Car Won’t Start but Battery Is Good – What Could Be the Problem?
Quote from DIYDan on June 11, 2025, 7:49 amHi everyone,
Yesterday my car suddenly wouldn’t start. The engine won’t crank but the battery is good — lights, radio, and dashboard all turn on fine. I even tested the battery voltage, and it's fully charged. What else could be stopping the car from starting? I need some guidance before I call a mechanic.
Hi everyone,
Yesterday my car suddenly wouldn’t start. The engine won’t crank but the battery is good — lights, radio, and dashboard all turn on fine. I even tested the battery voltage, and it's fully charged. What else could be stopping the car from starting? I need some guidance before I call a mechanic.
Quote from Kevin Nicholas on June 11, 2025, 10:12 amGood question — you're not alone! If the car won’t start but the battery is fine, there are several possible causes you can check before taking it to a shop:
🔍 Common Causes:
1️⃣ Faulty Starter Motor:
If the starter motor fails, the engine won't crank even though the battery is good.2️⃣ Bad Starter Relay or Solenoid:
The relay sends power from the battery to the starter. If it’s faulty, no cranking will happen.3️⃣ Neutral Safety Switch (for automatic transmission):
If this switch fails, it may prevent the car from starting.4️⃣ Ignition Switch Problems:
A worn or faulty ignition switch may allow lights to come on but won’t engage the starter.5️⃣ Blown Fuse or Faulty Wiring:
A blown starter fuse or corroded wiring can interrupt power to the starter.6️⃣ Security System Issue (Immobilizer Active):
Modern vehicles may prevent starting if the anti-theft system is triggered.7️⃣ Ground Connection Problems:
Loose or corroded ground wires can prevent the starter from receiving proper voltage.🛠️ DIY Checks You Can Try:
Listen for a click when turning the key — no click may suggest starter or relay issue.
Try tapping the starter lightly with a hammer while someone turns the key.
Check all fuses related to ignition and starter circuits.
Try starting in Neutral instead of Park (for automatics).
Use an OBD2 scanner to see if any security or ignition system codes are stored.
Good question — you're not alone! If the car won’t start but the battery is fine, there are several possible causes you can check before taking it to a shop:
🔍 Common Causes:
1️⃣ Faulty Starter Motor:
If the starter motor fails, the engine won't crank even though the battery is good.
2️⃣ Bad Starter Relay or Solenoid:
The relay sends power from the battery to the starter. If it’s faulty, no cranking will happen.
3️⃣ Neutral Safety Switch (for automatic transmission):
If this switch fails, it may prevent the car from starting.
4️⃣ Ignition Switch Problems:
A worn or faulty ignition switch may allow lights to come on but won’t engage the starter.
5️⃣ Blown Fuse or Faulty Wiring:
A blown starter fuse or corroded wiring can interrupt power to the starter.
6️⃣ Security System Issue (Immobilizer Active):
Modern vehicles may prevent starting if the anti-theft system is triggered.
7️⃣ Ground Connection Problems:
Loose or corroded ground wires can prevent the starter from receiving proper voltage.
🛠️ DIY Checks You Can Try:
-
Listen for a click when turning the key — no click may suggest starter or relay issue.
-
Try tapping the starter lightly with a hammer while someone turns the key.
-
Check all fuses related to ignition and starter circuits.
-
Try starting in Neutral instead of Park (for automatics).
-
Use an OBD2 scanner to see if any security or ignition system codes are stored.
Quote from Deleted user on June 11, 2025, 12:58 pmSame issue with my 2010 Corolla. Turned out to be a bad starter solenoid. Replaced the whole starter unit — problem solved.
Same issue with my 2010 Corolla. Turned out to be a bad starter solenoid. Replaced the whole starter unit — problem solved.
Quote from WrenchWizard on June 16, 2025, 12:33 pmTry shifting to Neutral and then starting. My old Camry had a neutral safety switch issue that only allowed starts in Neutral.
Try shifting to Neutral and then starting. My old Camry had a neutral safety switch issue that only allowed starts in Neutral.