What to Do if My Mazda Won't Start
You're ready to head out to work or an important appointment, and suddenly your car won't start. It can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially if you're not mechanically-inclined. But don't worry, there are a few things you can do to try and get your car running again. Here, we’ll go over some of the most common reasons why a car won't start, and what you can do to troubleshoot and fix the problem.
Out of Gas?
Sometimes the reason for your car not starting can be as simple as running out of gas. It's easy to forget to check your fuel level as we drive around through our busy days. If you're in a situation where your car won't start, the first thing to do is to check the fuel gauge to ensure that you're not out of gas. If you are, don't panic. Call for assistance and have some delivered to you. You can also walk to the nearest gas station and bring some gas back in a container. But always be sure that your car has enough gas before you set out on any journey. This is a good time to note that you should note if your fuel gauge is working. If it becomes faulty, you may be stranded again in the future. A mechanic can fix the broken gauge quickly.
Check the Battery
One of the most common reasons why a car won't start is a dead battery. If the battery is dead, the engine won't have enough power to start. You can try jumping the battery with another vehicle or a portable jump starter, but if the battery is old or damaged, it may need to be replaced. Check the battery terminals to ensure they are clean and tight. Corrosion can accumulate on the terminals and can prevent a proper connection to the battery. Remember, if the battery is dead, you need to drive the vehicle for a little while to let it recharge after jumping it. Otherwise, you may need to jumpstart the car again. Either way, if you have a dead battery and are able to jumpstart it, you would be wise to head to a mechanic who can make sure the battery is fine.
Check the Starter Motor
If the battery is fine and you still can't get the engine to turn over, it could be a problem with the starter motor. The starter motor is responsible for cranking the engine and getting it to start. If your car makes a clicking noise when you turn the key, it's likely that the starter motor is faulty. In this case, you may need to get it checked out and possibly replaced.
Check the Fuel System
If your car has a full tank of gas but still won't start, it's possible that there's a problem with the fuel system. Check the fuel pump, fuel filter, and fuel injectors to make sure they are working correctly. It's also possible that there's a clog or blockage in the fuel lines. In case the car has been sitting for a while, the gasoline could also have evaporated and left sediment collected in the bottom of the tank. A fuel system cleaner may help in this case.
Check the Ignition System
The ignition system is another common culprit if your car won't start. Check the spark plugs and ignition coils to make sure they are working correctly. If they're old or worn out, they may need to be replaced. A bad ignition switch can sometimes interfere with the car's ability to start as well.
Check the Alternator
The alternator is responsible for charging the battery while the car is running. If the alternator is faulty, it can prevent the battery from getting a full charge. This can result in a discharged battery that won't start the engine. To determine if the alternator is the issue, have someone test the battery voltage levels as you try and start the car. Proper voltage levels should be read from the battery unless there is an issue with a charging system that power is not going back to the battery.
Faulty Fuse
Another common, yet overlooked, culprit could be a faulty fuse. Start by checking your car's fuse box, which is typically located under the hood. A blown fuse can cause a variety of electrical issues, including a car that won't start. If you find a blown fuse, replace it with a new one and try starting your car again. If replacing the fuse doesn't work, it may be time to seek professional help. Luckily, this isn’t a big deal, and if you have a trusted mechanic, he or she will be able to get you back on the road in no time.
If your car won't start, don't panic. First, determine if it is electrical by listening to the interior lights or radio when trying to turn the car on. If they are not working that provides clues. Then, try the above troubleshooting methods. If none of these work, it may be time to take your car into a professional mechanic. They will be able to diagnose the issue and take the necessary steps to fix it. Remember, regular car maintenance and checkups can help prevent many issues from arising in the first place. So be proactive and keep your car in tiptop condition.
Rather than struggling to diagnose the problem of a car not starting, it's best to take it to a trusted mechanic for a professional inspection. And if you live near Seacoast Mazda, you’re in luck as we have a team of expert technicians who can diagnose and fix any issues your car may be facing. So don't stress over a non-starting car – just give Seacoast Mazda a call. We can get to the bottom of the issue as we are experts in Mazda’s and are passionate about what we do, so come on down now, and we’ll get to the bottom of this, together.
