Car Won’t Start - No Noise at all when trying to start
Have you ever experienced the frustration of getting into your car, turning the key, and nothing happens? No noise, no engine starting, just silence. It can be a perplexing situation, leaving you wondering what could possibly be wrong with your car. One common issue that could cause this problem is a battery-related issue. Let's delve deeper into the matter and explore some possible solutions.
To determine if you have a battery-related problem, there's a simple test you can perform. Turn your ignition key to the point just before the engine starts to turn over. In this position, take a look at your dashboard lights. Are they completely out or extremely dim? If the dash lights are significantly dimmer than normal, it's a clear indication of a battery problem since these lights run off the battery.
To further investigate the issue, open the hood of your car and locate the battery. Pay close attention to the battery terminals. Do you notice a noticeable amount of cruddy-like substance on the terminals? Look for a hard white, green, or brown substance on the cable ends and the top of the battery terminals. If you spot this corrosion, it is likely the cause of your car not starting.
When the dash lights are out or dim, and there is corrosion on the battery terminals, it signifies that the battery is not supplying enough current to start the engine. The corrosion on the battery cables is obstructing the flow of electricity to the starter, leading to the starting problem.
To remedy this situation, you need to remove the corrosion from the battery terminals. A wire brush is an excellent tool for this task. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and water to help dissolve the corrosion. However, be cautious not to let the dissolved corrosion come into contact with your skin, as it is acidic. Once the battery terminals are clean, consider applying a coat of petroleum jelly to prevent future corrosion.
On the other hand, if you don't notice any corrosion on the battery terminals, and the dash lights are still out or dim, the problem could be a dead battery. In this case, there is no need for any specific remedy. The battery has simply lost its charge and needs to be recharged or replaced.
However, if the dash lights are not out or extremely dim and are relatively normal, it's time to consider a different diagnosis. In this scenario, a possible culprit could be a bad solenoid. The solenoid is responsible for turning on the starter, and if it's not functioning correctly, the engine won't start.
To resolve this issue, the solenoid needs to be replaced. It is often recommended to replace the entire starter and solenoid unit with a rebuilt one when the solenoid goes bad. You can contact various repair shops to compare prices or choose to tackle the job yourself if you have the necessary skills. Refer to a repair manual specific to your car's make and model for detailed instructions on replacing the solenoid.
Facing a car that won't start with no noise can be a frustrating experience. However, by understanding the potential causes and remedies, you can take appropriate action to get your car back on the road. Whether it's cleaning the battery terminals to remove corrosion, recharging or replacing a dead battery, or replacing a faulty solenoid, there are solutions available to resolve the issue. Don't hesitate to seek professional help if you're unsure or uncomfortable performing the repairs yourself. Good luck with troubleshooting your car and getting it back to its reliable, starting condition.