What to Do When Car Wont Start but Battery Works

Picture this – it’s a busy morning and you’re already late for work. You hop in your car, turn the key, and nothing happens. Your heart sinks as you try again and again, but still no luck. You check the battery and it seems to be working just fine, leaving you feeling frustrated and confused. We’ve all been there before, and it’s never a pleasant experience.

A car that won’t start can be a major inconvenience, especially when you have places to be and things to do. It’s one of those situations that can leave us feeling helpless and unsure of what to do next. Do we call a mechanic? Ask for help? Or simply give up altogether? The good news is that there are a few things you can try before resorting to drastic measures.

In this article, we’ll explore some common reasons why your car may not start even when the battery seems to be working properly. We’ll also provide some helpful tips and tricks on what to do when your car won’t start so that you can get back on the road in no time. So sit back, relax, and let’s get started!

Common Reasons Why a Car Won’t Start Even Though the Battery Seems to be Working

1. Fuel Problems

One of the most common reasons for a car not starting, even though the battery seems to be working fine, is fuel-related issues. It could be that there is no fuel in the tank or that the fuel pump is broken and not delivering enough fuel to the engine. If you suspect this might be the problem, try adding some gasoline to your tank.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Check to make sure you have gas in your tank.
• Listen for a buzzing sound when you turn the key in the ignition. If you don’t hear anything, it’s likely that your fuel pump is not working correctly.
• If you hear a buzzing sound but still suspect that your fuel pump might be faulty, check your car manual for instructions on how to test it using a multimeter.

2. Faulty Starter Motor

Another common reason why a car won’t start, even if the battery seems okay, is that there could be an issue with your starter motor. The starter motor is responsible for turning over the engine when you turn the key in the ignition.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• If you hear a clicking noise when trying to start your car but nothing happens, it’s probably due to a faulty starter motor.
• You can try tapping on your starter motor with a hammer or another hard object while someone else tries to start your car. This might help get it going temporarily until you can replace it.
• If tapping on it doesn’t work and you’re unsure how to replace it yourself, take it into a mechanic who can diagnose and fix any issues with your starter motor.

3. Ignition Switch Problems

The ignition switch is the component that connects your car’s battery to its starter motor and other electrical components. If there’s an issue with the switch, your car may not start even if the battery is perfectly fine.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• If you turn the key in the ignition and nothing happens, it could be due to a faulty ignition switch.
• You can try jiggling your key or turning it on and off several times to see if this helps get your car started. However, this is only a temporary fix, and you should get it checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.

How to Test Your Car’s Battery to Make Sure It’s Functioning Properly

Testing your car battery is essential because it determines whether or not your car will start properly. Before running any tests, make sure that all electrical systems are turned off.

1. Check Voltage Output

To test your car battery, you’ll need a voltmeter. Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to the positive terminal on your battery and the negative lead to the negative terminal.

• If your battery voltage reads between 12.4V – 12.7V, then it’s fully charged.
• If it reads below 12V, then it needs charging or replacing.

2. Load Testing

Load testing involves putting a load on your battery while monitoring its voltage output.

• To perform this test, connect a load tester across your battery terminals and turn on the load for around 15 seconds.
• If the voltage drops below 9.6V during this time, then your battery needs replacing.
• If it stays above this threshold, then your battery is healthy.

Other Components to Check When Troubleshooting a Car That Won’t Start

If you’ve checked the battery, fuel tank, starter motor, and ignition switch and still can’t get your car started, there are a few other things you can try.

1. Check Fuses

Faulty fuses can cause electrical problems in your car, including preventing it from starting. Locate the fuse box in your vehicle and check if any of the fuses have blown or become damaged.

2. Inspect Spark Plugs

Spark plugs ignite the fuel in your engine to start it. Inspect them for signs of wear and tear or damage and replace them if necessary.

3. Examine Belts and Hoses

If belts or hoses are broken or worn out, they could be preventing your engine from starting correctly. Look for any signs of damage on these components and replace them if necessary.

Can a Faulty Alternator or Starter Motor Prevent a Car from Starting Even if the Battery is Good?

Yes, a faulty alternator can cause problems with starting even if the battery is perfectly fine. The alternator charges the battery while driving, so if it’s not working correctly, the battery will eventually lose power even though it’s fully charged.

Similarly, a faulty starter motor can also prevent a car from starting even if the battery is good. The starter motor turns over the engine when you turn the key in the ignition, but if it’s not working correctly, nothing will happen.

Telltale Signs of an Ignition Switch Causing Starting Problems and How to Fix It

Some common symptoms of an ignition switch causing starting problems include:

• Difficulty turning the key in the ignition
• The car not starting at all, or only starting intermittently
• Electrical systems not working correctly

If you suspect that your ignition switch is causing starting problems, it’s best to get it checked out by a mechanic. They can diagnose any issues and replace the switch if necessary.

DIY Solutions for Addressing Starting Issues with Your Car or Should You Always Take it to a Mechanic?

If you’re experienced with car repairs, some common starting issues can be fixed yourself. These include replacing spark plugs, checking and replacing fuses, and examining belts and hoses.

However, if you’re unsure what’s causing your car not to start, it’s always best to take it to a mechanic. They have the expertise and equipment needed to diagnose any issues correctly.

How Extreme Weather Conditions Can Affect Your Car’s Ability to Start and What Steps You Can Take to Prevent This From Happening

Extreme weather conditions such as cold temperatures can affect your car’s ability to start. Cold weather can cause battery power output to decrease, making it harder for your engine to turn over.

To prevent this from happening, make sure that your battery is fully charged before driving in cold weather conditions. Additionally, try using an engine block heater or parking in a garage where possible.

Steps to Take If Your Car Won’t Start in an Emergency Situation, Such as Being Stranded on the Side of the Road

If your car won’t start while stranded on the side of the road during an emergency situation, take these steps:

• Try jump-starting your car using jumper cables if another vehicle is available.
• If jump-starting doesn’t work or isn’t possible, call a tow truck to have your car towed to a mechanic.
• Make sure that you and any passengers are safe by staying in your car with the doors locked while waiting for help to arrive.

In conclusion, if your car won’t start but the battery works, there could be various underlying issues such as a faulty starter, alternator or ignition switch. It is crucial to diagnose the problem correctly and seek professional help to fix the issue and prevent further damage.

Frequently Asked Questions about What to Do When Car Wont Start but Battery Works

What does it mean when my car won t start but my battery and alternator are fine?
In the event that you have replaced your battery but your engine still won’t start, the issue may actually be an engine problem. An engine that is seized will not turn over, which can appear similar to a dead battery or faulty starter. If you believe that the problem may be related to the engine, it may take a significant amount of time to diagnose and fix.

Why won’t my car start even when I jump it?
If your car is having trouble starting, there could be an issue with the ignition switch, alternator, battery, starter, or fuse. Additionally, your safety switch, which prevents the transmission from starting unless the car is in park or neutral, could also be broken and preventing your car from starting.

Can you jump a car with a bad starter?
If your car has a bad starter, you can’t usually jump-start it without fixing the starter first. When the battery is dead, you can use jumper wires or boosters to provide power. This involves using another battery to supply the necessary electricity to start the car.

Can you jump-start a car with a bad alternator?
It’s possible to jump-start a car with a faulty alternator by using the proper method.

Why is my car clicking but wont start with jumper cables?
If you hear a fast clicking sound from your car, it may be a sign that your starter motor is not receiving enough electrical current to engage. Essentially, the solenoid is attempting to engage but cannot establish a connection.

How much does it cost to fix a starter?
The expense of replacing a starter varies depending on whether you use rebuilding materials or buy a new one. Rebuild parts can cost anywhere from $50 to $350, while a new starter might cost between $80 and $350. Hiring a skilled mechanic to replace or rebuild the starter can cost between $150 and $1,100.