My car won't start
It is almost always one of three things: a battery that is dead or has a bad connection, a starter that has worn out, or a fuel or ignition problem that keeps the engine from catching. The sound it makes tells us which. A rapid click is battery, one loud click is usually the starter, and a normal crank with no start is fuel, spark, or a security issue.
What to do right now
- 1Listen once. Turn the key or press start and note the sound: rapid clicking, one hard click, a slow lazy crank, a normal crank that never catches, or nothing at all. Do not keep trying more than two or three times; you can cook a starter or drain what is left of the battery.
- 2Check the dash. If the lights are dim or dead, it is the battery or a corroded terminal. If the dash is bright and it still will not turn over, that points to the starter or a neutral safety switch.
- 3Try the basics. Shift to Park, then Neutral, and try again. Press the brake firmly on push-button cars. Try the spare key; a dead key fob battery can block the start on some cars.
- 4If you jump it and it starts, drive straight to us. Do not shut it off at the gas station. If it dies while driving after a jump, that is the alternator, not the battery.
What it usually is
Battery replacement
Miami heat kills batteries early. Rapid clicking or dim lights almost always means a battery that is done, or a terminal that has corroded green under the cover.
See the serviceStarter and alternator
One loud click with bright dash lights is the classic worn starter. A car that starts on a jump and dies later is the alternator not keeping up.
See the serviceCar diagnostics
If it cranks normally but never fires, we test fuel pressure, spark, and the security system before anyone guesses at parts.
See the service