What a disappointment after installing a new battery, the car won’t start? Which are some of the reasons causing this frustration?
Usually, your car should start when you do the following for automatic type;
- Slide the key into the ignition and turn it on
- Press the brake pedal
- Switch the gear to Drive (D)
- Press the accelerator gradually for the car to start moving
But if the vehicle fails to start even with a new battery, you may notice some symptoms, which call for your attention. The car clicks but won’t start unless jumped, the vehicle may be silent and crank but fail to start. The main culprit for these symptoms is the battery, alternator, and starter. Learn how to diagnose these problems and fix them.
Why Does My Car Not Start Even with a New Battery?
You may think that you have sorted your battery issues and start panicking when your car fails to start. However, checking your new battery, alternator, and starter is no harm in identifying the cause.
Sometimes your new battery may have a short lifespan or even be installed when dead. A good battery should last for about 4-5 years. However, the battery’s metallic parts may corrode and affect the charging ability due to internal issues.
When the battery fails to hold the charge for a long time, it won’t supply the starter and electrical system power. Look out for these symptoms if your new battery has an issue. A whining sound or clunking when you try starting the car. Additionally, your vehicle fails to start when you switch it off and turn it on again.
Also, you can examine if your battery is weak through jumpstarting. If your car starts immediately, the issue is with your new battery. Therefore, you should charge your battery and clean the connectors and terminals for good contact.
Another reason your car won’t start with a new battery is a faulty alternator. An alternator keeps your battery charged while functioning. So, if the alternator is defective, your battery will run out of charge thus won’t power the engine. You will diagnose alternator issues if the battery is operational but can’t hold charge when in use.
Some of the signs of a failed alternator include;
- Dashboard light warning- an icon may appear with the word ‘charge’ and a battery symbol. This sign indicates there is a problem with the alternator charging ability. The light appears when you start the engine, and it remains on because of the new battery.
- Dim headlight- with a lousy alternator, the dash lights get dim when the car is idling. It’s a sign of a weak alternator, damaged connection, or a loose drive belt.
- Reduction in engine crank- a faulty alternator makes the engine crank slowly. It’s best to check the ignition system first then make a decision.
A bad starter is another component that makes you jumpstart a car with a new battery. Both the battery and starter work together. The power from the battery controls the starter to turn on the engine. So, if your new battery is in good condition and you still have to jumpstart, the starter may be failing.
Some of the signs to check for a failing starter are ;
- Clicking sound when you turn the key
- Dashboard lights are on, but no action
- Engine fails to crank
- Smoke from your car as you keep turning the key
- Oil leak soaking the starter
Though in other situations, the starter may die without any sign. The starters can malfunction due to;
- Corroded connections at the starter
- loose electrical connections to and from the starter
- bad relay or fuse
- oil leaks
- damaged parts in the starter system
You can troubleshoot your starter before you try jumpstarting to fix the issue.
- Tap the starter lightly with a hard object. It’s a simple way of powering it up before visiting a mechanic.
- Adjust the transmission. For instance, in an automatic car, start the car in ‘neutral’ if it’s in a ‘park’ setting and check if it works.
- Check the fuel gauge –it’s a factor that makes the car fail to start.
Why Does My Car Only Start with a Jump Start?
Failure of a car to start is a common issue that most drivers encounter. As discussed above, some common reasons your vehicle only starts with a jump start are weak battery, faulty alternator, and starter. However, other factors may make your car need a jumpstart.
Clogged or frozen fuel lines
Frozen airlines prevent the car from getting enough fuel to run the engine. If you find your engine starting for a few seconds then fails, the issue relates more to the fuel lines than the ignition system and battery. Sometimes the pipes freeze in cold weather, which affects fuel intake by the engine. You will have to thaw the fuel for the vehicle to start.
Also, inspect the fuel filters for any blockage. Clogged filters prevent the gas from reaching the engine. The best remedy is replacing these filters and avoiding running your car empty.
Fouled spark plugs in the ignition system
Spark plugs are constituents of the ignition system, and if in bad condition, they can prevent the car from starting. The plugs malfunction if contaminated with oil or other fluid leaks in the engine. So, if the starting issue isn’t related to battery, starter, or alternator, the best solution is to replace the spark plugs as they are affordable.
Conclusion
If your car doesn’t start with a new battery, some factors affect it. Jump starting will be a temporary solution. First, examine the starter, battery, alternator, and ignition system and fix them accordingly. Then, using the tips above, they will help find a solution to the starting issue.
Again, if you find your engine cranking and the car won’t start, inspect the fuel, gas tank, filters and spark. These are other reasons that make the vehicle fail to start with a new battery. In addition, the fuel line may be frozen, especially in cold weather, and may require thawing.