Car Won’t Start
Why won’t my car start? It’s the million-rand question that every driver dreads.
Car Won’t Start
Car Won’t Start
Why won’t my car start? It’s the million-rand question that every driver dreads. The truth is, there are many possible reasons — from a flat battery to more serious mechanical issues. In this article, we’ll walk you through the simple checks you can do yourself at home, and also point out the problems that are best left to a qualified mechanic.
Some of the most common causes of why a car won’t start
Flat, faulty or dead battery
- Something electrical was left on in the car, like the lights, which ran the battery down.
- You haven’t driven your car for a long time.
- A fault with one of the battery components.
If the car makes a rapid clicking sound when you turn the key but won’t start, it could be the battery
Immobiliser
Sometimes, your car’s security system might actually stop you from starting the car if it doesn’t recognise your key. This might be because the battery in your key fob is low.
Alternator
- Alternator drive belt
- Wiring
Starter motor
A symptom of a faulty starter motor might be a loud click when you turn the key in the ignition or no click at all.
Fuel Problems
- No fuel
- wrong fuel (diesel in petrol car or visa versa)
- Fuel pump issue
- Electrical or mechanical issues with the fuel system
- Fuel injectors
- Throttles
- Fuel Pressure
Electrical or wiring problems
- Fuse box
- Battery cables
- Body control unit.
Engine Problems
- Crankshaft
- Timing Belt or Timing Chain
Spark Plugs
- Flooded Petrol Engine
- Faulty Spark Plugs
- Faulty Plug Leads/Wires
Steering
If you can’t turn the key in the ignition, the steering lock might be jammed.
Low Adblue
- Many new diesel cars use a fluid called AdBlue. If your car uses AdBlue, you’ll probably need to top it up at least once between services.
- If you’ve run out of AdBlue, you won’t be able to restart the engine. You may have to call out a mechanic as some car models need software to restart them.
What is AdBlue?
AdBlue is an exhaust fluid, not a fuel additive. It’s stored in a separate reservoir and is topped up via a (usually) blue filler cap located either next to your fuel filler, in the boot or under the bonnet.
Other Car Related Issues
- Regulators
- Sensors
These are the top 12 reasons why a Car will not start.
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Car Will not Start
✅ Things you can do yourself
- Check if the battery terminals are clean and tight.
- Make sure the car is in Park/Neutral.
- Listen for a clicking sound (starter or battery issue).
- Check if lights and dashboard electronics turn on.
- Make sure there’s enough fuel.
❌ Things you shouldn’t attempt yourself
Replacing a starter motor or alternator.
Diagnosing complicated electrical issues.
Opening up the engine or transmission.
Advanced computer diagnostics (OBD-II scanning beyond simple codes).
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