Intro
Let's face it, we've all been there, you've got places to be, so you get in your Opel, turn the key, and … drum roll please … absolutely nothing! Your Opel won't start up! This a very irritating scenario, however, don't worry, we've got the answers. There are lots and lots of causes why your Opel won't start, and with this guide, to save you time we'll deal with the most common reasons along with providing you practical solutions to get your vehicle back on the road ASAP!
If you're short of time, rather than reading, you’re always welcome to consult with a live mechanic 24×7 and get instantaneous help and guidance on figuring out what it is and repairing the issue, by clicking the “ask a mechanic” button by the bottom right of this page.
Understanding the Problem
Before we get stuck into the causes and repair options it's crucial to initially have a grasp of the problem. When you realize to yourself “my Opel won't start”, this could be due to various things being wrong with your vehicle. Possibly the engine is not turning over at all, perhaps it is cranking partially but then not starting, or possibly you can hear a clicking sound when you attempt to start the engine, however in the end nothing happens. Each of these cases can indicate different problems with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Opel Won't Start
There are various reasons why an Opel won't start up. These issues usually include a dead or weak vehicle battery, a faulty alternator, starter motor problems, fuel system problems, along with electrical or wiring issues. Every one of these issues can manifest as different symptoms and require separate solutions to troubleshoot and resolve, so we can get your car back on the road as soon as possible.
Symptoms of an Opel That Won't Start
Being able to identify and diagnose these signs, will help you in discovering the root cause of the issue. For instance, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking noise but your Opel still won't start, it is often an indication that there is an issue with the fuel or ignition system of your car.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Opel Won't Start
The first step to discovering a solution to the issue is having a grasp of the root cause of that issue, so let's explore the most typical reasons your Opel will not start.
Opel Battery Issues
In the vast majority of cases, the most common reason why your Opel can't start is, in many cases down to a bad battery, it's either weak or dead, and you need to recharge the battery or replace it. The vehicle's battery supplies the power needed to start the engine, and power all the electrical components in your Opel. Symptoms of a bad battery issue in an Opel can be things like the vehicle being slow to crank the engine, dim or weak headlights, or a lit-up battery alert light on the dash
Opel Alternator Problems
The alternator is responsible for charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A damaged alternator can certainly stop your Opel from starting as it won't be able to charge up the battery, from the engine, so it will drain all the way down till it's dead and you only realize it when you can't get your Opel to start. Symptoms that your car's alternator is faulty include 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 noise from the engine while it's running.
Opel Starter Motor Failures
The starter motor manages to turn the engine over (cranking) when you start your Opel. If the starter motor is defective in some manner then the engine won’t crank, and your Opel won't start. You can tell if your starter motor has an issue or not often by listening, if you hear a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition or a grinding noise throughout the startup, or your vehicle only starts intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Opel 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 complications. Your Opel uses a combustion engine, and because of this to start and run, it requires a combination of both fuel and air. If your Opel issues are part of a faulty fuel system, this can be a clogged fuel filter or a faulty fuel pump relay, which could suggest the engine might not be receiving the fuel it needs to get the car going.
Opel Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Today’s modern Opel's rely heavily on electronics, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially have an issue. Even in an older vehicle, you can have fairly normal issues such as blown fuses, spark plug issues, a damaged ignition switch, a broken sensor, and more. These can be a few of the various electrical reasons that your Opel won't start up. Signs of a wiring or electrical issue can vary widely but can often include the engine not cranking, or your Opel can start however only intermittently or various alert lights are lit up on the dashboard. To correctly diagnose and repair these kinds of problems, you will require the skills of an experienced car mechanic locally or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
Once you have figured out what the cause of your Opel failing to start is. The next step is obviously to attempt to fix it. Here are some suggestions for the common problems we've covered so far.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in an Opel
If it’s a battery issue you suspect is the cause of your troubles, then the first thing you must do is check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and securely connected. If you find that the terminals are indeed corroded you can try to clean them up with a mix of baking soda and water. You will need to replace the battery if it's old or weak, otherwise even if you charge it up enough to start the car, it will probably die again in the not-so-distant future. You can use a multimeter as a way to test the life of the battery to find out if it’s worth saving or if it needs replacing. You can ask a reliable car mechanic online or in your area to help you with this.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in an Opel
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 car to start up temporarily (you may need to jump-start the car for that), but when it’s going, let the vehicle run, and while the engine is running, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. It's most likely because of an issue with your car's alternator if you notice that your Opel dies fairly quickly when you disconnect the positive terminal. However, be warned this test can be risky and dangerous if you don't know what you're doing, and might damage the sensitive electronic parts in your car, so it's best to discuss this with a professional mechanic local to you or online, before ever attempting this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in an Opel
You should listen for a clicking sound when you turn the ignition key if you suspect the starter motor is the root cause of your Opel not starting. In this case, the solution is to have the starter motor changed for a new one by a professional mechanic.
How to Deal With Fuel System Complications in an Opel
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 up the car. 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 a problem with the fuel pump. If you observe your Opel is hard to start, it stalls, or it has poor acceleration, it could possibly be a result of a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely need a reliable car mechanic in order to properly fix them.
How to Repair Electrical or Wiring Problems in an Opel
If you think it's an electrical wiring or electrical system issue, first examine the fuses associated with the ignition system, and change any that have actually blown. If your Opel starts after this, then it was a successful, inexpensive, and easy fix! However, if the car does not start, even intermittently it could be an issue with the ignition switch itself. It might be a faulty sensor if numerous warning lights are noticeable on your dashboard. These problems can be extremely complex and a professional car mechanic is likely needed to diagnose and have it properly repaired.
Preventive Steps
As my dad always said “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to make sure you can avoid any Opel starting pains ever again!
Routine Upkeep of Your Opel:
Regular upkeep of your Opel is key to preventing future problems. This consists of things like regular oil changes, checking the battery, cleaning the terminals, changing the fuel filter as advised/required, and of course having your car checked by a reliable car mechanic routinely. If you are unsure about routine upkeep tasks required for your specific car, you can speak with a mechanic locally or online.
Drive Your Opel Regularly:
If you happen to leave your Opel in the driveway for long periods of time without driving it, the battery can drain as it's not being charged up by the engine being in use. Try to drive your Opel frequently to keep the battery charged. Take it for a fast spin to make sure there is still a charge in the battery if you remember you have not driven your Opel in a while. Worth noting: letting the battery totally drain, is also damaging for the long-term life of the battery, try not to do this.
Take Notice Of Warning Signs:
If you notice anything weird like unusual sounds, changes in how it drives and the performance, or warning lights lit up on your Opel's dashboard, don’t just ignore them and get on with your day. These are usually early signs of an issue and it’s best to be dealt with ASAP so that they don’t become larger problems later. Chat with a car mechanic locally or online about these warning lights and find out if they need to be resolved.
When to Ask an Opel Mechanic Online
If you're either short on time, would like a specialist Opel mechanic on hand assisting and advising you, or you have attempted to resolve it by yourself, however in spite of your best efforts your Opel won't start, then talking with an Opel mechanic online can be an excellent choice.
Benefits of Online Mechanic Solutions
Online mechanic services, like ours in the bottom right of this page, provide numerous benefits. You can get professional Opel mechanic advice 24×7 and without leaving your house, which is particularly helpful if your vehicle won't 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 the answer rapidly, which is excellent if you're in a rush, need a 2nd opinion, or you simply like having a specialist Opel mechanic on hand.
How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Assist You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with certified professional mechanics who can offer immediate assistance, guidance, and suggestions. You have the ability to explain the issues you are having with your car, ask an Opel mechanic unlimited questions, and even submit photos and videos so you can actually show the mechanic what you mean. You can talk to them through online chat or by phone call, whichever you choose. The Opel mechanic will help you identify the issue, advise you on the best course of action for your specific scenario, and even guide you through simple maintenance and repair work every step of the way.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, when your Opel won't start, it will likely be a complete bummer and a massive hassle. However, having an understanding of what might be causing the problems, having the ability to troubleshoot them, and knowing what steps are required in each case, and where to get help if needed, will be a huge help. Keep in mind that routine upkeep is key to preventing the vast majority of car problems.
If you found this article informative but your car still isn't starting, our mechanic live chat free service is always available and ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Opel doesn’t start?
To start with, do not panic. Attempt to identify any signs that might indicate an issue, such as unusual noises, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the problem is most likely one of the typical causes discussed in this guide. If you can't find the issue yourself, you will need the help of an Opel mechanic in your area or online.
How to tell if my Opel won't start because of the battery?
Indications of a battery problem in an Opel 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 tightly connected. If the battery is old or weak, it may be best to simply swap it for a newer one.
How can I prevent my Opel not starting issues?
In order to make certain this annoyance never takes place again, regular upkeep is key. This consists of things like oil changes, inspecting the battery and cleaning its terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended / required, and getting your Opel checked by a mechanic often. It's also a fantastic idea to drive the vehicle regularly so the battery stays charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Opel won't start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can offer instant professional Opel mechanic assistance and suggestions, without you having to leave your house. If your Opel won't start and is stuck in the driveway, this is particularly useful.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Opel will not start?
We link you with licensed specialist Opel mechanics who can offer suggestions on your particular scenario. You can inform them about your vehicle problems, ask unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can appropriately demonstrate the issue and describe it fully. The mechanic will have the ability to assist, troubleshoot, diagnose the issue, recommend the very best course of action and guide you along the way.
