Honda N-WGN Won’t Start? Here’s Quick Solutions to the Most Common Causes

Intro

As a certified auto mechanic with over twenty years of experience, I’ve seen my good share of Honda N-WGNs that won’t to start. And I can assure you, I understand how frustrating it can be when you’ve got places to go, you hop in, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nothing at all!

But don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. My name’s Robby and in this article, I’m going to explain the most common reasons why your Honda N-WGN won’t start. I’ll cover all the most common causes and you’ll learn how to identify each potential cause, as well as what to do in each case. I’ll offer useful troubleshooting tips and repair solutions based on my two decades of first-hand experience, so you can get your Honda N-WGN starting and driving again as rapidly as possible.

Understanding Why a Honda Won’t Start

Honda Wont Start
(Image Credit: MechanicAnswer.com)

When you hop into your vehicle and realize “My Honda N-WGN won’t start”, this could be because of a multitude of issues being wrong with your vehicle. Perhaps the engine is not starting at all, potentially it is turning over partially however then not starting, or maybe it’s making a clicking noise when you try to start the engine, however ultimately nothing happens. Each of these scenarios can be a sign of various problems with your car.

Common Reasons Why Your Honda N-WGN Won’t Start

There are many reasons that an N-WGN won’t start up. These issues usually include a weak or dead vehicle battery, a broken alternator, starter motor problems, fuel system failures, along with electrical or circuitry issues. Every one of these issues can manifest as an array of symptoms and require separate solutions to troubleshoot and repair, so we can get your car back on the road ASAP.

Symptoms of Honda N-WGN That Won’t Start

Having the ability to recognize and diagnose these signs, will help you in discovering the underlying cause of the issue. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking sound but your Car 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 Honda N-WGN Won’t Start

The very first step to discovering a solution to the problem is getting to grips with the root cause of that issue, so let’s explore the most common factors why your N-WGN fails to start.

Honda N-WGN Battery Issues

Honda Car Battery Being Replaced By a Mechanic

In the vast majority of instances, the most common reason why your Honda N-WGN fails to start is often because of the battery, it’s either dead or weak, and you need to recharge your car’s battery or change it. The Car’s battery stores the electric needed to start the engine, and power all the electrical parts in your Honda N-WGN. Signs of a weak or dead battery problem in a N-WGN, can be things like the vehicle being sluggish to crank the engine, poorly lit headlights, or a lit-up battery alert light on the dash. A portable jump starter allows you to jump start your vehicle’s if the battery is dead without needing another vehicle. And a battery charger can help recharge a dead battery and diagnose battery issues.

Honda N-WGN Alternator Problems

Faulty Alternator means car wont start

The alternator is responsible for charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A defective alternator can certainly stop your Honda N-WGN from starting as it will not be able to charge up the battery, from the engine, so it will deplete all the way down till it’s totally dead and you only realize it when you get in your N-WGN and it won’t start. Signs that your N-WGNs alternator is faulty include a lit-up battery or alternator caution light on the dash, weak or dim headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding noise from the engine while it’s running.

Honda N-WGN Starter Motor Failures

my car wont start is the starter motor?

The starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over (cranking) when you start your Honda. If the starter motor is defective in some way then the engine is not going to crank, and your N-WGN will not start. You can tell if your starter motor has an issue or not often by listening for a clicking noise when you turn your key or a grinding noise throughout the startup, or your vehicle can start, but only intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.

Honda N-WGN Fuel System Complications

Replacing the Fuel Filter of a Honda

We’re not talking about when you simply run out of gas here, but your vehicle’s fuel system itself having complications. Your Honda N-WGN uses a combustion engine, and because of this to start and run, it requires a mix of enough fuel and air. If your N-WGN problems are because of a faulty fuel system, this can sometimes be a clogged fuel filter or a damaged fuel pump relay, which could mean the engine might not be getting the fuel it requires to get the vehicle going. Over time fuel injectors can also get clogged, so using a fuel injector cleaner like Red Line can help clean them and improve starting.

Honda N-WGN Electrical System or Wiring Problems

can electrics be a reason a car wont start

Today’s modern Honda N-WGNs rely greatly on electronics, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially break and cause problems. Even in an older vehicle, you can still have regular issues such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a broken ignition switch, or a damaged sensor, and more. These can be some of the many electrical reasons your vehicle will not get started. Symptoms of a circuitry or electrical issue can differ vastly but can often include the engine not cranking, or your N-WGN can start but just intermittently or numerous alert lights show on the dash. To appropriately diagnose and repair these kinds of problems, you will need the skills of a knowledgeable Honda mechanic locally or online.

Solutions & Repair Tips

As soon as you have diagnosed what the reason for your vehicle being unable to start is. The next logical step is naturally to attempt to repair it. Here are some pointers for the typical problems we’ve covered so far.

How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Honda N-WGN

my car wont start i think its the battery

If it’s a battery issue you suspect is the cause of your troubles, then the first thing you ought to do is inspect around the battery and check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and firmly connected. If you find that the terminals are corroded you can try to clean them up with a mix of baking soda and water.

Once you have checked the battery terminals, you can check to see if the battery is just out of charge, or worse, it’s old and weak, or dead and needs to be replaced. For this, you can charge the battery in a few different ways:

If the battery charges up and works fine, great, problem solved! However, you will need to replace the battery if it’s weak or old. Otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the vehicle, it will probably die once again in the not so distant future. You can use a multimeter or OB2 scanner as a way to test the life of the battery to see if it’s worth saving or if it needs to be changed for a new one. You can get a replacement car battery for your exact Honda model by visiting Amazon here, and selecting “enter a new vehicle” to filter the results for your Honda N-WGN, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.

If charging your N-WGN’s battery does not resolve your issues, and problems like frequent draining and needing frequent charges persist even after replacing the battery, there is likely a more complex underlying issue causing excessive battery drain. In that case, you will need a professional mechanic to inspect and diagnose the root cause. You can also ask the advice of a mechanic online through us, or get an instant free quote on a Mobile mechanics near me.

How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Honda N-WGN

Funny Image of a DIY mechanic replacing an alternator
Funny Image of a man  trying to replace an alternator

Ok, so the image above I found online and is a joke, DON’T DO THIS. I’ll explain in more detail, but in short, to diagnose and fix alternator problems you will need the help of a qualified and experienced auto mechanic. If the alternator is what you suspect is the perpetrator, you can test it. If you can get the Car to start up temporarily (you may need to jump-start the vehicle for that), but once it’s going, let the vehicle run, and while it’s running, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. It’s likely due to a problem with your Car’s alternator if you discover your Honda N-WGN dies immediately when you disconnect the positive terminal. You should be aware however that this method can be dangerous, and might damage the sensitive electronic parts in your Honda N-WGN, so it’s necessary to seek advice from a reliable auto mechanic in your area or online, before ever attempting this. If you think it might be the alternator, it’s best to ask a mechanic online or near you.

How to Identify and Solve Starter Motor Failures in a Honda N-WGN Honda Starter Motor Replacement by a qualified mechanic

It’s likely a problem with your starter motor if you hear the clicking sound but the engine doesn’t crank. In this case, the solution is to have the starter motor replaced by a professional mechanic.

How to Fix Fuel System Problems in a Honda N-WGN

my car wont start but clicks

If you think the issue to be due to a fuel system problem, listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting the vehicle. You should be able to hear a humming noise for a couple of seconds. It might be there is an issue with the fuel pump if you are not able to hear this sound. If you observe your Honda is tough to start, it stalls, or it has bad acceleration, it might be down to a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely require a reliable auto mechanic in order to effectively repair. This is because may require a fuel pressure test kit and mechanic’s tool set to fully diagnose and repair fuel system problems.

How to Fix Electrical or Wiring Problems in a Honda N-WGN

fuses to check when car wont start

If you suspect it’s a wiring or electrical system issue, first check the fuses associated with the ignition system, and replace any that have actually blown. If your Honda N-WGN starts after this, then it was an effective, simple and low-cost fix! Nevertheless, if the vehicle doesn’t start, even intermittently it might be a problem with the ignition switch itself. If different warning lights show up on your dashboard, it might be a faulty sensor. These issues can be extremely complex and a reliable Honda mechanic is likely needed to diagnose and repair it. 

Preventive Steps

As my dad always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are the best ways to make sure you hopefully avoid any Honda N-WGN starting troubles again!

Routine Maintenance of Your Honda N-WGN:

Father teaching his son how to check the oil on a Honda

Regular maintenance of your Honda N-WGN is essential to avoid future troubles. This includes things like routine oil changes, checking your Car’s battery, cleaning up the terminals, changing the fuel filter as advised/needed, and of course having your vehicle inspected by a reliable auto mechanic regularly. If you are unsure about regular upkeep tasks needed for your specific vehicle, you can speak with a mechanic locally or online.

Drive Your Honda N-WGN Regularly:

happy black couple driving their Honda after getting it started again

If you happen to leave your Honda N-WGN in the driveway for long periods of time without taking it for a spin now and again, the battery will waste out of charge as it’s not being charged up by the engine being used. Try to drive your vehicle frequently to keep the battery charged. If you remember you have not driven your vehicle in a while, take it for a spin to ensure there is still charge in the battery. Worth noting: letting the battery fully drain, is also damaging to the longevity of the battery, try not to do this.

Pay Attention to Warning Signs:

Honda warning dash lights

If you notice anything out of the ordinary like uncommon sounds, a difference in how it drives and the performance, or warning lights are now visible on your Honda N-WGNs dashboard, don’t disregard them and get on with your day. These are usually early signs of an issue and it’s best to be dealt with ASAP before they end up being much bigger issues down the line. Talk to a mechanic locally or online about these warning lights and find out if they need to be addressed.

When to Ask a Honda Mechanic Online

If you want to save time, would like a professional Honda mechanic on hand guiding and advising you, or you’ve actually tried to fix it by yourself, however in spite of your best efforts your Honda will not start, then chatting with a Honda mechanic online can be an excellent option. It certainly beats googling things like “Honda overheated now wont start” all day and still getting no where.

Advantages of an Online Honda Mechanic

When to ask a mechanic online

Online mechanic services provides several benefits. You can get expert Honda mechanic recommendations 24×7 and without leaving your house, which is particularly useful if your vehicle will not start and is stuck in the driveway. It can also help you save money as online mechanic consultations are more affordable than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get answers quickly, which is excellent if you’re in a rush, need a 2nd opinion, or you simply prefer having a professional Honda mechanic on hand.

How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Benefit You

Honda Wont start help online
(Image Credit: MechanicAnswer.com)

Our Honda help chat service connects you with accredited specialist mechanics who can provide instant aid, guidance and suggestions with all issues and all Honda models. It doesn’t matter if your N-WGN is having trouble or your Honda N-One won’t start, we’ve got the Honda mechanics online that with a little bit of information over a chat box, can solve anything for you.

You’re able to explain the issues you are having with your vehicle, ask Honda mechanics limitless questions, and even upload pictures and videos so you are able to show the mechanic what you mean. You can speak to them by means of online chat or by phone call, whichever you choose. The Honda mechanic online will help you identify the problem, guide you on what are the best options for your individual situation and even guide you through easy maintenance and repairs every step of the way.

Conclusion

In summary, when your Honda N-WGN wont start, it will likely be a complete disappointment and an enormous inconvenience. However, understanding what might be causing the problems, having the ability to troubleshoot them, and knowing what actions are required in each case, when and where to get help if needed, will be a big benefit. Keep in mind that regular maintenance is essential for avoiding the vast majority of Car issues.

I hope this guide helps you get your Honda started again, and have a great day!

Frequently Asked Questions When a Honda N-WGN Won’t Start (FAQs)

What should I do if my Honda N-WGN will not start?

First off, do not panic. Try to identify any signs that might suggest a problem, such as unusual noises, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The reason for the problem is most likely one of the typical causes gone over in this guide. If you can’t find the issue yourself, you will require the help of a Honda mechanic in your area or online.

How to tell if my Honda N-WGN won’t start because of the battery?

Indications of a battery problem in a N-WGN consist of the engine being slow to crank, dim headlights, and lit battery warning lights on the 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 swap it out for a new one if the battery is weak or old.

How can I prevent my Honda N-WGN not starting issues?

In order to make sure this inconvenience never takes place again, regular upkeep is essential. This includes things like oil changes, checking the battery and cleaning its terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and getting your Honda N-WGN inspected by a mechanic routinely. It’s also a terrific idea to drive the Car routinely so the battery stays charged.

Can I ask a mechanic online if my Honda N-WGN won’t start?

Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can provide instant professional Honda mechanic assistance and guidance, without you needing to leave your house. This is especially helpful if your vehicle is unable to start and is stuck in the driveway.

How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Honda N-WGN is unable to start?

We link you with certified professional Honda mechanics who can provide suggestions on your particular circumstance. You can inform them about your vehicle issues, ask unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can effectively explain and show the issue. The mechanic will have the ability to assist, troubleshoot, diagnose the issue, suggest the best course of action and guide you along the way.

Chat With a Mechanic?

24/7 Expert Mechanics To Help Solve Any Issues Your Having.

 

Which Mechanic Suits You?

  1. Chat with an Online Mechanic to get instant, unlimited help and advice for 1 full week, for just $5.
  2. Get in-person help from a Mobile Mechanic. We recommend YourMechanic. They will come to you and fix your vehicle at a time that suits you. Instant free quote online below. We recommend the online mechanic first, as it’s cheaper, and you may not need an in-person mechanic.

Which Mechanic Suits You?

  1. Chat with an Online Mechanic to get instant, unlimited help and advice for 1 full week, for just £5.
  2. Get help from a Mobile Mechanic. We  recommend Fixter. They will come to you and fix your vehicle at a time that suits you. Instant free quote online below. We recommend the online mechanic first, as it’s cheaper for you, and you may not need an in-person mechanic.

Which Mechanic Suits You?

  1. Chat with an Online Mechanic to get instant, unlimited help and advice for 1 full week, for just $5.
  2. Get in-person help from a Mobile Mechanic Near You. They will come to you and fix your vehicle at a time that suits you. If there are none near you, you will be redirected to the online mechanic.

Which Mechanic Suits You?

  1. Chat with an Online Mechanic to get instant, unlimited help and advice for 1 full week, for just $5.
  2. Get in-person help from a Mobile Mechanic Near You. They will come to you and fix your vehicle at a time that suits you. If there are none near you, you will be redirected to the online mechanic.

Which Mechanic Suits You?

  1. Chat with an Online Mechanic to get instant, unlimited help and advice for 1 full week, for just £5.
  2. Get help from a Mobile Mechanic. We  recommend Fixter. They will come to you and fix your vehicle at a time that suits you. Instant free quote online below. We recommend the online mechanic first, as it’s cheaper for you, and you may not need an in-person mechanic.

Which Mechanic Suits You?

  1. Chat with an Online Mechanic to get instant, unlimited help and advice for 1 full week, for just $5.
  2. Get in-person help from a Mobile Mechanic. We recommend YourMechanic. They will come to you and fix your vehicle at a time that suits you. Instant free quote online below. We recommend the online mechanic first, as it’s cheaper, and you may not need an in-person mechanic.

Where Can I Find My VIN?

Your vehicle’s unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be found on the title document, the vehicle registration, and the insurance policy. It is a series letters and numbers like this as example: WAUGC0896JA235262. The VIN can also be located on the following locations on the vehicle itself:

how to find VIN on vehicle