However, after helping 400,000 customers with repairs and maintenance, Jerry has learned that there are a few DIY checks you can complete to help diagnose the root issue or provide a mechanic with valuable information to help them fix the problem with minimal expense.
Want to be sure? Join the 40,000 people who have used our AI diagnosis chatbot to diagnose their ignition issues by downloading the Jerry app.
Real customers Jerry has helped
Costs for getting your car to start again depend on your exact vehicle, where you live and the quality of parts used. With Jerry, you can quickly see what drivers are paying right now. Below are real examples of customers we’ve helped secure top prices for when they need help starting their car.
Estimates are modeled based on real vehicle and location data; names have been changed. Actual prices will vary by shop, parts, and vehicle condition.
Should I keep trying to start my car?
Car starting issues have several root causes and each come with their own level of urgency. Running a quick diagnostic in the Jerry app can help you decide whether to take your car to a shop or not. Here’s a few starting symptoms you’ll likely notice to help accelerate mechanical repairs:
🚨 Urgent — immediately stop trying to start your car and contact a mechanic ASAP
- If you turn the key or push the button and immediately hear loud clicking or grinding noises without the engine turning over (starting).
- If you smell fuel (gas or diesel) or see smoke coming from the engine compartment. This could be a fuel leak that causes a fire.
- If the engine initially starts but you hear metallic grinding sounds or knocking.
🕒 Soon — you’re OK to try a few times, but contact a mechanic within a week
- If your car’s engine cranks slowly and eventually starts, this is likely a battery or alternator issue and will progressively worsen with each starting attempt.
- Anytime you require a jump start.
- If it takes more than three seconds of cranking before it starts.
✅ Monitor — it’s likely safe to drive once you get the car started
- When your car might take a few cranks to start occasionally, but starts typically most of the time. This is quite common during extreme cold weather.
- If you notice the engine hesitating for a second before it starts.
- If the starting issue happens when it’s either extremely cold or hot.
How do cars normally start?
The process of starting a modern combustion engine is exact. It involves multiple components within the electrical, fuel and mechanical systems to work together within a matter of nanoseconds.
Essentially, the battery supplies power to a starter motor, which is activated when the driver engages the ignition switch. Once this happens, the fuel system and ignition systems supply the fuel and the ‘spark’ to create ignition.
If any of the individual parts within these systems are faulty, damaged or have an inefficient supply of electricity or fuel, your car may not start.
Symptoms and typical fixes
Understanding symptoms, possible causes and potential repairs for why your car won’t start will help guide you to making more informed decisions.
Download the Jerry app to compare local automotive repair quotes side-by-side in minutes.
Risks if you ignore it
A car starting issue can pop up unexpectedly. If you don’t address the root issues and have the proper repairs completed, this can lead to potentially dangerous situations.
Complete ignition system failure: Attempting to start a vehicle with a weak battery or faulty starter can damage other electrical components within the ignition system, such as electrical relays, fuses and potentially the ECU. It can also lead to the starter motor or alternator prematurely failing.
Safety hazard: Being stuck or stranded in an unsafe location with a car that won’t start can lead to personal safety risks.
DIY vs. Pro: Can I do this myself?
There are some minor electrical connection glitches, like a loose battery cable, that can cause your car not to start. However, data from Jerry customers shows most root sources should be diagnosed and repaired by a professional mechanic.
DIY-friendly fixes
If your car won’t start but you can identify simple issues, here are two things you can try:
For corroded battery terminals: This repair should only be attempted if you have experience replacing a car battery. It will require PPE, such as eye protection and corrosive protective gloves. Follow these simple steps:
- Turn off the engine and ensure you have complete access to your car’s battery (usually in the engine compartment, but situated in the trunk of some vehicles).
- Using the right sized end wrench or socket, loosen and remove the battery cables (the negative or black one first, followed by the positive or red cable).
- Clean the battery terminals and the cable attachments using a wire brush or sandpaper until all corrosion is removed from both.
- Reinstall the battery cables in the reverse order—positive cable first, then negative—and ensure they are tight.
For a completely dead battery: If you have experience jump-starting your vehicle, you can attempt this. If you don’t, get in touch with your insurance company or roadside assistance.
NOTE: Diagnosing electrical or fuel system faults requires specialized equipment, following OEM-directed procedures and mechanical repair certification.
Here are some of the repairs associated with a car that won’t start:
Starter motor replacement: The starter motor is connected to the engine block and engages with the flywheel to turn the engine over and begin the combustion process. The starter motor is extremely difficult to reach without a post lift and the process of replacing it requires specific steps and tightening multiple bolts with OEM torque specifications.
Alternator replacement: An alternator is a key component on your vehicle that helps to recharge the battery while the engine is running. When it fails, the battery will stop recharging and eventually lose its power.
Ignition system diagnosis: This system includes ignition switches, coils, spark plugs, plug wires and camshaft/crankshaft timing sensors.
Fuel system repairs: Your fuel system is also a key part of the engine starting process. This system includes pumps, distribution hoses, filters, injectors and air/fuel sensors.
Ready to compare prices without calls? Get local quotes in minutes with the Jerry app.
Special notes
High-mileage vehicles:
Most vehicle batteries only last three years. Fuel system sensors, pumps and filters tend to wear out within 6 – 8 years – or 100,000 miles. Starter motors and alternators likewise begin to fail after 100,000 miles.
Additional repairs to consider:
If you’re having the battery replaced by a mechanic, ask them about replacing the battery cables, fuel filters and inspecting your ignition system.
Hybrid and electric vehicles:
Never attempt DIY repairs on hybrid or electric vehicle starting systems. These vehicles are highly complex and require mechanics who have specialty ASE or OEM certifications to fix.
What not to do
NEVER purchase or use any ‘starting fluids’ or ether-based products that help an engine start. These products can cause engine fires and permanently damage fuel system components.
DO NOT continue to crank your engine over if you smell gasoline or fuel. This indicates a fuel or ignition system failure that could create a risk of fire.
DO NOT ignore Check Engine or warning lights if you’re having problems starting the engine. The light is likely linked to an OBD-II trouble code that will direct a mechanic to the root issue.
Prevention
Thanks to improvements in battery technology and electronic systems, starting problems are less common in modern vehicles (post-2015). However, there are three crucial maintenance items you can complete to help prevent most starting issues.
Test the battery and charging system annually and look for signs of corrosion on terminals. Early detection prevents being stranded. This can be completed during a routine oil change service by most vehicle maintenance locations.
Replace air and fuel filters as recommended by your manufacturer using quality parts. Clean filters ensure proper air and fuel delivery for a smooth start. This is another routine service that most local oil change facilities offer. You can track your repair intervals in the Jerry app to make sure your filter maintenance is done consistently.
Have your ignition system inspected as recommended by your manufacturer. This includes spark plugs, ignition coils and related components that are essential for starting. Follow the recommended service and maintenance program that is listed in your vehicle’s owner or service manual.
What our customers are asking us
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Why does my car start fine sometimes but not always?
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How long should a car battery last?
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Is it safe to drive after jump-starting my car?
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Why does my car start fine in warm weather but struggle in cold?
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My engine turns over but won’t start — what’s wrong?
A published columnist, automotive journalist, former service writer and ASE Automobile & Light Truck Certified technician (A1 – A9 – 1996 – 2006), Tim Charlet brings nearly four decades of automotive communication experience to the team at Jerry.
Charlet has written more than 10,000 articles, blogs and technical manuals for the automotive industry. His experience working with OEM & aftermarket manufacturers, enterprise-level dealerships and private service technicians provides him with a unique perspective on how modern cars, trucks and SUVs operate and are serviced.
Additionally, his years of digital marketing content & public relations experience provide a conversational, yet easy-to-follow writing style for both professionals and general consumers.
Along with writing for Jerry, Charlet also works with multiple automotive detailing product manufacturers, creating user-friendly and eco-friendly detailing and vehicle protection liquids.
He is also the co-founder of Right2Breathe.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness for COPD, Asthma and other respiratory diseases within the automotive industries.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
