Intro
Let's face it, we've all experienced it, you've got places to go, you get in your Classic Car, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nothing at all! Your Classic Car won't start! This a very irritating situation to find yourself in, but don't stress, we've got the answers. There are lots and lots of causes as to why your Classic Car won't start, and for this guide, to save you time we'll deal with the most common factors as well as give you practical solutions to get your car back on the road!
Understanding the Problem
Before we get stuck into the causes and solutions it's important to initially have an understanding of the issue. When you realize to yourself “My Classic Car won't start”, this could be due to various issues being wrong with your car. Possibly the engine is not cranking at all, perhaps it is cranking partially but then not starting, or maybe it's making a clicking sound when you try to start the engine, however, ultimately nothing happens. Each of these scenarios can be indicative of various issues with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Classic Car Won't Start
There are various reasons that a Classic Car won't start up. These problems usually consist of a weak or dead car battery, a broken alternator, starter motor problems, and fuel system issues, in addition to electrical or wiring issues. Each one of these issues can manifest as different symptoms and require separate solutions to identify and fix, so we can get your car back on the road as soon as possible.
Symptoms of a Classic Car That Won't Start
Having the ability to recognize and diagnose these symptoms, will assist you in finding the underlying cause of the problem. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking noise but your vehicle still won't start, it can be a sign that there is an issue with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Classic Car Won't Start
The initial step to finding a solution to the problem is figuring out the root cause of that problem, so let's look into the most typical reasons your Classic Car fails to start.
Classic Car Battery Issues
In the vast majority of cases, the most common reason why your Classic Car won't start is, in many cases down to a bad battery, it's either weak or dead, and you need to either recharge your car’s battery or change it. The vehicle's battery supplies the power needed to start the engine, and power all the electrical parts in your Classic Car. Signs of a weak or dead battery problem in a Classic Car can be things like the car being sluggish to crank the engine, dim headlights, or a lit-up battery alert light on your car's dashboard.
Classic Car Alternator Problems
The alternator is responsible for charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A defective alternator can easily stop your Classic Car from starting as it won't have the ability to charge the battery, from the engine, so it will be drained fairly quickly till it's totally dead and you don't realize it until you get into your beloved Classic Car and it refuses to start. Signs that your car's alternator may be faulty can be a lit-up battery or alternator caution light on the dashboard, poorly lit headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding sound from the engine while it's running.
Classic Car Starter Motor Failures
When you start your Classic Car, the starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over (cranking it). If the starter motor is damaged in some way then the engine is not going to crank, and your Classic Car will not start. You can find out if your starter motor has a problem or not usually by listening for a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition or a grinding sound during the start-up, or your vehicle can start, but only intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Classic Car Fuel System Complications
Now we're not talking about when you simply run out of gas here, but your car’s fuel system itself having issues. Your Classic Car uses a combustion engine, and for that reason to start and run, it needs a mix of enough fuel and air. If your Classic Car issues are part of a faulty fuel system, this can be a clogged fuel filter or a broken fuel pump relay, which could mean the engine might not be getting the fuel it requires to get the car up and running.
Classic Car Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Depending on the year, some Classic Cars still rely heavily on electronics, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially go wrong. Even in an older model, you can have typical problems such as blown fuses, spark plug issues, a damaged ignition switch, a damaged sensor, and more. These can be a few of the numerous electrical explanations as to why your vehicle won't get started. Signs of a wiring or electrical issue can vary vastly but can often include the engine not cranking, your Classic Car can start but just intermittently, or some alert lights lit up on the car’s dash. To correctly identify and repair these kinds of problems, you will require the skills of an experienced car mechanic in your area or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
Once you have diagnosed the cause of your Classic Car being unable to start is. The next step is naturally to try and repair it. Here are some tips for the common problems we've covered so far.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Classic Car
If you think it's possible a battery issue is the reason your Classic Car has trouble starting, then the first thing you need to do is examine the battery and check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and tightly connected. If you happen to find that the terminals are in fact corroded you can attempt cleaning them with a mix of baking soda and water. If the battery is just old or weak, you will have to replace it, otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the vehicle, it will probably deplete quickly once again in the not-so-distant future. You can make use of a multimeter as a battery tester to find out if it’s worth saving or if it needs to be changed for a new one. You can ask a professional car mechanic online or locally to best advise you on this.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Classic Car
If you’re thinking that the alternator is the cause of your car's starting problems, you can test it to see for yourself. If you can get the vehicle started temporarily (you may need to jump-start the car for that), but once it’s going, let the car run, and while the engine is running, disconnect the positive terminal of your car's battery. If you notice your Classic Car is dying right away, then it's likely due to an issue with your car's alternator. You should be aware however that this method can be dangerous, and might damage the delicate electronic parts in your Classic Car, so it's always best to seek advice from a reliable car mechanic in your area or online, prior to ever attempting this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Classic Car
You should listen for a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition or press the start button if you think the starter motor is the root cause of your Classic Car not starting. In these cases, the solution is to have the starter motor changed for a new one by a professional mechanic.
How to Solve Fuel System Issues in a Classic Car
If you think the issue is due to a fuel system problem, try and listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting the vehicle. You should hear a humming sound for a couple of seconds. If you are not able to hear this sound, then it may be there is cause for concern with the fuel pump. If you notice your Classic Car is hard to start, it stalls, or it has poor acceleration, it might be due to a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely require a reliable car mechanic in order to effectively repair.
How to Fix Electrical or Wiring Issues in a Classic Car
If you think it's a circuitry or electrical system problem, initially inspect the fuses associated with the ignition system, and change any that have actually blown. If your Classic Car starts after this, then it was a successful, inexpensive, and simple repair! If the vehicle does not start, even intermittently, it might be cause for concern with the ignition switch itself. It could be a faulty sensor if various warning lights are lit up on the dash. These issues can be very complex and a reliable car mechanic is most likely required to diagnose and fix it.
Preventive Steps
As my dad always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to ensure you avoid any Classic Car starting pains ever again!
Routine Upkeep of Your Classic Car:
Routine upkeep of your Classic Car is crucial to avoid future troubles. This consists of things like regular oil changes, inspecting your car battery, cleaning the terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and of course having your Classic Car checked by a professional car mechanic routinely. If you are not sure about routine upkeep tasks needed for your specific car, you can consult a mechanic in your area or online.
Drive Your Classic Car Frequently:
If you happen to leave your Classic Car stagnant for extended periods of time without driving it, the battery will drain as it's not being charged up by the engine being in use. Try to drive your Classic Car frequently to keep the battery from draining. If you remember you have not driven your vehicle in a while, take it for a spin to ensure there is still a charge in the battery. Worth noting: letting the battery fully drain, is also damaging for the longevity of the battery, try not to do this.
Pay Attention to Warning Signs:
If you notice anything weird like uncommon sounds, a difference in driving and performance, or warning lights showing on the dash, do not ignore them and get on with your day. These can be early warnings of a problem and are best being resolved ASAP so that they don’t become much bigger issues down the line. Speak to a car mechanic locally or online about these warning lights and find out if they need to be addressed.
When to Ask a Classic Car Mechanic Online
If you're either limited on time, want a professional Classic Car mechanic on hand to guide and advise you, or have tried to resolve it by yourself, but despite your best efforts your car can't start, then chatting with a Classic Car mechanic online can be a great choice.
Advantages of Online Mechanic Solutions
Online mechanic services, like ours in the bottom right of this page, offer numerous advantages. You can get professional Classic Car mechanic advice 24×7 and without leaving your home, which is particularly useful if your car won't start and is stuck in the driveway. You can also save money as online mechanic consultations are more affordable than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get the answer quickly, which is fantastic if you're in a hurry, require a second opinion, or you simply prefer having an expert Classic Car mechanic on hand.
How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Assist You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with accredited professional mechanics who can offer instant aid, guidance and recommendations. You have the ability to describe the problems you are having with your car, ask a Classic Car mechanic limitless questions, and even upload photos and videos so you are able to show the mechanic what you mean. You can speak with them through online chat or by call, whichever you choose. The Classic Car mechanic will help you diagnose the issue, advise you on what are the best options for your individual scenario and even guide you through simple maintenance and repairs every step of the way.
Conclusion
To sum it all up when your Classic Car won't start, it will likely be a total downer and a massive hassle. However, understanding what might be triggering the issues, being able to troubleshoot them, and knowing what steps are required in each case, and where to get help if required, will be a big help. Remember that routine maintenance is essential for avoiding all car issues.
If this guide was insightful but your car's issues persist, you can always ask a mechanic questions 24/7 through our service..
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Classic Car can’t start?
Firstly, do not panic. Try to identify any symptoms that might indicate an issue, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the problem is likely one of the typical causes talked about in this guide. You will need the aid of a mechanic in your area or online if you can't find the cause of the problem yourself.
How to tell if my Classic Car won't start because of the battery?
Signs of a battery problem in a Classic Car consist of the engine being slow to crank, dim headlights, and lit battery warning lights on dash. You can also check the battery terminals to see if they are clean, not corroded, and tightly connected. It might be best to just change it if the battery is old or weak.
How can I prevent my Classic Car not starting issues?
In order to make certain this annoyance never occurs again, routine upkeep is key. This consists of things like oil changes, checking the battery and cleaning it's terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and getting your Classic Car checked by a mechanic often. It's also an excellent idea to drive the car frequently so the battery remains charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Classic Car will not start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can provide instantaneous specialist Classic Car mechanic help and suggestions, without you needing to leave your house. This is particularly helpful if your vehicle fails to start and is stuck in the driveway.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Classic Car won't start?
We connect you with certified professional Classic Car mechanics who can supply advice on your specific scenario. You can tell them about your vehicle problems, ask unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you can appropriately show the problem and explain it. The mechanic will be able to assist, troubleshoot, identify the problem, suggest the best course of action, and guide you along the way.
