Battery Service

What Are the Reasons My Car Won't Start?

Generally, if your vehicle won't start, it is a sign of a problem with one of three components in your engine: your battery, your starter, or your alternator. These are the big three, but other reasons could be your spark plugs, wiring, fuses, or relays or something similar. If it is your battery, there are a few potential causes:

• Drained, but healthy battery: This is the best-case scenario, because it means that it probably is the result of leaving your lights on, a dome light on, or not quite closing the door all the way. If one of these situations was the problem, a simple jump start should do the trick to get you on your way.
• Battery too old to hold a charge: Also, a pretty simple fix, this just means it is time for a new battery. If this is the case, then it means that you have tried a jump start and it got you going, but the next time you tried to start the engine it didn't start. Battery testing should answer this question. Get your vehicle into Maplecrest Lincoln to have your battery tested.
• Ignition system issue: If it is not a battery problem, there is likely a mechanical issue. It may be draining your battery or preventing ignition, or keeping your battery from charging when you are driving. A diagnostic test at Maplecrest Lincoln should discover the problem.

Why Is My Battery Not Holding a Charge?

If this is the problem, here are potential causes:

• Something is draining the battery.
• Battery is dying.
• Bad alternator.
• Bad starter or starter relay.
• Defective parts like the serpentine belt or fuses.

An inspection with a voltmeter should narrow down the ignition issues or other problems.

If It Is an Ignition Issue, What Could Be the Problem?

If you have a fully charged and healthy battery, your problem may be related to the starter, the alternator, ignition switch, spark plugs, or it could be fuses or relays. If one of these is the problem, battery testing with a voltmeter can rule out the battery, and a thorough inspection with diagnostic equipment can reveal the cause. Another culprit could be dirty or corroded battery terminals or connectors. If one of these is the issue, cleaning these components can be an easy fix.

If you are having problems starting your vehicle or you need to keep jumping it, contact us at Maplecrest Lincoln and set up an appointment with our Service Center or schedule service online.