Is your vehicle refusing to start? In most circumstances, issues with your car not starting has to do with a dying or dead battery, or a faulty alternator.
Some common signs of battery issues include:
- No sound or lights when you try to start your vehicle
- A clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition
- An engine that turns over slowly
- Weaker headlights
- Backfiring
- Needing to put your foot on the gas pedal in order to start the car
If you are unsure if your battery is dead or dying, you could try jump-starting your vehicle. If your car starts then, the battery is the culprit. It is advised that you have your battery tested to determine how much life it has left and to regulate if the battery needs to be changed.
If a jump-start doesn’t amend the problem, or if your car is not showing the above signs, it is possible that your problems are being caused by a bad alternator.
Indicators of a defective alternator include:
- Issues with your car’s electronics
- A car that stalls after it starts
- Whining noises from beneath the hood
- Burning smells
- Flickering headlights
- The alternator warning light turns on
If your vehicle is experiencing this, and your vehicle doesn’t start or stalls after it has been jump-started, you could be experiencing problems due to your alternator failing to recharge the battery. It is then the best option to take your vehicle for an alternator inspection so that your vehicle can be fixed before the problem worsens.
If the ‘battery warning’ light on your dashboard is lit, that does not automatically mean that the problem lies with the battery. This light can also warn you that there is a problem with your car’s electrical system. If the voltage for your alternator falls below its intended capacity, the battery warning light will turn on.
Your vehicle’s battery offers an electrical charge that permits your car to start. After your car has started, the alternator sends back electrical current, letting the battery charge while your car is moving. Not only does this electricity start your car; it also powers all of your vehicle’s electronics.
If your car is refusing to start, it is vital to find out why. Whether it is a battery or an alternator issue, acting quickly can keep your car running and can also avoid expensive damage. Chandler Motor Company can inspect your vehicle and get to the bottom of the problem. Call now for an appointment.