We’ve all been there – you go to start your car, and nothing happens. The engine won’t crank, the lights won’t come on, and you realise your battery is dead. You call a friend or flag down a kind stranger to give you a jump, but even after connecting the cables and letting it charge for a bit, your car still won’t start. What gives?
Symptoms of a car that won’t jumpstart
There are a few telltale signs that your car won’t jumpstart:
- You turn the key and hear a clicking sound, but the engine won’t crank
- The headlights and interior lights are very dim or don’t come on at all
- You’ve let the car charge for 5+ minutes with the jumper cables connected, but it still won’t start
Common causes for a failed jump start
Battery is too far gone: If your battery is completely drained or damaged, even a jump may not be enough to revive it. Batteries typically last 3-5 years, so if yours is getting up there in age, it may be time for a replacement.
Loose or corroded terminals: Over time, the terminals connecting your battery cables to the battery posts can become loose or corroded. This restricts the flow of electricity, making it harder for your car to start, even with a jump.
Faulty starter motor: The starter motor is responsible for turning over your engine when you turn the key. If it’s not working properly, your car won’t start, no matter how much juice you give the battery.
Bad alternator: The alternator is what charges your battery while the car is running. If it’s not working, your battery will keep dying, even after a successful jump start.
Faulty jumper cables: Believe it or not, jumper cables can go bad. If they’re damaged or not thick enough to carry sufficient current, they may not be able to transfer enough power to start your car.
What’s involved in diagnosing and repairing the issue
To figure out exactly why your car won’t jump start, it’s best to have a professional take a look. At My Auto Shop, our mobile mechanics will come to you and run a series of tests to pinpoint the problem. First, we’ll visually inspect your battery and terminals for any obvious signs of damage or corrosion. We’ll clean the terminals and make sure all the connections are tight. Next, we’ll use a multimeter to test your battery’s voltage and your starter and alternator’s output. This will tell us if any of those components are underperforming or need to be replaced. If everything checks out okay, we may need to dig a bit deeper to rule out issues with your ignition switch, fuel system, or other electrical components. Rest assured, our experienced mechanics have seen it all and will get to the bottom of the issue.
How much do these repairs cost in New Zealand?
The cost will depend on what’s causing your car to not jump-start. Here are some ballpark figures for common repairs:
- Battery replacement: $100-$400
- Starter motor replacement: $400-$1000
- Alternator replacement: $500-$1200
- Ignition switch replacement: $200-$500
Keep in mind these are just estimates – the actual cost will depend on your specific make and model and any additional issues we uncover during the diagnostic process. At My Auto Shop, we pride ourselves on transparent, upfront pricing. Before we start any repairs, we’ll give you a detailed quote, so you know exactly what to expect. And with our mobile service, you won’t have to pay to tow your car to the shop – we come to you!
Why choose My Auto Shop
When your car won’t start, the last thing you want to do is wait around for a tow truck and then wait some more at the repair shop. With My Auto Shop, you can skip the hassle and have a qualified mechanic come straight to your home or office. Our team of experienced mechanics has seen all kinds of starting issues and knows how to diagnose and fix them quickly. We only use high-quality parts and stand behind our work with a comprehensive warranty. But don’t just take our word for it – check out our glowing reviews on Google. Our customers rave about our convenience, affordability, and top-notch customer service. So if your car won’t jump start, don’t panic. Just give us a call at My Auto Shop, and we’ll have you back on the road in no time!