is no need to remove the pin because the torque plate will not be re-usable. A new torque plate will be required and you will...
Heat and AC fan not working on 2007 chevy Cobalt.
You should first check the fuse labeled BCM 3 in the engine fuse box and then if it is good then check blower motor for power when system is on? If blower has power but does not turn then try...

Related articles

A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 Honda Crosstour
There There could be a number of reasons an SUV isn’t right for you: the price, the size, their mpg, etc. However, there could also be a number of reasons you’d really like to have some extra space. If that’s...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're in a Wheelchair
Being Being in a wheelchair means you have a very specific list of demands, and requests for your vehicle. The main focus is of course how you will get in and out of the vehicle. There are some other aspects...
The Top 5 Selling Cars in Alaska in 2012
Alaska Alaska requires a different kind of vehicle to handle both the terrain and the wintery conditions. While some of the most popular options for the Alaskan terrain in previous years included options such as the Subaru Forester and the...