MG Won’t Start? Here’s Quick Solutions to the Most Common Causes

Intro

MG wont start? Don’t fret. With my over twenty years as a qualified mechanic, I can help you rapidly get your MG running again.

Hi, I’m Robby, and in this guide, I’ll leverage my expertise to diagnose the most prevalent reasons your MG won’t start. From a drained power cell to fuel system issues, I’ll give specialist advice to either self-repair it, some product recommendations that will help in different situations and even how to know when to call in a professional mechanic.

My real-world recommendations will help you lower repair garage charges and be motoring again promptly and properly. I’ll give upkeep suggestions to forestall future no start issues also.

Understanding Why a MG Won’t Start

Before we get stuck into the causes and solutions it’s essential to initially understand the problem. When you hop into your car and realize “my MG wont start”, this could be because of different issues being wrong with your vehicle. Maybe it’s a case where the engine is not cranking at all, potentially it is turning over partially but then not starting, or possibly you can hear a clicking sound when you try to start the engine, however in the end nothing happens. Each of these annoying situations can be a sign of various issues with your car.

Common Reasons Why Your MG Won’t Start

There are numerous reasons that a MG wont start. These problems usually include a weak or dead vehicle battery, a broken alternator, starter motor problems, fuel system problems, along with electrical or circuitry complications. Each one of these problems can manifest as an array of symptoms and require separate solutions to identify and fix, so we can get your car back on the road ASAP.

Symptoms of a MG That Won’t Start

Being able to identify and diagnose these symptoms, will assist you in finding the root cause of the issue. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking noise but your car still will not start, it can be an indication that there is a problem with the fuel or ignition system.

Analysis of The Reasons Why Your MG Won’t Start

The first step to discovering a solution to the problem is having a grasp of the underlying cause of that issue, so let’s look into the most common reasons your MG won’t start. A lot of this information is transferrable to other car makes also, so it doesnt make if it a MG or a Plymouth won’t start, with this handy guide you always be prepared!

MG Battery Issues Can Cause Starting Troubles

In the majority of instances, the most common reason why your MG wont start is often because of the battery, it’s either dead or weak, and you have to either recharge your car’s battery or replace it. The car’s battery supplies the electric required to start the engine, and power all the electrical parts in your MG. Symptoms of a weak or dead battery issue in a MG, can be things like the vehicle being slow to crank the engine, weak or dim headlights, or a lit-up battery caution light on your cars dash. A portable jump starter allows you to jump start your car if the battery is dead without needing another vehicle, and a battery charger can help recharge a dead battery and diagnose battery issues.

Alternator Issues Can Cause MG Starting problems

The alternator is responsible for charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A broken alternator can certainly prevent your MG from starting as it won’t have the ability to charge up the battery, from the engine, so it will be drained fairly quickly until it’s totally dead and you only realize it when you can’t get your MG to fire up. Signs that your cars alternator may be faulty can be a lit up battery or alternator warning light on the dashboard, poorly lit headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding sound from the engine while its running.

MG Starter Motor Failures

The starter motor handles turning the engine over (cranking) when you start your MG. If the starter motor is defective in some manner then the engine will not crank, and your MG will not start. You can find out if your starter motor has an issue or not usually by listening, if you hear a clicking noise when you turn the key or a grinding noise throughout the start-up, or your vehicle can start, but only intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.

MG Fuel System Complications

We’re not talking about when you merely run out of gas here, but the fuel system itself having problems. Your MG uses a combustion engine, and for that reason to start and run, it needs a mix of enough fuel and air. If your MG issues are the result of a faulty fuel system, this can sometimes be a clogged fuel filter or a failing fuel pump relay, which could indicate the engine may not be getting the fuel it requires to get the car going.

MG Electrical System or Wiring Problems

Today’s modern MG’s rely greatly on electronic components, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially have an issue. Even in an older car, you can have regular problems such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a broken ignition switch, or a broken sensor and more. These can be a few of the numerous electrical reasons why your car wont get started. Symptoms of a circuitry or electrical problem can differ greatly but can often include the engine not cranking, or your MG can start however only intermittently or numerous warning lights come on the car’s dash. To appropriately identify and fix these kinds of issues, you will require the skills of an experienced car mechanic in your area or online.

Solutions & Repair Tips For When Your MG Can’t Start

When you have found out what the reason for your MG failing to start is. The next logical 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 MG

If you suspect it’s possibl a battery problem is the reason why your MG has trouble starting up, then the first thing you need to do is inspect the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and securely connected. If you happen to find that the terminals are corroded you can try cleaning them 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:

• With the help of another vehicle and jumper cables to jump-start your MG’s battery.
• Use a car battery charger that you can plug into a socket to charge it up.
• Use a portable car battery charger you can take with you on the go, so you are never left stranded when on the move.

If the battery charges up and works fine, great, problem solved! However, if the battery is old or weak, you will have to replace it. Otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the MG, it will probably deplete quickly again in the near future. You can make use of a multimeter or OB2 scanner as a way to test the life of the battery to find out if it’s worth saving or if it needs to be replaced. You can get a replacement car battery for your exact MG model by visiting Amazon here, and selecting “enter a new vehicle” to filter the results for your MG, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.

If charging your MG’s car 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.

How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a MG

If you’re thinking that the alternator is the cause of your car starting troubles, you can test it to see for yourself. If you can get the vehicle to start up temporarily (you may need to jump start the car for that), but once it’s going, let the car run, and while its running, disconnect the positive terminal of your car’s battery . If you find your MG dies right away, then it’s likely because of a problem with your cars alternator. However, be warned this test can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing, and may damage the sensitive electronic parts in your car, so in this case best to speak with an experienced mechanic local to you or online, before ever trying this.

How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a MG

Its likely an issue with your starter motor if you are able to hear the clicking sound but the engine does not crank. In this case, the solution is to have the starter motor replaced by a professional mechanic.

How to Solve Fuel System Complications in a MG

If you suspect the issue to be because of 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 may be there is an issue with the fuel pump if you are not able to hear this noise. If you observe your MG is difficult to start, it stalls, or it has bad acceleration, it might be because of a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely need a reliable car mechanic in order to correctly fix.

How to Fix Electrical or Wiring Problems in a MG

If you think it’s an electrical wiring or electrical system problem, first examine the fuses related to the ignition system, and change any that have blown. If your MG starts after this, then it was a successful, inexpensive and easy fix! However, if the car refuses to start, even intermittently it might be an issue with the ignition switch itself. If various warning lights are noticeable on your dashboard, it might be a faulty sensor. These issues can be very complex and a professional car mechanic is most likely required to identify and repair it.

How To Prevent MG No Starting Issues

As my dad always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are the best ways to ensure you prevent any MG starting problems ever again!

Regular Maintenance of Your MG:

Regular maintenance of your MG is of the utmost importance to preventing future difficulties. This consists of things like routine oil changes, inspecting your car battery, cleaning up the terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and of course having your vehicle inspected by a reliable car mechanic regularly. You can seek advice from a mechanic in your area or online if you find yourself unsure or needing further clarity about the routine maintenance jobs required for your specific car.

Drive Your MG Frequently:

If you happen to leave your MG in your garage for long durations of time without taking it for a spin now and again, the battery can drain as it’s not getting any charge from the engine being in use. Try to drive your vehicle frequently to keep the battery charged up. Take it for a quick spin to make sure there is still charge in the battery if you remember you haven’t driven your MG for a while. Worth noting: letting the battery totally drain, is also damaging for the longevity of the battery, try not to do this.

Pay Attention to Warning Signs:

If you notice anything odd like uncommon noises, changes in driving and performance, or alert lights lit up on your MG’s dashboard, don’t disregard them. These are usually early warnings of a problem and it’s best to be resolved ASAP before they end up being much bigger issues later. Talk to a car mechanic in your area or online about these warning lights and get advice on if they need to be dealt with.

When to Ask a MG Mechanic Online

Instead of Googling searches like “car is having trouble starting” all day long looking for solutions, there is an easier way. If you want to save time, would like a specialist MG mechanic on hand to guide and to advise you, or you’ve actually tried to solve it for yourself, but despite your best efforts your car wont start, then talking with a MG mechanic online can be a terrific option.

Advantages of Online Mechanic Solutions

Ask a mechanic services, like ours in the bottom right of this page, offer several benefits. You can get professional MG mechanic guidance 24×7 and without leaving your house, which is particularly beneficial if your car 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 responses rapidly, which is fantastic if you’re in a hurry, require a second opinion, or you just prefer having a professional MG mechanic on hand.

How Solutions Like Mechanic Answer Can Assist You

Mechanic Answer connects you with licensed specialist mechanics who can supply instantaneous assistance, guidance and recommendations. You’re able to explain the problems you are having with your car, ask a MG mechanic limitless questions, and even upload pictures and videos so you are able to show the mechanic what you mean. You can talk to them via online chat or by call, whichever you choose. The MG mechanic will help you detect the problem, advise you on what are the best options for your specific scenario and even guide you through basic maintenance and repairs every step of the way.

Conclusion

In summary when your MG won’t start, it can be a major downer and a massive hassle. However, having an understanding of what might be causing the problems, having the ability to troubleshoot them, and knowing what actions are needed in each case, and where to get help if needed, will be a substantial help. Keep in mind that routine upkeep is crucial for preventing all kinds of vehicle problems.

Even if this guide was informative but your MG isn’t running smoothly, remember you can ‘ask a mechanic free chat‘ on our platform.”

MG Won’t Start Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I do if my MG can’t start?

To start with, don’t panic. Attempt to identify any symptoms that might show a problem, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the issue is likely among the main causes discussed in this guide. You will need the help of a mechanic in your area or online if you can’t find the cause of the problem yourself.

How to tell if my MG wont start because of the battery?

Signs of a battery issue in a MG include 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 securely connected. If the battery is old or weak, it might be best to just replace it.

How can I prevent my MG not starting issues?

In order to make sure this inconvenience never ever happens again, routine upkeep is crucial. This includes things like oil changes, inspecting the battery and cleaning it’s terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended / required, and having your MG inspected by a mechanic often. It’s also an excellent idea to drive the vehicle frequently so the battery remains charged.

Can I ask a mechanic online if my MG wont start?

Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can supply instantaneous professional MG mechanic assistance and guidance, without you having to leave your home. This is particularly beneficial if your vehicle wont start and is stuck in the driveway.

How can services like Mechanic Answer help if my MG wont start?

We connect you with licensed specialist MG mechanics who can supply recommendations on your particular circumstance. You can tell them about your vehicle issues, ask unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can effectively demonstrate the problem and describe it fully. The mechanic will be able to assist, troubleshoot, diagnose the problem, suggest the best course of action and guide you along the way.