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Why My Car Won’t Jumpstart

A tow truck about to tow a car because the car won't jumpstart

Wondering why your car won’t jumpstart? No matter what you do, you can’t get your car to turn over. You’ve tried everything: checking the fuel level, turning the key multiple times, pumping on the gas pedal. Still nothing! What’s going on? The following are some of the reasons why your car won’t Jumpstart:

  1. Car Won’t Jumpstart Because the Battery Is Completely Dead

It seems pretty obvious, right? But you may have overlooked a significant problem. You’ll need to check the battery. Ensure you’re dealing with a dead battery, not a faulty charging system. Your battery is either dead, or it’s not charged up enough to start the car. 

2. Faulty Alternator

Has the battery been tested? First, you’ll need to test your battery. You can use a hydrometer to check the charge of a car battery. The voltage reading will be between 12.50 and 14.50 when appropriately charged. If the voltage is less than 12.5, your battery is too weak, and the alternator needs to be tested.

3. Battery Terminal Issues

Is the battery clean? You’ll need to run a jumper cable to the positive and negative connections. If your car will not start and the battery terminal is clean, then a ground may be the problem. The cable should be properly attached.

4. Bad Starter

Is the starter bad? Your battery may be completely dead, or it could be charging. Test it. You can also use a jumper cable to test for a bad starter. The engine shouldn’t turn over on its own but should when you try to start it.

5. Dead Fuel Pump

Is there fuel in the vehicle? You might have a dead battery, or your fuel pump is not getting power. You’ll need to check your fuel pump. You can test it by jumping the wires on the fuel pump to the ground. If it turns on, you have a dead fuel pump. The battery and fuel pump should be tested together.

6. Jumper Cable Problems

Try another set of jumper cables. Your battery may be completely dead or it could be charging. The battery and the fuel pump should be tested together. If you’re not getting power from your battery, you may need a new cable.

6. Ignition Off

Turn the ignition off and back on. Clean the terminals on the start connection leads and check for loose connections, then try to start the car again. The starter should turn. Try to start the car again. If it doesn’t start, check your fuses and relays.

Now you know the reason your car won’t start, there is a solution. It’s simple but thorough. The first step is to test your battery. If the battery is low, charge up the battery. If there’s a problem with the starter, you’ve got bad news. See if any other parts may be damaged and need replacing. If you don’t have a shop near you, you can find one on the internet or through a mobile repair guy. Hopefully, this will help your car to start again. 

If you find yourself out on the road and your car won’t jumpstart, make sure to call 24-hour towing St. Louis Mo. 

Getting Started

24-hour towing St. Louis, MO, is the premier towing company in St. Louis. If you need a tow or any other towing service, such as flat tirelockout, or jumper service, call us at 314-597-0075 or contact us. We look forward to serving you.