What to do if my car wont start but has power?

If your car won't start but still has power, there could be a few potential issues causing the problem. The good news is that many of these issues can be diagnosed and resolved relatively easily. In this article, we'll explore the common reasons why a car might not start despite having power, and provide step-by-step guidance on what to do in such a situation.

Common Reasons Why a Car Won't Start But Has Power

There are several reasons why a car might not start even though it has power. Some of the most common causes include:

• Dead battery: If the battery is old or has been drained, it may not have enough power to start the engine, even though the electrical system is still functioning.


• Faulty starter: The starter is responsible for turning the engine over and initiating the combustion process. If the starter is malfunctioning, the engine won't start, despite the car having power.


• Ignition system issues: Problems with the ignition coils, spark plugs, or other ignition system components can prevent the engine from starting, even if the electrical system is working correctly.


• Fuel system problems: If there's an issue with the fuel pump, fuel lines, or fuel injectors, the engine may not receive the necessary fuel to start, even though the car has power.

Determining the exact cause of the problem will require further diagnosis, which we'll cover in the next section.

Steps to Troubleshoot a Car That Won't Start But Has Power

If your car won't start but has power, follow these steps to diagnose and potentially resolve the issue:

1. Check the battery: Use a voltmeter to test the battery's voltage. If the voltage is below 12.6V, the battery may be dead or dying and need to be replaced.


2. Inspect the starter: Try to start the car and listen for the starter. If you don't hear the starter engaging, it may be faulty and need to be replaced.


3. Examine the ignition system: Check the spark plugs, ignition coils, and other ignition system components for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any faulty parts.


4. Verify the fuel system: Check the fuel pump by listening for it to activate when you turn the key. If the fuel pump isn't working, it may need to be replaced.


5. Consult a mechanic: If you've checked all the above components and the car still won't start, it's best to have a professional mechanic diagnose the issue further.

By following these steps, you'll be able to identify the root cause of the problem and take the necessary steps to get your car back on the road.

Why won't my car start but I have power push button start?

Push start models often face starter relay failure and key fob battery or signal issues causing no engine start. When the engine won't crank but accessories work, check the starter relay and fuse first. A faulty relay can prevent power to the starter motor.

What does it mean if your car won't turn over but has power?

A car with power but no start is likely caused by a faulty starter motor, a bad ignition switch, or a problem with the car's electrical connections. Other common culprits include a blown fuse or relay, a loose or corroded battery cable, a problem with the fuel pump, or a malfunctioning shift safety switch. 
Electrical and connection issues

• Faulty starter motor: If you hear a single click when you turn the key but the engine doesn't crank, a bad starter is a likely cause. 
• Bad ignition switch: This switch sends power to the starter. If it's faulty, accessories might work, but the engine won't crank. 
• Loose or corroded battery terminals: Even with a charged battery, corrosion or loose connections can prevent the flow of power needed to start the engine. 
• Blown fuse or faulty relay: A blown fuse or bad relay in the starter circuit can prevent power from reaching the starter. 
• Key fob battery (for push-button start): A dead or weak key fob battery can prevent a modern car from recognizing the key and starting. 

This video explains how to check for common causes like a faulty starter or a bad key fob battery: 55sFixITYouTube · Jan 23, 2025
Mechanical and safety issues

• Faulty neutral safety switch: In an automatic car, this switch prevents starting unless the gear selector is in Park or Neutral. Wiggling the shifter while trying to start can sometimes temporarily fix this. 
• Fuel system problems: If the engine cranks but won't "catch," a problem with the fuel pump or a clogged fuel filter could be the issue. 
• Security system lockout: The car's anti-theft system can malfunction and prevent it from starting. 
• Bad ignition coil or spark plugs: These are necessary for the engine to ignite. If they are faulty, the engine will crank but not start. 

This video demonstrates how to check the neutral safety switch and other potential issues: 59sHonest Mechanic ColoradoYouTube · Jan 24, 2024
Troubleshooting steps

• Check battery connections: Wiggle the battery terminals to ensure they are tight and clean off any white, powdery corrosion. 
• Try a jump-start: A jump-start can help determine if the battery has enough power to crank the engine, even if it shows a good voltage reading. 
• Check fuses and relays: Locate the fuse box and visually inspect the fuses for the starter and ignition. You can also swap a suspect relay with a known-good one, like the horn relay, to test it. 
• Check the gear selector: For automatic transmissions, try shifting to Neutral or jiggling the gear shifter while in Park to see if the safety switch is the culprit. 
• Replace the key fob battery: If you have a push-button start, try replacing the battery in your key fob. 

What is the first thing to check when a car won't start?

Battery
1. Start with the Battery. Check the battery and battery cables to ensure everything's in working order. A weak or dead battery, or even faulty or corroded battery cables, could be causing problems with your car, not the starter.

How to tell if it's a dead battery or starter?

A dead battery typically causes slow cranking and dim lights, while a bad starter usually makes a clicking or grinding noise but won't crank the engine, even if the lights are bright. To diagnose, check the lights and sounds: if they are dim or non-existent, it's likely the battery; if the lights are bright but there's only clicking, it's more likely the starter.
 
This video explains how to tell the difference between a dead battery and a bad starter: 56sShop OwnerYouTube · Jul 29, 2024
Battery symptoms

• Slow or no cranking: The engine turns over slowly, or not at all. 
• Dim lights: Headlights and dashboard lights are noticeably dim or flicker. 
• No power: You might have no electrical power at all when you turn the key. 
• Slow start in cold weather: The car has trouble starting, especially when it's cold. 

Starter symptoms

• Clicking sound: A single, loud click or rapid clicking is heard when you turn the key. 
• Bright lights: The dashboard lights and headlights stay bright, indicating the battery has power. 
• No crank: The engine does not turn over at all. 
• Grinding sound: You may hear a grinding noise, which can indicate a problem with the starter motor. 

This video demonstrates the sound of a car with a bad starter: 52sBudget MechanicYouTube · Sep 24, 2018
How to perform a simple test

1. Check your lights: Turn the key to the "on" position and turn on your headlights. If they are bright, your battery is likely good. If they are dim, your battery is likely weak or dead. 
2. Listen to the start attempt: If the lights are bright, have someone turn the key to the "start" position. Listen for a single, loud click or a series of rapid clicks. This is a strong sign of a bad starter. 
3. Jump-start the car: If you have a good battery or jumper cables, try jump-starting the car. If it starts immediately, your battery was the issue. If it still won't start or only cranks weakly, the starter is the more likely problem.