As you may or may not be aware, in most cases there are a very limited amount of potential barriers that would inhibit the normal functioning of a vehicles ignition system. You attempt to fire up the ignition and get nothing. You’re left with frustration and contempt. After the initial wave of negative emotion subsides, your rational thought kicks in and you accept that you now have to deal with the problem at hand, but how?
Start with the battery. Sometimes corrosion can build up can prevent ignition. You may want to try and clean off the posts to see if that will correct the issue. Chances are good that your battery is dead, however. If you happen to have a battery tester, you can check the amps coming out of the battery to see if it is weak. You can also test the battery indirectly by jump-starting the vehicle. If it fires right up right away, then chances are your problem is just a dead battery. At this point, you may want to simply swap out the battery and clean off the posts, if you have not already done so.
It is possible that the vehicle inability to turn over is a result of having a faulty ignition switch, to check this, turn the ignition to the on position. If the warning lights don’t come on, then you most likely do have a bad ignition switch. Provided the warning lights do come on, turn the key to the start position. The warning lights should turn off (most cars).
Another potential problem is the starter connection. Corrosion can adversely affect any electrical component. You can test the connection by holding a circuit tester lead on the wire that engages the starter. Have a helper turn the key to test the current. If the starter is getting current and isn’t spinning, then it needs to be replaced. If the starter spins freely when the key is turned, then the problem lies elsewhere and further diagnosis is required.
If you are unable to detect and fix the mechanical failure on your own, you can contact a local service representative for assistance. If you’re vehicle is a Toyota and you reside in or around St. Louis, MO, make an appointment to get you vehicle serviced at a nearby Spirit Toyota dealer location.
Troubleshooting: Why my Car won’t start?
Start with the battery. Sometimes corrosion can build up can prevent ignition. You may want to try and clean off the posts to see if that will correct the issue. Chances are good that your battery is dead, however. If you happen to have a battery tester, you can check the amps coming out of the battery to see if it is weak. You can also test the battery indirectly by jump-starting the vehicle. If it fires right up right away, then chances are your problem is just a dead battery. At this point, you may want to simply swap out the battery and clean off the posts, if you have not already done so.
It is possible that the vehicle inability to turn over is a result of having a faulty ignition switch, to check this, turn the ignition to the on position. If the warning lights don’t come on, then you most likely do have a bad ignition switch. Provided the warning lights do come on, turn the key to the start position. The warning lights should turn off (most cars).
Another potential problem is the starter connection. Corrosion can adversely affect any electrical component. You can test the connection by holding a circuit tester lead on the wire that engages the starter. Have a helper turn the key to test the current. If the starter is getting current and isn’t spinning, then it needs to be replaced. If the starter spins freely when the key is turned, then the problem lies elsewhere and further diagnosis is required.
If you are unable to detect and fix the mechanical failure on your own, you can contact a local service representative for assistance. If you’re vehicle is a Toyota and you reside in or around St. Louis, MO, make an appointment to get you vehicle serviced at a nearby Spirit Toyota dealer location.