Why Won’t My Car Start?

Drivers rely on their vehicles to perform properly, so they can get around Miami, Hollywood, or Miami Beach. When their car won't start, it could throw a wrench into their plans.

However, this can be easily remedied, when you know the possible reasons why your vehicle may not be starting. Check out a few reasons below and contact Audi North Miami for service today.

1. Dead Battery

One of the most common reasons why an automobile won't start is due to a dead battery. Since the battery is used to provide electrical power to the entire vehicle, if it's dead, the car can't start.

There are several causes for a battery dying, including:

• Leaving headlights or dome light on overnight
• Having corrosion on the battery terminals
• The battery's lifespan expiring (usually around four or five years)

You could try jumpstarting the battery to bring it back to life. If it works, the alternator that charges the battery may need to be replaced. If it doesn't, then the battery is dead and will need to be replaced right away.

2. Defective Ignition Switch

If the battery is working, but the car won't start, then there could an issue with the ignition switch. You can test this theory by turning on the headlights. If they turn on fine, but the engine won't run, then the ignition is likely to blame.

You may also find that the key won't turn inside the ignition. This sometimes happens when the steering wheel is locked by the ignition lock with the front wheels turned at an angle. You can try turning the steering wheel left or right while gently jiggling the key to release the lock. If this doesn't work, then the ignition lock might be worn and will need to be fixed as soon as possible.

3. Clogged Fuel Filter

An empty gas tank would lead to a car not starting. Though you might have plenty of gas and the vehicle still won't run. This could be from a clogged fuel filter.

If the filter gets clogged, gas can't reach the engine. When that happens, it's more difficult for the automobile to burn the fuel it needs to get moving. Make sure to change the filter when necessary (roughly every 20,000 to 40,000 miles) so that your car can always start.

4. No Spark

You may run into a situation where the car will crank but not start, which could mean that you're not getting a spark.

A spark from an ignition coil is what ignites the fuel to allow a vehicle to start. When you don't get one, it may be from a damaged coil. A multimeter can be used to test the strength of the current in the coil. If there's not enough, then it'll need to be replaced by a service technician.

Schedule Service Today

Above are just some of the reasons why your car may not be starting. If you're experiencing any of them, or a different issue, then contact the Audi North Miami Service Center. We'll get your vehicle up and running to have you back on the roads of Miami, Hollywood, and Miami Beach in no time.