Why Your Car Won’t Start: Full Breakdown of the Most Common Causes

There’s nothing more frustrating than turning the key or pushing the start button and hearing… nothing. Or maybe your engine cranks, but your car just...

June 14, 2025 6 min read Rajenish Radhakrishnan
Frustrated man crouching beside a gray sedan with the hood open on a sunny roadside in autumn.

There’s nothing more frustrating than turning the key or pushing the start button and hearing… nothing. Or maybe your engine cranks, but your car just won’t start. Either way, you’re stuck. And in the UAE’s extreme heat, that’s not just inconvenient it can ruin your day.

Even the most reliable cars can run into starting issues. And with today’s vehicles packed with electronics and sensors, figuring out what’s wrong isn’t always simple. That’s where MotorHub’s mobile diagnostics service steps in. We bring expert mechanics right to your location no hassle.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons your car won’t start and how our team can help fix it fast.

If Your Engine Cranks but Won’t Start

Your engine is turning over, but the car won’t fire up. This usually means a problem with fuel delivery, ignition, or timing. Common culprits include:

• Faulty Fuel Pump

Even with a full tank, your engine won’t run if the fuel pump isn’t working. No fuel means no combustion plain and simple.

• Bad Spark Plugs

Spark plugs ignite the air fuel mixture in your engine’s cylinders. If they’re dirty, worn, or damaged, you won’t get the spark needed to start the car.

• Broken or Slipped Timing Belt

The timing belt keeps key engine parts moving in sync. If it breaks or slips, your engine may turn over but not start and continuing to crank could cause serious internal damage.

• Malfunctioning Ignition Coil

This component sends high voltage to the spark plugs. A weak or failed ignition coil means no spark, and no ignition.

• Faulty Camshaft or Crankshaft Position Sensor

These sensors tell your car’s computer when to fire spark plugs and inject fuel. If either fails, your engine won’t start.

If You Turn the Key and Nothing Happens

You try to start your car and it’s completely silent. Here’s what could be wrong:

• Dead Battery or Corroded Terminals

The most common cause of a no start issue. Batteries wear out over time, and corrosion can block the power supply.

• Starter Motor Failure

A faulty starter motor won’t crank the engine. You may hear a single click or nothing at all.

• Ignition Switch Problems

If the ignition switch fails, your car may not receive the electrical signal it needs to start. This can feel like a dead battery, but it’s a different issue.

If You Hear a Grinding Noise While Starting

A grinding sound usually means the starter motor isn’t engaging properly with the engine’s flywheel. Don’t keep trying this can cause further damage.

Advanced Issues That Can Block Starting

Even if your car seems fine, complex systems can still prevent it from starting:

• Transmission Range Sensor (Automatic Cars)

Your car won’t start unless it’s in “Park” or “Neutral.” A faulty sensor or misaligned gear shifter can block the start signal.

• Immobilizer or Security System Malfunction

Modern vehicles have built in anti-theft systems. If the system glitches or your key fob battery dies, the car may think you’re an intruder and won’t start.

How MotorHub’s Mobile Diagnostic Service Works

When your car won’t start, don’t guess get a professional diagnosis right where you are. Here’s what to expect when you book with MotorHub:

  1. We Come to You – Our certified mobile mechanic arrives at your home, office, or roadside.
  2. Full System Scan – We check all major components: battery, ignition, fuel system, sensors, and more.
  3. On the Spot Testing – We may try alternate start methods to narrow down the issue.
  4. Clear Diagnosis & Quote – You’ll get a detailed explanation and cost breakdown before any work starts.
  5. Warranty Backed Repairs – Every repair is backed by our MotorHub service guarantee.

Final Tip: Don’t Panic Call MotorHub Modern cars are complex machines. While it’s tempting to DIY, a professional diagnosis is faster, safer, and more reliable. Let MotorHub’s mobile mechanics do the heavy lifting so you can get back to driving stress-free.

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