We have been there. You have hopped into your vintage car, put keys in the ignition, turned them over and…. nothing. Or faint clicking. Or a whining sound. Take the keys out and try again, because the second time is the charm, right? And… nothing. The car simply will not start.
Do not panic. Chances are it is one of three basic components: the battery, the starter, or the alternator. These three parts work closely together so they can be difficult to diagnose, but we will go over how to tell which is most likely at fault for your interrupted day.
However, before you set about sorting the problem you must diagnose if it is the battery, starter, or something else entirely. If you do not know the difference; have no fear as we discuss how to diagnose the issues and how to get yourself back on the road.
The Car Battery
The purpose of the battery is to turn over the starter. The acid in the battery converts its chemical energy into electrical energy that the car needs to power itself. It is drained of its amps temporarily and is then refilled or recharged by the alternator. A car battery should last about four to five years. It is not made to hold a charge for that long, so it gets recharged by the car’s alternator while you drive. Over time, the internal metal parts of a battery corrode, reducing its ability to hold a charge. A battery is vital to your car or truck, as it provides power to the starter and electrical system when the car is not running.
Signs the Car Battery is Dead
When your car will not start, the battery is usually the best place to begin. However, there are a few instances when the battery can suddenly drain, leaving your car powerless. Luckily, batteries are the cheapest of the car parts to replace, so let us diagnose this issue first. When you attempt to start the vehicle, is there a clicking sound, but it will not turn over? That may be a good sign. If a jump gets the car running but will not turn over again once it is shut off, a dead battery is likely the cause.
Why did my car battery die?
We are sure you have already done this as soon as the trouble started but take a look to see if you may have left the interior or exterior lights of the vehicle on or if a door did not shut completely. If lights did not cause the issue, pop the hood and check the battery terminals. If you see corrosion (white powder type substance) on the terminals, you may just need a quick scrub with a toothbrush and some baking soda solution or Coca Cola to help connection. Still not the problem?
Let us consider the battery’s age. A car battery lifespan is around 4-5 years. If your battery is younger than 4 and has no other issues, have your problem diagnosed as soon as possible. If it is the battery, you may have a valid warranty and could have a replacement option. If the diagnosis comes back stating your battery is fine, then it may be a bad alternator.
Battery Problems
There are a number of signs that your car battery is dead:
- Firstly, listen out for odd noises. Low pitched whining noises and the noise of a cranking engine without it starting are both signs of a dead battery.
- When you attempt to start the car, there is a low whining sound.
- No noises at all are also a sign of a flat battery. Check for any visible signs as well, such as the battery warning light illuminating. The latter could also be a sign of an alternator problem.
- If jump starting gets your engine started and running, but the car will not start again once you turn it off, the battery is probably the problem. In this case, the alternator is doing its job of keeping the battery going once it has been jumped, but the battery cannot hold a charge when the alternator is shut off.
Finding Reliable Batteries
Prevention and maintenance are the best way to tackle starter or battery problems, and while you may not be able to do much about starters, you can equip your vehicle with better and more reliable batteries. They may cost slightly more but will run for longer and keep your vehicle in the best condition.
The Starter
The starter is the next link in the chain, after the battery. When you turn the key, the battery converts its chemical energy to electrical energy thru the starter. This then turns over the engine and the vehicle starts. Your starter is vital to your car because it is responsible for starting the engine. The battery sends it a jolt of electricity, which the starter uses to turn the engine over and get it to start.
If the battery does not function, the starter has no power. If the starter is not working, then the battery will feed it, but it will not convert the energy necessary to fire up the engine.
Signs the Starter has Failed:
- A broken starter will make a clicking sound when you turn the key.
- The car will not start, but the dash lights are on.
- Jump starting your car or truck does not turn over the engine at all.
- The vehicle cranks slowly or may even turn over weakly.
- There are some cases when the starter gear is jammed into the flywheel; in this case hitting the started firmly with a hammer can release the gear. A sign of this is when the battery is properly charged and you turn the key with no noise coming from the starter (interior lights can dim when turning the key to start) .
The Alternator
The alternator is a key part in the electrical running system in your vehicle. It charges the battery and powers the electrics. Without it, the battery will not stay charged while the car is running and you will lose all electricity in the vehicle. On average, an alternator lasts around ten years. It does not have to be replaced as much as the other parts.
The first sign is a warning light on the dashboard shaped like a car battery. This tells you there is a power problem, though this could also be to do with your battery.
Dim dashboard lights can also signify alternator problems, but could also be the starter. Headlights may also be weaker, flicker, or just shine dimly.
Grinding and whirring noises may also be an alternator problem. The part spins to provide power. Worn out parts are usually audible in this manner.
It also uses a series of belts along with this, which may result in burning smells and friction if the alternator is faulty. Finally, if the car starts up after a jumpstart, then dies out suddenly, the alternator is the culprit. This shows that power is being provided by the battery, but it is not getting the power to keep it going.
Signs of a Bad Alternator:
- You can often hear a growling or whining sound right before your alternator goes out.
- The smell of burning rubber or hot wires can come from your alternator overheating.
- You notice that your headlights or your dash lights flicker or get extra dim or bright. Or that your gauges are behaving strangely.
- If you jump start your car and it will start, but the engine dies right after the jump then it is most likely the alternator. (Note: Do not try to test the alternator by removing the negative battery cable with the engine running. This could damage your car or truck’s electrical systems).
- A ‘GEN” or battery light on your dashboard is lit.
- A dead battery with no likely cause.
If your vehicle shows these symptoms, a bad alternator is the most probable cause. However, if these don’t line up with your vehicle’s issues, you may have a bad starter.
What if It Is Not the Starter, Alternator, or Battery?
If it is none of these problems, then start by checking your fuel. You would be surprised how often this happens. A fuel gauge may have become defective and not shown the correct amount in the tank, or you may have just not noticed. Fuel filters can also become clogged, meaning gas does not reach the engine. You may also encounter ignition issues that prevent the spark plugs from firing properly.
Finally
It is quite easy to panic and assume the worst when your car will not start. But, before you panic, try to see if a faulty battery, alternator, or starter is the problem. These three parts of a car closely work together, so it can be hard to tell which one has failed. A bit of investigation will result in determining the problem and hopefully get you back on the road.
