Car Won't Start After Jump - What Should I Check?

Car Maintenance & Repairs
1

I’ve been having issues with my car lately, and I could really use some help. After trying to jump-start it, it still won’t start. Here are the details:

Background

  • Car Model: 2010 Honda Civic
  • Symptoms: Cycles through the starter but doesn’t turn over
  • Previous Issues: Battery died last week, tried a jump from a friend’s car.

What I’ve Tried

  • I checked the battery connections; they seem tight and clean.
  • I had the battery tested at AutoZone, and they said it’s holding a charge, but I’m skeptical.
  • All the lights on the dashboard come on, but no crank.

Questions

  1. Could this be an issue with the alternator instead of the battery?
  2. Is it worth trying to jump it again or give a new battery a shot?
  3. Any other common things to check before calling a mechanic?

I appreciate any advice or troubleshooting steps you can suggest. Thanks in advance!

2

If your car won’t start even after a jump, first check the battery health. A weak battery might not hold enough charge despite the jump.

3

That’s a solid point. Also, don’t forget to examine the alternator. If it’s not functioning correctly, it can also prevent your car from starting.

4

Good advice! Another possible issue could be the starter itself. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of the starter motor being faulty.

5

Definitely worth checking! Also, consider any loose connections or corroded terminals. They can really disrupt the electrical flow.

6

Yes! Corroded terminals are sneaky problems. Sometimes it’s just about cleaning the battery connections and trying the jump again!

7

Exactly! Checking the fuses can also help. A blown fuse could prevent the car from getting the power it needs to start.

8

I’ve had cars not start because the alarm system was acting up. Sometimes it can interfere with the starting process! Has anyone else experienced this?

3 Likes
9

That’s interesting! It’s possible that immobilizers could also cause issues. Those can be tricky!

10

True! I always jump to conclusions when my car won’t start, but now I remember it could also be a problem with the ignition switch.

11

You make a great point! Ignition issues can be overlooked, but they really disrupt everything.

12

If all else fails, don’t forget to check if there’s fuel in the tank! A classic oversight—but it happens to the best of us!

13

Classic! I’ve certainly tried jumping a car just to find out I was on empty. Ugh!

14

Let’s not forget to laugh a little! Sometimes I think my car is just playing hide and seek when it refuses to start!

15

If your car won’t start after a jump, the first thing to check is the battery connections. Ensure the cables are tight and free of corrosion. Also, inspect the terminals for any damage.

16

Great advice! After checking the battery, don’t forget to look at the fuses. A blown fuse can prevent your car from starting altogether.

17

Additionally, if the fuses are fine, consider the ignition switch and starter motor. Sometimes they can fail, especially if the vehicle has been sitting for a while.

18

Exactly! Also, check the battery voltage. If it’s below 12.4 volts, it could indicate a weak battery even after a jump.

19

Don’t overlook potential electrical issues! Faulty wiring or bad ground connections can lead to a no-start situation after a jump.

20

Has anyone here had to replace a starter? If so, what were the signs? I’m asking because I might be having a similar issue.

7 Likes