Q: Even though I replaced battery, car won't start.

asked by on December 17, 2015

Engine turns over, but will not start. Replaced battery recently and should be good. What is wrong with my car?

Car is not starting Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

If the battery is brand new and fully charged and the car turns over but will not start the battery is not the problem. The electrical aspect of the starting system is doing its job. Engines require fuel compression and ignition to run. The electric starter causes the engine to crank but if no fuel or not enough fuel is reaching the engine it will not run. If the correct amount of fuel is being introduced into the engine but is not being ignited by the spark plugs the engine will not run. Seek the assistance of a mechanic to inspect your fuel and ignition system for low fuel pressure, fouled spark plugs, etc.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What if I think the Passenger Air Bag Off Light is incorrect?
If you think that the Passenger Air Bag Off Light is turned on when it shouldn’t be, there could be a number of different reasons. Assuming that the person in the passenger front seat is adult sized and sitting in...
Pulley squealing.
I would have a technician take a look at it and they can find the problem. Sometimes a bad air compressor will cause the belt to squeal and sometimes the belt may just need tightening. There is also a product...
How do I adjust the speed compensated volume?
The speed compensated volume automatically adjusts your sound system’s volume as your speed changes, to adjust for road and wind noise. To adjust the sensitivity of the system, follow these steps: 1. Press the Menu button. 2. Use the Up/Down...
Interior smells like gas
Mercedes came out with a service bulletin on June 10, 2015 for a fuel odor in the car. The problem is at the top of the tank where the fuel pump is serviced. The warranty was extended on these parts,...
Brake pedal pulses when pressed on a '93 Chevy 1500
If the brake pedal pulses, there are only two things that can do that. Either you need shoes because they are warped and new flat shoes don't fit on the warped drums and they will pulse because they are warped...
Just received car back from dealership ($698 tune up) car ceases in middle of street, smoke coming out,trans leaking , no fluid
It sounds like they used a transmission fluid exchange machine and they would have had to disconnect one of the transmission lines to perform the service. The dealer is responsible for any damage to the transmission. If you want to...
Loud cracking noise in the front when turning to the left or to the right, even on stationary.
This sounds like you either have binding sway bar links (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/stabilizer-bar-links-replacement) or arms (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/control-arm-assembly-replacement). Have the sway bar checked and the links checked by putting hand on joint and having someone turn wheel. You will feel the creaking in the...
engine will crank up but won't turn over
Hello and thanks for your question. With a vehicle that has only 7, 131 miles it should be working just fine. The engine will get hot after operating in driving conditions, especially if the engine was to be accelerated hard....
Car jerking when stopped or when trying to change gears
I would classify this as rough operation/loss of power (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-idle-is-rough-inspection). To find the exact cause will require an on-site inspection and that inspection can be performed on a mobile basis right at your location. Rough operation could be due to...

Related articles

Can a Car Battery Overheat in Hot Weather?
Hot weather can cause battery fluid to evaporate and make it hard to start your car. Battery overcharging decreases the lifespan of your battery.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Instrument Voltage Regulator
Common signs include dim or flickering gauges, inaccurate or erratic readings from the voltage regulator, and an inoperable instrument cluster.
How to Diagnose a Car Battery Drain
It It is safe to say that every car owner reading this has likely experienced that time where you were leaving your home or walking out to your sitting car, only to discover that the battery in your car was...