My Car’s Light Is Showing But It Won’t Start, What’s Wrong?

• Imagine this scenario: you wake up in the morning, get ready, and get in the vehicle to work, but it won’t start. 
• This situation is common among drivers, and you may have experienced it once or twice, even with proper maintenance. 

Unfortunately, reasons for cars not starting differ from time to time, and you may even notice various presenting symptoms. For instance, you may notice the car clicking or cranking, indicating different problems.

So, why is your car’s light showing but the car has refused to start? We look into all of that in this article.

The Different Reasons for Cars Not Starting

A faulty battery is the most typical reason why your car isn’t starting. It could be dead or corroded, with the former meaning that you need a replacement or a jump start. As for the latter, you’ll need to clean the car battery before trying it again.

Additionally, it could be a bad starter motor. If that’s the case, the presenting symptoms would be a single click followed by silence whenever you try to start the engine. The starter motor physically turns the engine over to turn it on. If it can’t do that, then your engine won’t start.

Also, the timing belt, which controls the engine valves’ opening and closing, could be damaged. If this is the case, you risk extensive engine damage; hence, keeping the belt well maintained is vital, and replacing it when necessary. Nevertheless, if the timing belt is damaged, the car might crank without starting when you turn the key.

Other situations that lead to the car cranking include a clogged fuel filter and a failed fuel pump. Both prevent the engine from getting enough fuel leading to failed performance.

Despite the symptoms, it’s impossible to confirm why you’re having engine trouble without looking under the hood. Also, there may be other reasons for the malfunction, so it’s best to consult a mechanic when you’re in doubt. They are less likely to make a mistake resulting in further engine trouble.

What About if the Lights are on, but the Car Won’t Start

If your car won’t start, but the light turns on, your battery is likely fully functional. However, there may be something else preventing engine ignition, and often it’s a faulty ignition coil. If the coil isn’t working as it should, it can’t convert enough of the battery’s voltage into the electric spark that ignites the fuel.

Experts note that you can figure this out within minutes by checking the strength of the current going through the ignition coil with a multimeter. This tool can take readings of the voltage, resistance, and electrical current going through the coil. However, you may not have the tool if you’re not a mechanic.

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Changing an ignition coil is easy if you have one nearby. However, you must be careful handling the battery and wires connected to it; otherwise, you’ll get electrocuted.

Conclusion

Many different reasons could prevent your car from starting. It’s never just one thing, and the next time your car decides to not start, it could be any of the above-listed reasons. In that case, drive it to a mechanic shop, especially if it’s not concerning a dead battery.