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907-371-0440

On the Rich Location
1685 Richardson Hwy, North Pole, AK 99705

907-531-0555

Pearson Auto West
4415 Airport Road, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709

Why is My Car Not Starting?

No time is ever the right time for your car to break down, and you never realize how important your car is until it’s not working. There are plenty of potential reasons why a car won’t start. Whether you’re currently sitting in a car that won’t start or preparing for a worst-case scenario, check out these top reasons why a car won’t start. 

jump start vehicle

Dead Battery

A dead battery is the most common reason a car won’t start. The battery is responsible for providing electrical power to the entire car. The alternator charges the battery while the vehicle is running. If the battery is not being charged sufficiently, the car will not start. One way to determine if a dead battery is the reason for your car not starting is by jump-starting your car. If the jump start works, you’re likely dealing with a dying battery.

Defective Ignition Switch

If you know that your car’s battery isn’t to blame, the next thing to consider is a faulty ignition switch. You can tell if it’s a faulty ignition switch if your car isn’t turning over. You can attempt to hone in on the problem by turning on your headlights. Since your car’s battery controls your headlights and dashboard, if they turn on, it means that your battery is adequately charged, and your ignition switch is probably to blame.

Faulty Starter

Another common reason for a car not starting is a faulty starter. Your car’s starter is responsible for setting the engine in motion when you turn the ignition switch on. Once the engine starts and is in motion, the starter’s job is complete. If your starter goes bad, the engine will not crank properly, and the car won’t turn on. You can tell if you have a faulty starter if you hear clicking noises when you try to start your vehicle.

Clogged Fuel Filter

The fuel filter is responsible for filtering out harmful contaminants so they don’t go through the fuel system. If your fuel filter is clogged, gasoline is unable to reach the engine. As a result, it makes it difficult for your car to burn the fuel it needs to start. It’s usually recommended to have your fuel filters changed every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. 

Empty Gas Tank

A simple reason your car won’t start is that there isn’t enough fuel in the gas tank. You may feel a bit silly if this is the reason why your car won’t start, but it happens more often than you think. It’s easy to overlook your gas gauges or forget to fill your gas tank. Luckily if this is the case, you can resolve the problem by putting gas inside your car. 

We Have the Solution

If your car isn’t starting and you want to know the exact reason why it’s not, stop by Pearson Auto. We are an auto repair shop in Alaska that has experienced ASE-certified technicians who can identify the problem and fix it for you promptly.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment. 

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