Introduction
Let's face it, we've all been there, you've got places to go, so you get in your Hyundai, turn the key, and … drum roll please … absolutely nothing! Your Hyundai wont start up! This a super bothersome circumstance, but don't fret, we've got you covered. There are lots and lots of reasons why your Hyundai fails to start, and within this guide, to save you time we'll deal with the most typical reasons as well as give you useful solutions to get your car back on the road ASAP!
Understanding the Problem
Before we get stuck into the causes and solutions it's important to first have a grasp of the issue. When you hop into your car and realize “my Hyundai wont start”, this could be due to various things being wrong with your vehicle. Perhaps the engine is not cranking at all, perhaps it is turning over partially but then not starting, or possibly it's making a clicking noise when you try to start the engine, but ultimately absolutely nothing happens. Each of these cases can be a sign of different problems with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Hyundai Won't Start
There are various reasons why a Hyundai fails to start. These concerns usually consist of a weak or dead car battery, a broken alternator, starter motor failures, fuel system issues, along with electrical or wiring problems. Every one of these problems can show up as different symptoms and require separate solutions to identify and repair, so we can get your car back on the road ASAP.
Symptoms of a Hyundai That Won't Start
Being able to identify and diagnose these signs, will assist 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 wont start, it can be an indication that there is an issue with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Hyundai Won't Start
The initial step to finding a solution to the problem is understanding the underlying cause of that problem, so let's look into the most common factors why your Hyundai can't start.
Hyundai Battery Issues
Hyundai Alternator Problems
The alternator is tasked with charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A broken alternator can easily prevent your Hyundai from starting as it won't be able to charge the battery, from the engine, so it will drain all the way down till it's dead and you only realize it when you get into your beloved Hyundai and it refuses to start. Signs that your Hyundai's alternator may be faulty can be a lit-up battery or alternator caution light on the dashboard, weak or dim headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding noise from the engine while it's running.
Hyundai Starter Motor Failures
When you start your Hyundai, the starter motor handles turning the engine over (cranking it). If the starter motor is failing in some way then the engine may not crank, and your Hyundai won't start. You can find out if your starter motor has a problem or not often by listening, if you hear a clicking noise when you turn your key or a grinding noise during the start-up, or your car only starts intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Hyundai Fuel System Complications
We’re not talking about when you just run out of gas here, but the fuel system itself having complications. Your Hyundai uses a combustion engine, and for that reason to start and run, it needs a mix of enough fuel and air. If your Hyundai issues are part of a faulty fuel system, this might be a clogged fuel filter or a failing fuel pump relay, which could mean the engine may not be receiving the fuel it requires to get the vehicle going.
Hyundai Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Modern Hyundai cars rely greatly on electronic components, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially break and cause problems. Even in an older model, you can have regular problems such as blown fuses, spark plug issues, a broken ignition switch, or a faulty sensor and more. These can be some of the many electrical reasons your automobile won't start. Indications of a circuitry or electrical issue can differ greatly however can typically include the engine not cranking, or your Hyundai can start but only intermittently or various alert lights come on the car’s dash. To appropriately identify and repair these kinds of issues, you will need the skills of a knowledgeable car mechanic locally or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
When you have figured out what the reason for your Hyundai being unable to start is. The next step is naturally to attempt to repair it. Here are some tips for the common issues we've covered up until now.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Hyundai
If you think it's possible a battery problem is the culprit as to why your Hyundai has difficulty starting up, then the first thing you should do is examine the battery and check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded and tightly connected. If you find that the terminals are in fact corroded you can try 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 car, it will likely die again in the near future. You can make use of a multimeter as a way to test the life of the battery to see if it’s worth saving or if it needs to be replaced. You can ask a professional car mechanic online or locally to advise you on this.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Hyundai
If the alternator is what you think is the reason, you can test it. If you can get the vehicle to start up temporarily (you may need to jump start the car for that), but when it’s going, let the car run, and while its running, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. It's likely because of a problem with the alternator if you notice that your Hyundai dies immediately when you disconnect the positive terminal. However, be warned this test can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing, and may damage the delicate electronic components in your vehicle, so its best to consult with a professional mechanic locally or online, before ever attempting this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Hyundai
You should listen for a clicking noise when you turn the ignition key if you suspect the starter motor is the root cause of your Hyundai not starting. In this case, the solution is to have the starter motor replaced by a professional mechanic.
How to Resolve Fuel System Issues in a Hyundai
If you suspect 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 up the vehicle. You should hear a humming sound for a few seconds. It may be there is a problem with the fuel pump if you are unable to hear this sound. If you discover your Hyundai is difficult to start, it stalls, or it has bad acceleration, it could possibly be due to a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely need a professional car mechanic in order to effectively repair.
How to Fix Electrical or Wiring Problems in a Hyundai
If you suspect it's a wiring or electrical system problem, initially inspect the fuses related to the ignition system, and change any that have blown. If your Hyundai starts after this, then it was a successful, cheap and simple repair! However, if the car refuses to start, even intermittently it might be an issue with the ignition switch itself. It could be a faulty sensor if various warning lights are lit up on the dash. These problems can be extremely intricate and a professional car mechanic is most likely needed to diagnose and repair it.
Preventive Steps
As my father always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to make sure you can avoid any Hyundai starting problems ever again!
Regular Upkeep of Your Hyundai:
Regular upkeep of your Hyundai is of the utmost importance to avoiding future troubles. This includes things like routine oil changes, inspecting your car battery, cleaning up the terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and having your Hyundai checked by a reliable car mechanic regularly. If you are not sure about the routine upkeep tasks required for your particular model, you can consult a mechanic in your area or online.
Drive Your Hyundai Regularly:
If you happen to leave your Hyundai in your garage for extended periods of time without driving it, the battery may drain as it's not getting any charge from the engine being used. Try to drive your vehicle regularly to keep the battery charged. If you remember you haven't driven your car 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 to the longevity of the battery, try not to do this.
Pay Attention to Warning Signs:
If you observe anything out of the ordinary like unusual sounds, a difference in how it drives and the performance, or alert lights lit up on your Hyundai's dashboard, don’t just ignore them. These are usually early signs of an issue and it’s best to be resolved ASAP before they become larger problems later. Speak to a car mechanic in your area or online about these issues and find out if they need to be attended to.
When to Ask a Hyundai Mechanic Online
If you're either short on time, want an expert Hyundai mechanic on hand assisting and advising you, or you have attempted to resolve it for yourself, however despite your best efforts your vehicle won't start, then chatting with a Hyundai mechanic online can be a fantastic choice.
Benefits of Online Mechanic Services
Online mechanic services, like ours in the bottom right of this page, offer a number of advantages. You can get expert Hyundai mechanic advice 24×7 and without leaving your house, which is especially helpful 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 rapidly, which is excellent if you're in a hurry, require a second opinion, or you simply like having an expert Hyundai mechanic on hand.
How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Assist You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with certified professional mechanics who can provide instantaneous aid, guidance and recommendations. You're able to explain the issues you are having with your car, ask a Hyundai mechanic limitless questions, and even submit images and videos so you can actually show the mechanic what you mean. You can talk with them via online chat or by call, whichever you choose. The Hyundai mechanic online will help you identify the problem, advise you on the best course of action for your individual scenario and even guide you through simple maintenance and repairs every step of the way.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, when your Hyundai will not start, it will likely be a complete bummer and a huge inconvenience. However, having an understanding of what might be causing the problems, having the ability to troubleshoot them, and knowing what steps are needed in each case, and where to get help if needed, will be a huge help. Keep in mind that regular maintenance is key to avoiding all vehicle issues.
If your car's troubles persist despite this guide, you can often ask a mechanic live chat for free on our site.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Hyundai won't start?
First off, do not panic. Attempt to identify any symptoms that might show a problem, such as unusual noises, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the issue is likely among the most common causes talked about in this guide. You will need the assistance of a mechanic in your area or online if you can't find the issue yourself.
How to tell if my Hyundai wont start because of the battery?
Signs of a battery problem in a Hyundai 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 may be best to simply swap it out for a new one if the battery is old or weak.
How can I prevent my Hyundai not starting issues?
In order to make certain this annoyance never happens again, regular upkeep is crucial. This consists of things like oil changes, checking the battery and cleaning it's terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended / required, and having your Hyundai inspected by a mechanic frequently. It's also a great idea to drive the vehicle frequently so the battery stays charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Hyundai can't start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can provide instantaneous professional Hyundai mechanic assistance and guidance, without you having to leave your house. If your Hyundai will not start and is stuck in the driveway, this is particularly helpful.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Hyundai wont start?
We connect you with accredited specialist Hyundai mechanics who can offer advice on your particular scenario. You can tell them about your car problems, ask unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can effectively show the problem and explain it. The mechanic will have the ability to assist, troubleshoot, identify the problem, recommend the very best course of action and guide you along the way.
