Nothing is worse than getting to work too late because your car doesn’t start, but lights arrive. It is a frustrating situation that many car owners have experienced – you turn the key in the ignition, but your car will not begin. However, they find that the lights on the dashboard and other electrical components work properly. This astonishing scenario can ask you what the problem causes and how it can be solved. In this comprehensive guide, we will dive with the various reasons why your car does not start, but the lights open and offer steps to troubleshoot to help you diagnose and remedy the problem.
The car will not begin, but lights arrive: electrical system
Before we deal with the possible causes of a car that does not begin while the lights work, it is important to understand how the electrical system works in a vehicle. The electrical components such as radio, dashboard lights and headlights draw electricity from the car’s battery. These components usually require minimal current, usually not more than 20 to 30 amps. On the other hand, the engine starter needs a considerable amount of electricity and pulls up to 300 amps to start the engine.
The car will not begin, but the lights come up: Troubleshooting steps
1. Dead Battery
The most common reason why a car doesn’t start, but the lights are a dead or low battery. While the lights and other electrical components may still work with a low load, the battery may not have enough electricity to hire the starter and blow up the engine.
Steps for troubleshooting:
- Check the voltage of the battery with a voltmeter. A healthy battery should have a voltage of around 12.6 volts.
- When the battery voltage is low, try to start the car with sweater cables and a fully charged battery from another vehicle.
- When the start of the jump is successful and the car begins, the problem is probably a unloaded battery. Consider exchanging the battery when it is old or is not able to keep a load.
2. Car will not begin, but lights arrive: bubbles backup
Another potential cause of a car that does not begin while the lights are switched on is a blown fuse. The backup is a protective device that interrupts the current of the electrical current if there is overload or a short circuit. If a backup in connection with the starter or ignition system is connected, it can prevent the performance from increasing the starter relay or magnet.
Steps for troubleshooting:
- Find the safety box in your car, which is usually found under the dashboard or in the engine compartment.
- In the manual of your car you will find the fuse connected to the starter or ignition system.
- Check the backup visually to check for damage for damage such as a broken wire or a discoloration.
- If the fuse seems to blow, replace it with a new backup of the same current.
3. The car will not begin, but lights come in: faulty ignition switches
A faulty ignition switch can also be the culprit behind a car that does not start while the lights work. The ignition switch is an electrical component that controls the current flow to the electrical systems of the car and the motor starter. If the ignition switch does not provide the starter, the engine will not be arranged, even if the lights and other electrical components work correctly.
Steps for troubleshooting:
- Turn the key in the ignition and observe whether the instrument panel and the dashboard lights light up. If this is not the case, this can indicate a problem with the ignition switch.
- Check whether the ignition switch is in the correct position, between and in positions.
- If the ignition switch is in the correct position and the instrument field does not light up, it may be necessary to replace the ignition switch.
4. The car will not begin, but lights arrive: starter motor problems
If the car does not start and you hear a click sound or no noise, the starter engine can be to blame. The starter engine is responsible for disassembling the engine and initiating the combustion process. If the starter engine fails, it does not go into the flywheel and cannot turn the engine.
Steps for troubleshooting:
- Listen when you turn the button in the ignition. A click sound indicates that the starter magnet is appealing, the starter engine itself does not work properly.
- If there is no sound at all, if you turn the key, the starter engine may be completely dead.
- In both cases, it is recommended to consult a mechanic for further diagnosis and a possible exchange of the starter engine.
5. Car will not begin, but lights come up: problems with floor cable cabling
Problems with the ground cable cabling can also cause a car not start while the lights rise. The ground cable connects the engine to the body of the car and ensures a stable electrical connection. If the ground cable is damaged or loose, it can interfere with the current flow and prevent the engine from trudging.
Steps for troubleshooting:
- Check the floor cable connections for signs of damage or looseness.
- Make sure that the ground cable is safely connected to both the engine and the body of the car.
- If the ground cable gives visible problems, it may be necessary to repair or replace it in order to restore proper electrical connectivity.
The car will not begin, but lights come up: conclusion
Experiencing a situation in which your car does not start but the lights approach can be frustrating, but with the right steps for troubleshooting you can identify and fix the problem. First check the load of the battery, check the fuses and examine the ignition switch. If necessary, contact a mechanic for further diagnosis and potential repairs. Remember to take precautions and continuously avoid the engine, as this can lead to further damage. If you systematically fix the problem, you can bring your car back onto the street and ensure reliably in the future.
