Branch 1
Antwerpen / Merksem
Bredabaan 1052170 Merksem
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:30 Sat 10:00–17:00
Warning lights and starting
Car won’t start: battery, starter motor or alternator?
A car that won’t start usually has a problem with the electrical supply, the starter motor, or the fuel and ignition system. What you hear and see when you try to start it often gives a first clue, but you only get certainty after a test.
Recognisable signs
What you may notice.
- Nothing happens when you turn the key, or the dashboard lights are dim
- You hear a click or rapid ticking, but the engine does not turn over
- The engine turns over but does not fire up
- The car starts on the second or third attempt, or only when the engine is warm
- The car starts with a jump-start but cuts out again later
Possible causes
What may be behind it.
These are possibilities, not a diagnosis. A technician identifies which cause fits your car after checking it.
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A weak or flat battery
A worn battery, or one that has been standing for a long time, cannot supply enough current to turn the starter motor. Dim lights and a sluggish cranking sound fit with this.
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The starter motor
If the lights shine brightly but the engine does not turn over, the problem may lie with the starter motor or its controls.
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The alternator or charging system
If the alternator does not charge enough, the battery keeps running down. The car may then start with a jump-start and still refuse to start again later.
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Fuel or ignition
If the engine turns over but does not fire up, something may be wrong with the fuel supply, the spark plugs or a sensor.
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Loose or corroded battery terminals
Poor contact at the battery terminals can behave like a flat battery. It is easy to overlook.
Keep driving?
Can I keep driving with this?
If the car won’t start, you obviously can’t drive it. If a jump-start gets it going, do not drive any further than necessary and have the cause found: if the engine cuts out on the road, you can also lose power steering and brake assistance. When jump-starting, always follow the instructions in your car’s handbook.
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At WeFix
What WeFix can check.
This is what our technicians can look at to find the cause.
- Testing the battery for capacity and starting power
- Inspecting the charging system and the alternator
- Checking the starter motor and electrical connections
- If the engine does not fire up: investigating the fuel and ignition systems
If we find something, you hear it first. We only repair after your approval.
Services
Related services.
This is where WeFix Auto’s can help with this symptom.
Branches
Call or drop by.
Not sure, or is it urgent? Call the branch near you and describe what you notice.
2170 Merksem
Branch 2
Brasschaat
Bredabaan 7372930 Brasschaat
Mon–Fri 08:30–18:00 Sat 09:00–12:00
Also read
Related problems.
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Battery light on while driving
The battery light usually does not point to the battery itself but to the charging system: the car is no longer topping up the battery enough. From then on the car runs on the reserve in the battery, which is limited. Read the explanation -
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Check engine light on: what does it mean and can you keep driving?
The check engine light tells you that the car’s computer has detected a fault in the engine, the exhaust or the fuel supply. The light does not say exactly what is wrong: that takes a diagnostic read-out and a proper check. If it stays on constantly, have it looked at soon. If it flashes, extra care is needed. Read the explanation -
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Car jerks when accelerating
A car that jerks or hesitates when accelerating is probably not getting the right combination of air, fuel and ignition, or has a problem in the drivetrain. It can happen with a cold engine, under load or every time you press the accelerator. Read the explanation
Have your car checked.
Request a no-obligation quote or call a branch. You hear what we find first.
Please note: This explanation is general information and does not replace a technical diagnosis. The cause can only be established after your car has been checked. If you are worried about your safety, stop and ask for professional help.