Why won't my car even start?

Question

I was going to go somewhere, but my car wont even start!

When I put the key in and turned it, I though maybe it was the battery but that can't be because we just got a new one.

Any idea what to check for or how to fix it? Would the CV joints have anything to do with this? Thanks so much

Answer 1

No a CV joint has nothing to do with the car not starting.

Typically causes for a car not starting are:
1. Dead Battery (Try jumping the car, even if the battery is new, if you accidentally left the lights on, it will drain the battery).
2. Bad Starter motor. Or Starter Solenoid.
3. Bad Neutral Safety Switch. (Try shifting the car into neutral to start instead of park, make sure your foot is on the brake when you shift!)
4. If you just got a new battery, it's possible that the connectors weren't cleaned or tightened appropriately.. Make sure your connections to the battery and clean and tight.

An alternator typically doesn't affect the car's ability to start up, but it will affect the ability for the car to keep going.

When you turn the ignition key, have someone stand outside with the hood up and listen to see if there's any noise?

Typically if the starter is broken, you'll hear either the starter motor spinning (because the solenoid is broken), or you'll hear a "ping" as the solenoid pushes the starter motor against the flex plate. If you don't hear anything, then definitely double check connections to the battery as well as the battery itself.

Answer 2

Faulty CV joints wont stop your car from starting. But u werent specific about the car not starting. When u put in the key did the engine rev as though it wanted 2 start, or was there no sound at all. If there is no sound then it is the battery. Probably the battery lugs need tightening.
If the engine turn but doesnt catch, then there is a number of things that may be wrong & u need someone 2 run a few tests.

Answer 3

you didnt mention whether your starter is crancking normally or not. Failure to start can be due to two basic reasons:
1. Electrical Fault which can be any of the following;
a. Weak battery
b. Defective Starter Solenoid
c. Defective Starter Motor
d. Ignition System defect (bad contactpoint, worn distributor
cap, defective ignition coil or capacitor, defective high tension cables
, fouled spark plugs etc..)

2. Mechanical Faults as in Wrong ignition timing

YOUR NEED TO DIAGNOSE EACH POSSIBILITY

Answer 4

cv joints would have nothing to do with the starting of the car, you could have a list of problems, from a bad battery(even though it might be new) bad alternator, to something simple as a bad groud wire not connected properly.try to jump it from another car. try to take your battery to auto zone and have them test it(take your alternator too) they will test it for free. good luck

Answer 5

ha,ha,no dear,cv joints wouldnt keep it from starting.(sorry for the laughing)ok check these things,check to see if the battery terminals are clean and tight,and if it dont start then,have someone tap the starter,while you try to start it.it also could be the neutral switch.try starting it in neutral,instead of park.if it starts then,its the neutral switch.

Answer 6

To add to the rest: some battery cables have a fuse in them. If the fuse is blown, it will act like a dead battery. I found out the hard way! If the car tries to turn over but can't, it's probably not your battery.

Answer 7

No CV joints have nothing to do w/ your car not starting..they make your wheels turn...it could be a vareity of reasons...does it crank? If so, it could be an ignition or fuel problem..if it doesn't crank it could be a fuel problem

Answer 8

I think David M has the right idea.

Answer 9

it can be your transmisson.make sure its in park