Few things are as frustrating as getting into your car, turning the key, and discovering that your engine won’t start. Several different issues could be responsible for this problem. At Autobahn Specialists, our mechanics are experts at identifying and fixing issues that cause no-start in European vehicles. Here are five common causes of no-start.

Dead Battery
A dead battery is one of the most common reasons that cars won’t start. If your battery is drained, your car won’t have the power it needs to start the engine. This could be due to leaving your lights or electronics on, an old or weak battery, or an issue with the alternator not properly charging the battery. 

Faulty Starter Motor
The starter motor is responsible for physically turning over the engine. If the starter motor fails, the engine won’t start even if the battery is fully charged. Often, you’ll hear a single click when you try to start the car, but the engine won’t turn over.

Faulty Ignition Switch
A faulty ignition switch can prevent your car from starting. The ignition switch sends a signal to the starter motor to turn on the engine. If the switch is worn or damaged, it may not be able to send this signal, leaving you stranded. 

Fuel Pump Failure
The fuel pump sends gasoline from the tank to the engine. If the fuel pump fails, the engine won’t receive the fuel it needs to start. Common symptoms of a failing fuel pump include sputtering, a whining noise coming from the fuel tank area, or an engine that cranks but doesn’t start.

Bad Spark Plugs
Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine’s cylinders. If the spark plugs are worn or fouled, the engine won’t be able to start properly. You may experience a rough idle or engine misfires before the engine finally refuses to start altogether. Replacing old spark plugs can usually resolve this issue.

European Auto Repair in Tacoma, WA

When you need European auto repair in Tacoma and the surrounding area, contact Autobahn Specialists at (253) 474-0177. At our local European auto shop, we can expertly complete any of your Euro car’s repair or maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!