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

Ask Peugeot Mechanic

Table of Contents

Introduction

Let's face it, we've all been there, you've got places to be, so you get in your Peugeot, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nothing at all! Your Peugeot won't start! This a very annoying situation to find yourself in, but don't worry, we've got you covered. There are lots and lots of factors why your Peugeot won't start, and here in this article, to save you time we'll deal with the most typical causes along with giving you practical solutions to get your car back on the road faster than two shakes of a lamb's tail!

If you're short on time, instead of reading, you’re always welcome to talk to a live mechanic 24×7 and get instantaneous help and guidance on figuring out what it is and solving the problem, by clicking the “ask a mechanic” button in the bottom right of this page.

Understanding the Problem

Car Won't Start?

Before we get stuck into the causes and repair options it's important to first comprehend the problem. When you hop into your car and realize “my Peugeot won't start”, this could be due to an array of issues being wrong with your car. Possibly the engine is not starting at all, possibly it is turning over partially but then not starting, or possibly it's making a clicking noise when you attempt to start the engine, however, in the end absolutely nothing happens. Each of these cases can be indicative of various problems with your car.

Common Reasons Why Your Peugeot Won't Start

There are various reasons that a Peugeot can't start. These issues usually consist of a dead or weak vehicle battery, a faulty alternator, starter motor issues, fuel system complications, as well as electrical or circuitry complications. Every one of these issues can show up as various symptoms and require separate solutions to troubleshoot and repair, so we can get your car back on the road ASAP.

Symptoms of a Peugeot That Won't Start

Being able to identify and diagnose these signs, will help you in discovering 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 wont start, it can be an indication that there is an issue with the fuel or ignition system.

Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Peugeot Won't Start

The first step to figuring out a practical solution to the problem is figuring out the underlying cause of that problem, so let's dive into the most typical factors why your Peugeot will not start.

Peugeot Battery Issues

Auto mechanic replacing car batteryIn the vast majority of instances, the most common reason why your Peugeot won't start is often due to the battery, it's either dead or weak, and you have to either charge up your car’s battery or change it. The vehicle's battery provides the electricity required to start the engine, and power all the electrical components in your Peugeot. Symptoms of a weak or dead battery issue in a Peugeot, are things like the car being sluggish to crank the engine, poorly lit headlights, or a lit-up battery alert light on the dash

Peugeot Alternator Problems

is my alternator stopping my car from starting?

The alternator is responsible for charging the battery from the engine while the vehicle is running. A defective alternator can easily stop your Peugeot from starting as it won't be able to charge up the battery, from the engine, so it will drain all the way down until it's totally dead and you only realize it when you can't get your Peugeot to start. Signs that the alternator of your car may be faulty include a lit-up battery or alternator caution light on the dash, poorly lit headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding noise from the engine while it's running.

Peugeot Starter Motor Failures

my car wont start is the starter motor?

When you start your Peugeot, the starter motor deals with turning the engine over (cranking it). If the starter motor is defective in some manner then the engine is not going to crank, and your Peugeot won't start. You can tell if your starter motor has a problem or not often by listening for a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition or a grinding noise throughout the start-up, or your vehicle only starts intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.

Peugeot Fuel System Complications

my car wont start but clicks

Now we're not talking about when you merely run out of gas here, but the fuel system itself having problems. Your Peugeot uses a combustion engine, and therefore to start and run, it requires a proper mix of fuel and air. If your Peugeot problems are because of a faulty fuel system, this could be a clogged fuel filter or a faulty fuel pump relay, which could indicate the engine may not be getting the fuel it requires to get the car started.

Peugeot Electrical System or Wiring Problems

can electrics be a reason a car wont start

Today’s modern Peugeots rely greatly on electronic components, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially break. Even in an older vehicle, you can have fairly normal problems such as blown fuses, spark plug issues, a damaged ignition switch, or a damaged sensor, and more. These can be some of the numerous electrical reasons that your vehicle will not get started. Symptoms of a wiring or electrical problem can vary vastly however can often include the engine not cranking, or your Peugeot can start but just intermittently or some warning lights come on the dashboard. To appropriately identify and repair these kinds of issues, you will need the skills of an experienced car mechanic locally or online.

Solutions & Repair Tips

Once you have figured out what the cause of your Peugeot troubles is. The next logical step is of course to attempt to repair it. Here are some pointers for the common issues we've covered previously.

How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Peugeot

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 check around the battery and check 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 attempt cleaning them 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 vehicle, it will probably die once again in the not-so-distant future. You can use a multimeter as a battery tester to see if it’s worth saving or if it needs to be changed for a new one. You can ask a reliable car mechanic online or locally to best advise you on this.

How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Peugeot

car wont start, jumped and started alternator

If the alternator is what you suspect is the perpetrator, you can test it to see for yourself. If you can get the car started temporarily (you may need to jump-start the car for that), but once it’s going, let the vehicle run, and while the engine is running, disconnect the positive terminal of your car's battery. It's likely the result of an issue with your car's alternator if you discover your Peugeot dies pretty quickly when you disconnect the positive terminal. You should be aware however that this method can be dangerous, and might harm the sensitive electronic components in your Peugeot, so it's always best to seek advice from a reliable car mechanic locally or online, prior to ever attempting this.

How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a  Peugeot

car wont start starter and battery good

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 cause of your Peugeot not starting. In this case, the solution is to have the starter motor replaced by a professional mechanic.

How to Solve Fuel System Problems in a Peugeot

clogged fuel filter car wont start

If you suspect the issue to be 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 noise for a few seconds. It might be there is a problem with the fuel pump if you are unable to hear this noise. If you discover your Peugeot is tough to start, it stalls, or it has poor acceleration, it might be due to a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely need a professional car mechanic in order to correctly repair.

How to Fix Electrical or Wiring Issues in a Peugeot

fuses to check when car wont start

If you suspect it's a wiring or electrical system issue, initially examine the fuses related to the ignition system, and change any that have actually blown. If your Peugeot starts after this, then it was an effective, low-cost, and simple repair! If the car does not start, even intermittently, it might be cause for concern with the ignition switch itself. It might be a faulty sensing unit if various warning lights are lit up on your dashboard. These issues can be extremely complex and a reliable car mechanic is likely needed to diagnose and have it properly repaired.

Preventive Steps

As my dad always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are the best ways to ensure you can avoid any Peugeot starting troubles ever again!

Regular Maintenance of Your Peugeot:

Regular maintenance on car to prevent starting issues

Routine upkeep of your Peugeot is key to avoiding future troubles. This includes things like routine oil changes, checking your car battery, cleaning up the terminals, replacing the fuel filter as advised/needed, and of course having your vehicle checked by a reliable car mechanic routinely. If you are not sure about the regular upkeep tasks required for your particular automobile, you can seek advice from a mechanic in your area or online.

Drive Your Peugeot Regularly:

drive regular to avoid car troubles

If you happen to leave your Peugeot off for extended periods of time without taking it for a spin now and again, the battery will run out of charge as it's not receiving any electrical charge from the engine running regularly. Try your best to drive your Peugeot frequently to keep the battery from draining. Take it for a quick spin to make sure there is still a charge in the battery if you remember you haven't driven your Peugeot in a while. Worth noting: letting the battery completely drain, is also damaging to the longevity of the battery, try not to do this.

Pay Attention to Warning Signs:

Check Engine Control Light on a Vehicle Dashboard

If you observe anything out of the ordinary like uncommon noises, changes in driving and performance, or alert lights are now visible on the dash, do not disregard them. These can be early warnings of a problem and are best being attended to ASAP so that they don’t become much bigger problems down the line. Speak with a car mechanic in your area or online about these issues and find out if they need to be resolved.

When to Ask a Peugeot Mechanic Online

If you want to save time, want an expert Peugeot mechanic on hand helping and advising you, or you've tried to fix it for yourself, but regardless of your best efforts your vehicle wont start, then chatting with a Peugeot mechanic online can be a fantastic option.

Benefits of Online Mechanic Services

Happy mechanic repairing car looking at camera

Online mechanic services, like ours in the bottom right of this page, offer numerous advantages. You can get skilled Peugeot mechanic suggestions 24×7 and without leaving your house, which is especially helpful if your vehicle will not start and is stuck in the driveway. You can also save money as online mechanic consultations are much 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 2nd opinion, or you simply like having an expert Peugeot mechanic on hand.

How Services Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Assist You

Ask a mechanic online about my car not starting

MechanicAnswer.com connects you with certified professional mechanics who can provide instantaneous aid, guidance and recommendations. You have the ability to describe the problems you are having with your car, ask a Peugeot mechanic unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can actually show the mechanic what you mean. You can speak to them by means of online chat or by call, whichever you choose. The Peugeot mechanic will help you detect the issue, guide you on the best course of action for your specific circumstance and even assist you through easy maintenance and repair work step by step.

Conclusion

To wrap up when your Peugeot won't start, it will likely be a total disappointment and a huge inconvenience. However, having a firm grasp of what might be triggering the issues, having the ability to troubleshoot them, and knowing what actions are needed in each case, and where to get help if required, will be a big help. Bear in mind that regular maintenance is key to avoiding all kinds of vehicle problems.

If you're still dealing with car issues after this article, remember our online car mechanic help service is always on hand and ready to assist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Firstly, do not panic. Attempt to identify any symptoms that might show an issue, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the issue is most likely one of the most common causes discussed in this guide. You will need the assistance of a mechanic in your area or online if you can't find the problem yourself.

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

Signs of a battery issue in a Peugeot 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 firmly connected. It may be best to just replace it if the battery is old or weak.

How can I prevent my Peugeot not starting issues?

In order to make certain this inconvenience never happens again, regular upkeep is essential. This consists of things like oil changes, inspecting the battery and cleaning it's terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended / required, and getting your Peugeot checked by a mechanic routinely. It's also an excellent idea to drive the car frequently so the battery stays charged.

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

Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can offer immediate expert Peugeot mechanic assistance and guidance, without you needing to leave your home. This is particularly helpful if your car wont start and is stuck in the driveway.

How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Peugeot will not start?

We link you with certified professional Peugeot mechanics who can supply advice on your specific scenario. You can inform them about your vehicle issues, ask unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you can appropriately show the issue and describe it fully. The mechanic will have the ability to assist, troubleshoot, identify the issue, recommend the very 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.

 

Chat With a Mechanic?

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