You greet the day, ready to tackle everything that’s on your schedule, with a positive attitude. As you head out to your car, however, that positivity suddenly turns to negativity when you put your key into the ignition, turn it, and it won’t start.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common no-start problems, what they mean, and when to call a trusted expert in automotive repair in Omaha.

What To Do When Your Car Won’t Start?

Here’s a look at some of the most common reasons why your car won’t start and how to troubleshoot these issues.

Clicking Sound When Starting

If you turn the key and hear rapid clicking but the engine doesn’t turn over, the issue is usually the battery.

Possible causes:

  • Weak or dead battery
  • Loose battery cables
  • Faulty alternator
  • Starter motor beginning to fail

What to do:

  • Turn on your headlights — if they’re dim, the battery is likely dead.
  • Check for loose or corroded battery connections and tighten them if needed.
  • Try jump-starting the car.
  • Lightly tap the starter with a tool; stuck electrical contacts may release temporarily.

If the clicking continues, your starter or alternator may need professional diagnosis.

Engine Cranks Normally, But Won’t Start

If the engine makes its usual cranking sound but it won’t fire, the problem could be your gas tank; namely, there isn’t enough fuel in it. In to turn the engine, a car needs to have a certain amount of gas; if it doesn’t combustion can’t occur; without combustion, the engine isn’t going to turn. Check the gas gauge; if it’s low, add fuel to the tank and you should be back up and running in no time.

Cranking and Spinning Sound

If your car is emitting a high-speed cranking and spinning sound, a broken timing belt could be the reason why it isn’t starting. When this happens, the connection between the top portion and the bottom portion of the engine is broken, leaving some of the valves open. When that happens, there’s no resistance for the pistons and they’ll continue to move up and down at a fast rate. If that’s the case, the timing belt needs to be replaced.

Other Reasons Your Car May Not Start

Sometimes the problem is caused by less obvious issues, including:

  • Faulty crankshaft or camshaft sensor
  • Dead key fob battery
  • Security/immobilizer malfunction
  • Bad ignition switch
  • Blown fuse in the starter or fuel system
  • Frozen fuel lines in extreme cold

A full diagnostic test is often needed to determine the exact cause.

When To Call a Professional

If your car still isn’t starting after basic checks, it’s best to contact a trusted shop for automotive repair in Omaha. No-start issues can involve electrical systems, fuel delivery, overheating risks, or internal engine components, and continuing to try starting the vehicle may cause further damage.

Get Your No-Start Car Running Again with Dave & Rays Automotive Repair Shop in Omaha, NE

When your car refuses to start, you don’t have time to guess what’s wrong. At Dave & Ray’s Automotive, our technicians quickly diagnose the issue, whether it’s the battery, starter, alternator, fuel system, timing components, or an electrical fault, and get right to work restoring your vehicle’s reliability. From the first crank to the final fix, we make sure you understand what’s happening under the hood and give you honest, efficient solutions you can trust.

Contact us today for fast, dependable automotive repair in Omaha when your car is not starting. We’ll find the problem, fix it right, and get you back on the road with confidence.

 

Recent Articles