Why Won’t My Car Start?
JUMP TO:
● 1. Out of fuel (ICE vehicles) or out of charge (EVs)
● 2. Dead or dying battery
● 3. Bad alternator
● 4. Battery connection issues
● 5. Fuel pump relay issues
● 6. Starter motor failure
● 7. Stuck steering wheel / jammed ignition
● 8. Spark plug issues / flooded engine
● 9. Engine issues, including timing belt or timing chain
● 10. Dead Key Fob
We've all been there — that sinking feeling when your car won’t start and your efforts to turn it on are met with a sputtering sound, a clicking sound, or dead silence. It's a frustrating, stressful situation, and one we’d like to help you get through. So, make sure you and your car are in a safe place, and let’s get right into diagnosing the problem.
Find the reason why your car won’t start by clicking the most prominent symptom in the following list, or simply scan the article to see what matches your situation before you call a mechanic.
1. Out of fuel or out of charge
Whether you’re driving a car with an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) or an electric vehicle (EV), running out of gas or charge is a common yet inconvenient problem. Luckily, it’s a pretty easy issue to solve. Here are a few ways to determine if a lack of fuel is your vehicle’s problem, what to do, and how to avoid it in the future. 
Out of fuel
Signs you’re out of fuel: The most straightforward way to know if you’re out of fuel is by looking at the fuel gauge on your vehicle’s dashboard. If the needle on the gauge is on “E,” and/or there’s a warning light or “low fuel” message, that means your tank is empty.
What to do if you’ve run out of gas: If you’re out of gas before you leave your home, have a friend or family member take you to a gas station where you can use a gasoline-safe container and grab a few gallons of gas to refuel your vehicle. If your car has broken down on the side of the road, seek roadside assistance or a towing service to help you get gas. If your car was running when you parked on a steep hill or driveway, it’s also possible it will restart on level ground.
How to avoid running out of gas in the future: Make sure you keep your gas tank filled at least a quarter of the way at all times to make sure you won’t run out of gas mid-drive.
EV battery out of charge
Signs your EV battery has been depleted
When your EV is out of battery, you’ll know. EVs typically give drivers repeated audio and visual warnings before their batteries run out of charge. Many EVs will also enter into a low power mode that can help you get to your destination if it’s not too much farther away.
What to do if your EV’s battery has no charge left: If your EV’s battery has no charge left, your best bet is to call a towing service to take your vehicle to the nearest charger. Some roadside assistance programs also offer mobile EV charging.
How to avoid running out of charge in the future: Make sure your vehicle is properly charged for the distance you’re looking to travel and try not to let it fall below 20% charge to maintain battery longevity and reduce range anxiety.
2. Dead or dying battery
No matter what you drive, no vehicle’s battery (the 12-volt battery you replace in ICE vehicles exists within most EVs, too) will last forever. The average battery life for a car, truck, or SUV is between three and five years. Your battery can get worn down by factors like extreme temperatures, humidity, heavy accessory loads, frequent starts, and more. But your battery can also be depleted by human errors, things like leaving the lights or an accessory (dashcam, radar detector, etc.) on in your car or not fully closing one of your doors.
Signs your battery is dead or dying: A few common signs that your battery is dead or dying include your vehicle starting up slowly, small electrical glitches (like odd touchscreen behavior or warning messages), starting and then stopping, making a strange clicking sound, or not starting at all. Other indicators include an illuminated battery warning on your dashboard, dim or flickering headlights, a lack of dome lighting inside your vehicle, and if your vehicle shows any signs of fluid leakage or damage to the battery.
What to do if your car battery dies: When your car battery dies, you can use jumper cables to try and bring it back to life. Unless you’re well-versed in how to jump-start a car, consider asking a professional for help when trying to restart the battery this way, as improper technique can cause more damage to your vehicle. You can also call upon roadside assistance services to replace your battery or tow you to the car’s dealership. If you’re at home and the battery discharged because you left something on, you also have the option of putting a trickle battery charger on it overnight.
How to avoid a dead car battery in the future: If you use your car primarily for short, local trips, try mixing in some 20-30-minute journeys to keep your battery healthy — this is beneficial for the engine and running gear as well. You can also prolong your vehicle’s battery life by keeping it well-maintained and avoiding excessive engine idling, especially with the air conditioning on. Test your battery’s health for free at a local car parts store to make sure it’s operating smoothly.
3. Bad alternator
Your car’s alternator transforms engine power into electricity, which charges the battery as well as powers various electrical devices within the car (like the radio). This critical piece of machinery can get worn down with age and can be further damaged by fluid leaks, electrical spikes, and salt or water intrusion. The symptoms of a failing alternator are similar to those of an exhausted battery, so here is how to tell if your alternator is the source of your vehicle’s problem, and how to avoid alternator issues going forward.
Signs your alternator is dead or dying: If your vehicle's alternator is failing, there are several telltale signs to watch for. These include dimming headlights or dashboard lights, a battery warning light on the dashboard, unusual grinding or squealing noises coming from the engine compartment, difficulty with starting or engine stalling, erratic behavior of accessories like power windows, radio, and air conditioning, or a noticeable odor of burning rubber or wiring.
What to do if your alternator dies: Unfortunately, if your alternator dies, you’ll need to get it replaced by a professional mechanic.
How to avoid alternator issues in the future: To avoid alternator issues, it's essential to keep up with your vehicle's maintenance. Regularly examine and change the car's battery, have the battery cables checked routinely for corrosion (per the next section in this article), exercise caution when using jumper cables, and avoid connecting unregulated devices that might deplete the vehicle's power.
4. Battery connection issues
Car battery connections, also known as terminals, serve the crucial purpose of linking the electrical system of a vehicle to the battery. Here are the signs of battery connection issues, what to do if you have them, and how to avoid them.
Signs of battery connection issues: If you're experiencing difficulty starting the engine, including slow cranking or repeated clicking sounds when turning the key, this could indicate a poor battery connection. Dim headlights, interior lights, or dashboard lights while trying to start the vehicle are also common indicators. Inconsistent or weak electrical accessories, such as power windows or radio, can suggest a battery connection problem. Corrosion, or a buildup of white or greenish deposits on the battery terminals and cables, can be a clear visual sign of battery connection issues, but note that it may not be visible if it’s hidden under insulation.
What to do if you have battery connection issues: If you're experiencing battery connection problems, turn off the vehicle and put on some safety gear (goggles and rubber gloves). Inspect for corrosion or loose connections on battery terminals and cables. Disconnect the battery and clean terminals and cables with a mixture of baking soda and water, then rinse and dry. Reconnect cables (positive first, then negative) securely. Apply anti-corrosion spray or petroleum jelly. Test the vehicle; if issues persist, consult a mechanic.
How to avoid battery connection issues in the future: Regularly monitor and maintain clean connections to prevent future problems and ensure your vehicle's electrical system functions reliably.
5. Fuel pump relay issues
A fuel pump relay serves as a switch that controls the electrical current to the fuel pump. When the ignition is turned on, the fuel pump relay activates, allowing power to flow from the battery to the fuel pump, ensuring that the fuel pump operates only when necessary, optimizing fuel efficiency, and preventing unnecessary power consumption when the engine is not running.
Signs of fuel pump relay issues: If you’re having fuel pump issues, your car may struggle to maintain speed, overheat, and your check engine light may be on. Other symptoms can include your vehicle stalling, experiencing power surges and poor fuel efficiency, and noise emanating from your fuel tank.
What to do if you have fuel pump relay issues: If you suspect a faulty relay, you can start by checking the relay's connections and wiring for any signs of damage or corrosion. If you confirm the relay is the issue, a professional mechanic can help you replace it if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.
How to avoid fuel pump relay issues in the future: To prevent fuel pump relay issues in the future, make sure you’re using high-quality fuel from reputable sources and regularly replace your vehicle’s fuel filter per the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions. Also, keep your gas tank at least a quarter full at all times, as repeatedly driving on empty will strain your fuel pump.
6. Starter motor failure
As its name suggests, the starter motor in your car begins the process that starts your engine. Specifically, the starter motor spins the engine's flywheel, causing it to rotate, initiating the internal combustion process, and causing the engine to run.
Signs of starter motor failure issues: When it fails, the starter motor is unable to spin quickly enough — or at all — to get the car going, resulting in a groaning, grinding, or clicking sound. You may also notice small amounts of smoke coming from the engine, lights coming on without the engine turning on, or the engine not cranking at all.
What to do if you have starter motor failure issues: Tapping the starter motor with a hammer can sometimes help in situations where the motor is failing due to worn-out brushes or stuck solenoid contacts. When you tap the starter motor, it can jolt the brushes or contacts, allowing them to make a temporary connection. Tapping the starter motor is not a permanent solution, and continuing to rely on this method can leave you stranded when the starter motor fails entirely. It's always best to have the starter motor inspected and replaced by a professional mechanic to ensure the long-term reliability of your vehicle.
How to avoid starter motor failure issues in the future: While it's not entirely possible to guarantee the prevention of starter motor failure, there are measures you can take to prolong its lifespan. Regular maintenance, including checking and cleaning battery terminals, ensuring proper electrical connections, and avoiding overuse by not attempting to start the engine repeatedly in a short span, can significantly reduce the chances of starter motor failure.
7. Stuck steering wheel / jammed ignition
Signs of a stuck steering wheel and jammed ignition issues: Your steering wheel has a locking mechanism to discourage the theft of your vehicle, but it can become stuck for a variety of reasons. Some of these reasons include ignition lock failure, a jammed column, a malfunctioning steering pump, frozen steering linkage, or engine control unit problems. If your key is stuck in the ignition, it should be fairly obvious. You won’t be able to turn the key to start the vehicle.
What to do if you have a stuck steering wheel and jammed ignition issues: If you find yourself stuck on the side of the road with a locked steering wheel that won’t let you turn the key, then first, try holding the wheel firmly and see if it will rotate just a few degrees in either direction. This may take the load off the lock and allow the key to turn. If that option fails, call for roadside assistance.
If your key won’t turn in the ignition, it could be due to your vehicle’s safety features or damage to the wafers that open and allow the key into the ignition. Sometimes, it can also be your key that’s damaged and creating problems with your ability to turn it.
If your steering wheel is locked and the key turns freely, it indicates something jammed between the steering wheel and column (headphone wire, a security badge lanyard, etc.) or an issue with the steering or assist components, whether it’s hydraulic assist or electric assist. Again, consult your preferred mechanic or dealership if you suspect this is the case.
How to avoid stuck steering wheel and jammed ignition issues in the future: If your steering wheel is constantly getting stuck, take your vehicle to an auto shop as soon as possible so a mechanic can make sure everything is operating as it should. Get regular maintenance on your vehicle to prevent these issues from occurring.
To prevent a jammed ignition, clean your keys, as debris on both the key and wafers could be obstructing an easy turn in the ignition. You can also invest in a pair of spare keys with fresh edges.
8. Spark plug issues / flooded engine
Spark plugs are small devices in the engine cylinder heads that ignite the fuel and air within the combustion chamber to create thermal expansion that turns the engine and moves the car forward.
Signs of spark plug failure or flooded engine issues: A few signs of run-down spark plugs include trouble starting your vehicle, rough idling, sluggish acceleration, engine misfires, the “check engine” light, and reduced vehicle efficiency.
By “flooded engine,” we’re not referring to your engine taking on water. A vehicle’s engine can become “flooded” when too much gasoline has been injected into the engine. The symptoms of a flooded engine include cranking normally but not starting or a strong scent of gasoline.
What to do if you have spark plug or flooded engine issues: Consult your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for information on the replacement interval for your spark plugs. If you are having any of the above issues, take your vehicle to a repair shop for spark plug replacement.
To avoid flooding your engine in the future, always give your engine a few minutes to heat up before turning it off, especially in winter temperatures. If your car exhibits signs of flooding, press the accelerator to the floor and hold it there while cranking, which tells the engine control unit to restrict fuel flow and help clear out the excess gasoline.
How to avoid spark plug issues in the future: Over time, spark plugs can become worn or fouled so staying diligent with routine maintenance can avert these issues and extend the life of your plugs and the performance of your vehicle.
9. Engine issues, including timing belt or timing chain
Signs of engine issues: An obvious sign of problems with your engine is your Check Engine Light coming on, but other signs of engine issues include a sudden loss of power while driving, lower gas mileage, unfamiliar noises, engine stalling, and the engine still running despite turning off the vehicle.
A “Check Engine” light will generally produce a code that your local auto parts store may identify free of charge, and these codes indicate everything from “simple” fixes like a loose cap to serious internal engine problems.
For simple issues, the engine light is usually yellow or amber, and for serious problems, red or flashing red. If your engine suddenly quits running, especially if it spins faster or slower than usual if you try to restart it, the timing belt may have failed, and you’ll need to have your car towed to a mechanic.
What to do if you have engine issues: Contact a qualified mechanic to inspect and diagnose the problem, and if necessary, replace the timing belt.
How to avoid engine issues in the future: Regularly scheduled maintenance, such as oil changes, air filter replacements, belt replacements, and coolant flushes, should be adhered to according to the manufacturer's recommendations to help you avoid future issues with your engine. Keep an eye on warning lights on the dashboard and address them promptly. Listen for unusual noises, monitor fluid levels, and pay attention to changes in performance.
10. Dead Key Fob
A classic key fob has buttons to lock and unlock your car, open your trunk, and sound a panic alarm. The good news here is that if it dies, that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with your car — it just needs new batteries, or occasionally, a new fob altogether.
Signs of dead key fob issues: A dead key fob is pretty easy to diagnose. If you click any of the buttons on your fob and your vehicle doesn’t respond, that’s a pretty sure sign that the batteries are dead.
What to do if you have dead key fob issues: Check your vehicle’s user manual to find out if lost or damaged keys are covered by your vehicle’s warranty, insurance, or roadside assistance plan for painless replacement. Visit your dealership to have a new key programmed, as many dealerships won’t work with aftermarket key fobs due to security.
How to avoid dead key fob issues in the future: Make sure you always have two fobs or a spare key as a backup option.
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This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on the latest competitive information available at the time of posting. Information herein is subject to change without notice and without Mazda incurring any obligations. Please review a variety of resources prior to making a purchasing decision. Visit Resource Center for more articles.