Intro
Let's face it, we've all experienced it, you've got places to be, so you get in your Scion, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nada! Your Scion won't start up! This an incredibly annoying circumstance, however, do not stress, we've got you covered. There are lots and lots of factors as to why your Scion won't start, and in this article, to save you time we'll go over the most common reasons along with give you useful options to get your vehicle back on the road ASAP!
Understanding the Problem
Before we get stuck into the causes and repair options it's essential to initially have a grasp of the issue. When you realize to yourself “My Scion won't start”, this could be because of various things being wrong with your car. Perhaps the engine is not firing up at all, potentially it is cranking partially but then not starting, or perhaps it's making a clicking sound when you try to start the engine, but ultimately nothing happens. Each of these cases can indicate different issues with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Scion Won't Start
There are numerous factors why a Scion won't start up. These problems usually include a weak or dead vehicle battery, a faulty alternator, starter motor problems, fuel system issues, as well as electrical or wiring problems. Each one of these issues can show up as an array of symptoms and require separate solutions to identify and fix, so we can get your car back on the road as soon as possible.
Symptoms of a Scion That Won't Start
Being able to identify and diagnose these signs, will assist you in discovering the underlying cause of the problem. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking noise but your car still fails to start, it can mean that there is a problem with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Scion Won't Start
The first step to discovering a solution to the issue is knowing the root cause of that issue, so let's explore the most common reasons your Scion won't start.
Scion Battery Issues
In the majority of cases, the most common reason why your Scion fails to start is often because of the battery, it's either dead or weak, and you have to either charge your car’s battery or change it. The car's battery provides the power required to start the engine, and power all the electrical components in your Scion. Symptoms of a bad battery issue in a Scion, are things like the car being slow to crank the engine, weak or dim headlights, or a lit-up battery warning light on the dashboard
Scion Alternator Problems
The alternator is tasked with charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A damaged alternator can easily stop your Scion from starting as it will not be able to charge 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 get into your beloved Scion and it refuses to start. Symptoms that your car's alternator is faulty include a lit-up battery or alternator warning 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.
Scion Starter Motor Failures
The starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over (cranking) when you start your Scion. If the starter motor is faulty in some way then the engine won’t crank, and your Scion won't start. You can find out if your starter motor has a problem or not usually by listening, if you hear a clicking noise when you turn your key or a grinding sound throughout the startup, or your car starts up but only intermittently, then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Scion Fuel System Complications
We’re not talking about when you simply run out of gas here, but your car’s fuel system itself having complications. Your Scion uses a combustion engine, and because of this to start and run, it requires a proper mix of fuel and air. If your Scion issues are part of a faulty fuel system, this might be a clogged fuel filter or a damaged fuel pump relay, which could mean the engine may not be receiving the fuel it requires to get the vehicle up and running.
Scion Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Modern Scions rely greatly on electronic components, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially go wrong. Even in an older model, you can have fairly normal problems such as blown fuses, spark plug issues, a faulty ignition switch, a faulty sensor, and more. These can be a few of the various electrical reasons why your Scion won't get started. Symptoms of a circuitry or electrical issue can differ widely however can typically include the engine not cranking, or your Scion can start but only intermittently or numerous warning lights are lit up on the car’s dash. To appropriately diagnose and repair these kinds of issues, you will need the skills of an experienced car mechanic locally or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
When you have figured out what the cause of your Scion being unable to start is. The next step is naturally to attempt to fix it. Here are some suggestions for the typical issues we've covered up until now.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Scion
If you suspect it's possible a battery problem is the reason why your Scion has trouble starting, 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 corroded you can attempt cleaning them with a mix of baking soda and water. 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 likely deplete quickly once again in the near 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 advise you on this.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Scion
If you’re thinking that the alternator is the cause of your car's starting troubles, 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 vehicle run, and while the engine is running, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. It's most likely due to a problem with your car's alternator if you find your Scion dies right away 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 may damage the sensitive electronic parts in your vehicle, so it's best to chat with a reliable mechanic in your area or online, before ever trying this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Scion
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 root cause of your Scion not starting. In this case, the solution is to have the starter motor changed for a new one by a professional mechanic.
How to Resolve Fuel System Complications in a Scion
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 the vehicle. You should be able to hear a humming sound for a couple of seconds. It might be there is an issue with the fuel pump if you are not able to hear this noise. If you observe your Scion is tough to start, it stalls, or it has poor acceleration, it could be down to a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely need a reliable car mechanic in order to properly repair.
How to Fix Electrical or Wiring Issues in a Scion
If you think it's an electrical wiring or electrical system problem, initially inspect the fuses associated with the ignition system, and change any that have blown. If your Scion starts after this, then it was an effective, easy, and inexpensive fix! If the car doesn't start, even intermittently, it could be because there is an issue with the ignition switch itself. If different warning lights are visible on your dashboard, it might be a problematic sensor. These problems can be very intricate and a professional car mechanic is most likely required to diagnose and have it properly repaired.
Preventive Steps
As my dad always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to ensure you avoid any Scion starting pains again!
Routine Upkeep of Your Scion:
Regular maintenance of your Scion is of the utmost importance to avoiding future problems. This includes things like routine oil changes, inspecting your car battery, cleaning the terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and having your Scion examined by a reliable car mechanic routinely. If you are unsure about the regular upkeep tasks required for your particular vehicle, you can speak with a mechanic locally or online.
Drive Your Scion Frequently:
If you happen to leave your Scion in your garage for long durations of time without driving it, the battery will deplete as it's not receiving any electrical charge from the engine running being in use. Try your best to drive your Scion regularly to keep the battery from draining. If you remember you haven't driven your vehicle in a while, take it for a spin to ensure there is still a charge in the battery. Worth noting: letting the battery completely drain, is also damaging for the long-term life of the battery, try not to do this.
Pay Attention to Warning Signs:
If you notice anything odd like uncommon sounds, a difference in how it drives and the performance, or alert lights showing on your Scion's dashboard, do not ignore them. These can be early warnings of a problem and are best being resolved ASAP before they end up being bigger issues later. Chat with a car mechanic locally or online about these issues and find out if they need to be attended to.
When to Ask a Scion Mechanic Online
If you want to save time, would like an expert Scion mechanic on hand to help and advise you, or you've actually attempted to resolve it for yourself, but despite your best efforts your automobile refuses to start, then talking with a Scion 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 numerous benefits. You can get professional Scion mechanic recommendations 24×7 and without leaving your home, which is especially beneficial if your vehicle will not 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 quickly, which is fantastic if you're in a rush, need a 2nd opinion, or you simply like having a professional Scion mechanic on hand.
How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Assist You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with certified specialist mechanics who can offer immediate aid, guidance, and advice. You have the ability to explain the problems you are having with your car, ask a Scion mechanic unlimited questions, and even upload pictures and videos so you can actually show the mechanic what you mean. You can talk with them through online chat or by phone call, whichever you prefer. The Scion mechanic will help you diagnose the problem, guide you on what are the best options for your specific scenario, and even guide you through basic maintenance and repairs step by step.
Conclusion
To sum it all up when your Scion will not start, it can be a major bummer and a huge inconvenience. However, having an understanding of what may be triggering the issues, having the ability to troubleshoot them, and knowing what steps are required in each case, and where to get help if required, will be a huge help. Keep in mind that regular upkeep is essential for avoiding all vehicle issues.
Should your car still give you trouble after this piece, remember our car mechanic live chat is always available 24/7 and 365 days a year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Scion doesn’t start?
First off, don't panic. Attempt to identify any symptoms that could 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. If you can't find the issue yourself, you will require the assistance of a Scion mechanic in your area or online.
How to tell if my Scion won't start because of the battery?
Signs of a battery problem in a Scion 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 securely connected. It may be best to just change it if the battery is old or weak.
How can I prevent my Scion not starting issues?
In order to make sure this inconvenience never occurs once again, routine upkeep is essential. This consists of things like oil changes, inspecting the battery and cleaning it's terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and having your Scion inspected by a mechanic regularly. It's also a terrific idea to drive the vehicle routinely so the battery remains charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Scion won't start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can offer immediate specialist Scion mechanic help and advice, without you needing to leave your house. If your Scion won't start and is stuck in the driveway, this is particularly useful.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Scion will not start?
We connect you with licensed expert Scion mechanics who can offer recommendations on your particular situation. You can tell them about your car problems, ask unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you can appropriately explain and show the issue. The mechanic will be able to help, troubleshoot, diagnose the problem, suggest the very best course of action, and guide you along the way.
