Have you ever been frustrated after getting in your car and turning the key, only to have nothing happen? But hold on, the radio still functions! What might the issue be?
This is a frequent problem that many car owners deal with. The engine won’t start, but the radio might be functional. Having a crucial appointment can make this issue confusing.
However, you may do a few things to solve the problem before you freak out and contact a tow truck. Watch out this video to know in detail.
This video will examine the causes of why the car won’t start, but the radio works and the typical remedies to get your vehicle back on the road.
We’ll review the most typical problems, such as dead batteries and malfunctioning starters, and provide easy and practical solutions.
Possible Causes of a Car Not Starting
Battery Related Issues
A dead or failing battery is the most frequent cause of a car not starting. You are mistaken if you believe that your battery is in excellent condition solely because of the lights and radio function. This observation does not prove that the battery is functional.
A dead battery can’t keep a charge on itself. It will function, but not enough current will be generated. There isn’t much power needed to run the radio and the lights. To power it up, only 30 amps are required.
Your engine requires roughly 10 times the current to start compared to this. Therefore, the power source is likely to have a charge, but it may not be sufficient to start the vehicle.
Ignition System Problems
The ignition system in your car can be damaged or ineffective. Confirm whether there is any damage to its components, such as fuses or activation switches.
The proper function of an automobile’s ignition system requires a fully functional and unimpaired condition of its coil, as any impairment could hinder effective conversion from low to high voltage.
When you find your car with its indicator lights on but cannot start or make any noises, there’s a chance that it could be because of an issue with the ignition switch.
Furthermore, it can make the dashboard lights flicker and stay on. It is critical to check the fuse because a blown fuse could result in an issue with the ignition switch.
Bad Wiring Connections
You might want to inspect all of the electrical circuits related to your car’s battery, as well as the wire connections and beginning valve electrical components.
Check for any indications of rusted electrical parts or unclean, faulty wiring that could affect the operation of the car’s mechanics.
Additionally, ensure there are no loose connections or wiring, as this could be another explanation for why your car won’t start yet the lights are working.
It is crucial to examine its fuse because a blown fuse could cause an ignition switch malfunction.
Fuel Pump Issues
You need both petrol and electricity to start the engine. These are the main parts that start and maintain the vehicle’s motion. The fuel system should be the next place you check if the electrical system is not to fault.
Fuel cannot be delivered to the engine by a broken fuel pump. You may hear whining as the fuel pump malfunctions, and the engine’s performance may decrease.
Troubleshooting Steps
Check the Battery Connections
A defective or dead battery is the most frequent cause of a car not starting. It’s possible that there isn’t sufficient energy in the battery to ignite the engine, even if your radio functions.
You can visually inspect the battery terminals to ensure the battery connectors are tight and secure. You may be able to identify the issue’s root cause if you discover any frayed wires or corroded connectors.
See whether the problem is resolved by cleaning them well with a wire brush.
Check the Ignition Switch
If your car’s battery is in satisfactory condition and fully charged, but the car’s engine still won’t start, the ignition switch may be to blame. It may become challenging to start the vehicle when the ignition switch ages.
If this is the problem, try switching on the headlights to see if it helps. It’s probably an ignition switch issue if your headlights are dim or won’t turn on.
Check the Starter Motor
The damaged starter of the car can prevent it from starting, but a damaged or worn-out starter motor may lead to issues with starting the engine.
Turn the ignition key to check this while someone else taps the starter with a hammer. If the car’s engine initiates, the starter motor is probably wrong.
Check the Fuel System
Last but not least, make sure that the fuel pump is operating correctly and that there is sufficient gasoline in the tank. No matter how much power the battery has, your engine will only start if the fuel pump feeds it.
The Conclusion
The ignition system is considered one of the most complex systems in your car. Many components must work together for your engine to start. Each component needs to be in working order for your vehicle to start. It is not merely reliant on a functional battery.
Even if the radio is working, your battery needs fixing. The energy demanded by starting an automobile is 10 times higher than that consumed by powering up a radio. The root cause of the challenge faced while trying to start your car might be weak batteries.
Your automobile might not start for various causes besides those mentioned above. All of these are distinct. You can appropriately identify the malfunctioning component by using the symptoms that they produce.
You may start fixing your car once you accurately determine the component needing replacement.
