Why won't my car start?
A car that won't start is either not cranking (no "rrr-rrr" sound when you turn the key) or cranking but not firing. If nothing happens when you turn the key, the battery is the most likely culprit — try jump-starting. If it cranks but won't fire, the problem is fuel, spark, or compression. On modern cars, immobiliser or key fob faults can also prevent starting. The symptoms tell a lot: a slow, laboured crank points to a flat battery; clicking but no crank is usually a flat battery or bad earth; cranks fine but won't fire suggests fuel or ignition.
Likely causes
Flat or faulty battery
Most common cause of no-start. Jump-start to test — if it starts then dies again, the alternator may not be charging
Bad earth / ground connection
Corroded battery clamp or chassis earth strap causes intermittent starting failure — often misdiagnosed as battery
Starter motor fault
Single loud click when turning key suggests starter not engaging; whirring without cranking suggests starter pinion failure
Fuel pump or fuel delivery fault
Car cranks normally but won't fire; no fuel pressure — listen for the pump priming sound when you turn the ignition on
Immobiliser or key fob fault
Security light stays on and engine won't fire; try the spare key
Faulty crankshaft position sensor
Engine cranks but ECU has no crank signal, so it won't fire fuel or spark
Repairs you may need
Typical cost range: £40–£500 — Battery replacement: £80–200 fitted. Starter motor: £150–350. Fuel pump: £150–400. Earth strap: £40–100.
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