Why Won’t My Truck Start?
We’ve all been there. You’re getting ready to leave in the morning and all seems well until you try to start your truck and… nothing. Before jumping to the worst possible conclusion and towing your vehicle away to the junkyard, keep in mind these possible reasons your truck won’t start. It’s possible that all you need is a trip to a local auto repair shop for required maintenance or small repair.
Common Reasons Your Vehicle Won’t Start
Here are the most common causes to a vehicle that won’t start.
Dead Battery
A dead battery is probably the most common reason for a truck that won’t start. If you own a battery tester, check the battery to see if it’s holding any charge. If you don’t have a battery tester, try to jump start your car with jumper cables either with one of your other vehicles or a neighbor’s vehicle. If this doesn’t work, it’s possible you need a battery replacement.
Battery Corrosion
Another common reason for a car that won’t start is battery corrosion. If the battery posts are corroded, it’s possible you won’t have a complete connection in your vehicle. If your battery is corroded, it’s time to clean it (ask a local auto technician, such as one of the experienced mechanics at Ron’s Auto & RV for advice on how to best clean battery terminals) or replace it.
Malfunctioning Starter Motor
The starter motor works to turn the engine over and getting it to fire. A bad starter motor typically needs replacement. Some of the symptoms of a bad starter motor include clicking sounds when attempting to start the vehicle, no power except to the vehicle’s accessories, and smoke coming from the engine. If you think your starter motor has gone bad or is starting to malfunction, bring it in to Ron’s Auto & RV for diagnosis and repair (or replacement, if need be).
Bad or Malfunctioning Timing Belt
Call Ron’s Auto & RV to schedule maintenance on your truck (such as a timing belt replacement) and you can prevent start-up issues!
Your vehicle’s timing belt makes sure that the engine’s valves open and close at the right time. This way, the valves and pistons never touch. The timing belt is probably one of the most important parts of your vehicle to maintain because a failed timing belt can cause a lot of engine damage. Sometimes the engine damage is so severe you’ll need to replace your entire engine– not a cheap fix. Most auto manufacturers recommend that the timing belt needs to be changed every 60,000 miles (96,560.64 km) or five years, whichever comes first.
Broken Distributor Cap
If your distributor cap is broken or cracked, you may have trouble starting up your truck. The distributor cap routes electricity from the engine’s ignition coils to the spark plugs. If moisture gets under that cap, it can be an issue for your vehicle. If you think your distributor cap is broken, it’s time to bring it in to an auto repair shop for replacement.
Bad or Malfunctioning Ignition Coil
Another reason your car may not start has to do with the ignition coil. Your vehicle’s ignition coil transforms the battery’s voltage into an electric spark. A damaged ignition coil won’t be able to provide the juice to your engine to get it running. You’ll need to take your vehicle in to a mechanic to test the strength of the current going through the coil.
Clogged Fuel Filter
A clogged fuel filter prevents fuel from reaching the engine. Sometimes this is the issue with a truck that won’t start. If so, the fuel filter needs replacement by a professional auto technician.
How Can Ron’s Auto & RV Help You?
A truck that won’t start is frustrating at the very least. Worst-case scenario, it prevents you from getting to and from work safely and in a reasonable amount of time. If your truck doesn’t start, call us at Ron’s Auto & RV for expert diagnosis and repair from ASE-certified technicians. We have decades of automotive experience between us, and we treat our clients like family. We are following all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and we have contactless payment options available if you are uncomfortable with coming to the shop. Call today for more information!