Car Not Starting or Turning Over Help | A Step by Step Guide

Today we'll go over the step by step process on determining why your vehicle is not turning over. We'll be checking battery connections, battery health, condition of the starter, the starter relay, ignition switch and the inhibitor switch or transmission range switch. This specific vehicle is a 2006 Acura TL. This vehicle had no problem, it is simply a how-to video.
Sections:
Battery Connections - :22
Battery Testing - 2:22
Removing the Battery - 5:51
Testing the Starter - 8:11
Starter Wiring - 11:15
Jumping the Starter - 13:47
Starter Relay - 14:50
Ignition Switch - 18:03
Inhibitor Switch / Transmission Range Switch: 18:40
There are many reasons why a vehicle won’t start. The most common reason is a dead battery which is what the car uses to provide electrical power to the entire car and electrical components (e.g. lights, radio, etc.). Another reason could be bad battery connections. Other reasons include alternator problems, bad starter motor, bad ignition switch, fuel system problem, engine problem and smart key issue.
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Note:
Any attempt to repair automotive parts and/or systems carries risk of personal injury. Always adhere and follow safe practices when working on vehicles. Such as, safety glasses, jack stands, no loose clothing, etc. No guarantee or warranty is implied. Use the information in this video at your own risk. Carsntoys is a member of the Amazon Influencer Program.
Publication, reproduction or distribution of this film is strictly prohibited.
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#nostartnocrank #nostarthelp

[@eddieroman3629]

just want to thank you for the most direct and pleasant tutorial i had ever experienced . after i watched your channel, i decided to venture on some other very popular mechanic and it was a disaster from the beginning of his start he started talking about a book to his neighbors barbecue! thank you for not trying to kiss up to your viewers by giving bits of your personal life. i couldn't even stay watching because he took to long to show you how to. i'm not a mechanic but i am a all around handyman and i enjoy watching you tube and mostly masters on there gifted profession i just added you to my subscription. and I'm sending you a contribution. God bless you and your family.

[@sang_from_rushhour3009]

Wanted to extend my personal thank you for making this video. This morning I feared for the potential loss of my job but something told me to just look online one more time before just letting go, and I stumbled on to your video. My issue was exactly the first thing you mentioned and quickly I had the help needed to get the job done and get to work on time. Again thank you!

[@o.c.stiggs5377]

As is typical of CNT videos, this one is organized, comprehensive, and with clear videography and enunciated speech

[@clivealive55]

Camshaft sensor on Hyundai coupes v6 car

[@ddavis7799]

Llk8k

[@johndoyle9917]

This is an excellent video. It's loaded with valuable information and not any wasted time!! Excellent work!!

[@AmberBlase]

Thank you! I’m getting the click and you’re the only one who has mentioned this is normally the solenoid + checking for continuity.

[@theandrewarellano]

Thanks for sharing the detailed knowledge. I did not want to deal with replacing my starter so tested everything else first on my TSX. It endeded up being the starter, but now I know what to check first including testing relays!

[@aprilserafine8718]

One of the best tutorials out there with accurate information..thank you! It helps how you show and explain things.

[@billyd8084]

Great and very thorough professional presentation my friend . You make it easy for even a dummy like me to comprehend. Wish all u-tube vids were as simple and plain .

[@urai.khomkham]

Thank you for sharing. This video has helped me this morning. I followed the steps and managed to start my car. Once again, thank you so much

[@nathantokoli880]

Thanks for helping me. For I was frustrated when my car refuses to start but your advice has made it all worked out.🙏🙏🙏

[@madelineagee284]

Thanks for this video got me and my dad working on my car together trying all the different steps to figure out if it’s anything other than the starter.

[@johnawtey7608]

Thanks for your video here, my truck was making a clicking sound replaced the starter still no start. After watching this video i was able to chase down the problem starter relay. being a shade tree mechanic all my life i'm 67 years old this video put me on the right path Thanks so much for the help. when you have a problem like this it can truly wear you out mentally until you get it resolved.

[@kirubelhailu8023]

This guy is really good. Very clear and detailed troubleshooting steps for car that won't start. Thank you so much.

[@samuelobregon5521]

I appreciate all your input in putting this instructive and detail video for persons like me that don't have all the expertise in automobiles like your self. I learn a lot and it was very well explained, thank you very much sir.

[@g-marv4960]

The best detailed explanation on KZbin 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@supremek9032]

Thank you for this !! My range pressure switch was bad. Really appreciate this video 🙏🏾. I have to check out your channel more for Acura videos asap.

[@makawiburke6500]

Really good video. You rival Scott Kilmer and Chris with this. You are very kind with information and guides. Thanks coming from the caribbean

[@CarsNToys]

Wow, thanks!

[@adelalaiwi]

I dont usually like long vids, but your vid is really great and so informative. Thank you for the great effort. God bless

[@bobbyg4100]

Great job explaining all the tests. I’m a mobile mechanic and replacing a starter today on my daughters car. You truly have made the best video on car starting problems I have ever seen. Please keep adding new videos. I Subscribed to your channel and will share your info with my whole Family. Fantastic video quality also. Thanks, Bob

[@terrywoodham8844]

[Ooooo[[j,0bu

[@andrewnarine3898]

I did the relay test the clicking is there but the continuity is not strong is it a bad relay.

[@acarl2368]

Absolutely excellent tech video that is well constructed and easy to understand. Very much appreciate the absence of blaring music, unrelated information, cute pets and game show host speech. Thank you for your help and work putting this together.

[@solidsoldier9021]

ABSOLUTELY,LOL

[@timvelleca8900]

Great job! Detailed but to the point. Nicely done! Thanks! My problem turned out to be corrosion on the cables where they attached to the positive battery post. My guess is the post kept getting corroded, kept getting cleaned but the cables were “infected” as a longer term result.

[@Lucy00682]

Awesome job going step by step explaining what should be done.

[@kfl611]

What an excellent video. Thank you for posting.

[@bethanyadams5568]

Yes great video, clear instructions no interruptions and ur just amazing thank u

[@tuwi8656]

life saver 🙏 tysm I need my car last min and it was disconnect to the battery, thank you thank you!

[@strxwberry4766]

That's what I call a PERFECT VIDEO. amazing job mate.

[@andrewsotnikov5680]

Very good explanation. I had some batteries, where was big internal resistance, so it was charged to 12V but under the load there was big voltage drop.

[@janjurnecka1902]

great video...clear, systematic explantion!

[@jameskenyon4522]

A great instruction videos. Easy to follow and full of great info

[@gerlandkent6377]

[I, own a 2004, x type 3.0 jaguar I, had the same problem no crank no start. It, was the starter relay that was bad I, replaced the relay it works now. thank, you for you're helpful video👍

[@Amanda-cd6dm]

THANK YOU! I COUKDN'T HAVE ASKED FOR A BETTER DEMO

[@ongalad1981]

Great and easy to understand, I hope I find one of these to be an issue with my car

[@MosportRacingSchool]

Good explanation for newbies. Thanks.

[@thomasanderson1786]

Thank you so much for this video. Really easy to learn and listen to your video.

[@CarsNToys]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Jovan-mh2rl]

I'm

[@Channelofdk]

Great video with great explanations

[@gerlandkent6377]

[thank, you for walking me threw all you're helpful info.]👍

[@user-vn3mx1bs3x]

You are greatest teaching us. Thank you for your help.

[@webtech4161]

Amazingly helpful!! Thank you!!

[@twitch-xjuiceboxtwitch2088]

Thank You, I can feel the Love in your teaching ❤❤🎉🎉. You are a Great teacher, these mechanical things ain’t my specialty lol. Thanks for the comprehensive tutorial 🌞✨🌟. Subbed too 🚀🆙👽

[@lipiuuth]

Good stuff my man right to the point

[@tchaney4387]

Your voice is so reassuring. 😢❤

[@rox3815]

Thank you brilliant explanation very clear helped me a lot

[@jacobswain9792]

best video out there. thanks a bunch

[@superlemon3093]

With all in good condition that you discuss in this video, I have a 2004 Acura TL, and when I turn the key, I can here the starter relay load up and vibrate. Purchased a new relay, and still the same. After some slow turns of the key It will start. The starter turns the motor over quickly as expected. I did have an issue with a starter switch on another car, and found after replacing, the switch was worn, and had a buildup of aluminum dust and black dielectric grease that caused a poor electrical circuit. I am thinking with the relay vibrating, It may have the same problem and not completing the circuit with a full load to energize the relay as required.

[@1poppop100]

very helpful thanks for your work

[@icecubez130]

excellent information here, I had a starter strand me twice before. luckily i got a duralast with a limited warranty when I replaced it and autozone was able to test it when I yanked it out again, of course it failed and they replaced it but that was not fun (failed after just a year or so of use). Had me thinking it was the fuel pump or neutral safety switch!

[@jc-yw5km]

Thank you for your helpful video!!!!

[@jasonsoo5738]

Appreciate your guidance

[@yufeination]

thank you so much for the info....I also have the 06 Acura TL . what if I tried all of that but the only thing that worked was when sometimes i press the gas peddle just a little bit when the ignition is on the ON switch and I will turn the key and it cranks right up.... it doesn't always turn it on. But when it's on it drives fine.

[@Iphadtouch1243]

Wow that was the most helpful video I watched, I just saved so much money thank you so much!!!

[@ParisEnterprise]

Thanks Bro. your video serve a lot.

[@arnoldbaclig7709]

This is awesome video 👌👌👌👍👍👍👍

[@noori5907]

Very well organized 👍👍👍 helped me a lot thanks

[@CarsNToys]

Glad it helped!

[@andres98204]

Dude. You're awesome. Thanks for the info. Do you have videos working with Toyotas?

[@laghaboutarfa8650]

Excellent video

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you very much!

[@niccosuave5942]

Thank you very informative

[@CarlosHernandez-zm3mh]

Thanks for this video. I can't find relay for our 2015 Nissan Quest. Would start relay be the the push button start/stop ignition button?? I've thoroughly reviewed the manual, under hood fuse box as well as interior fuse panel and still coming up empty, not sure where else to look for it.

[@gholakata4404]

Very 19:49 informative, thanks!

[@JacoKruger.]

Mix a very small amount of water with some of the baking soda in a lid or small dish. Then, use the toothbrush to apply the paste to the terminals and clamps. Scrub thoroughly until the white substance disappears. If necessary, you can make use of steel wool to help remove the corrosion, if you dont have sandpaper or a dremmel

[@rebel8440]

Thank you

[@jamminjamy]

Your videos are helpful, thanks! Regarding your battery pack... it would be great if you can do a video explaining what type of battery options are good for testing relays. I tried to test one of my relays by direct connection to the car battery but I think I fried it! :)

[@CarsNToys]

Really? It shouldn't fry the relay unless the wires were crossed. The battery pack I used is an 3s lipo RC battery pack.

[@andreasliljedahl3252]

Thanks to this video i just had to open the cap and adjust the plus cable and it started up..even the car stereo works now

[@evieleeds]

Thank you!

[@MuraliKrishna-wn2bf]

Thank you ❤️ so much

[@marklao9592]

Nice video

[@troyemery9888]

Is there any way you could show how to test the ignition swtich on this particular vehicle like you mentioned at the end of this video. I have a 2006 Acura TL and have gone through all your steps and was so excited when you mentioned testing the ignition switch then you broke my heart when you said you weren't going to show that step....hahaha...please let me know how I can test my switch

[@suprflea4030]

could I be using a jumper cable to do the last technique for the starter motor?

[@mohomedahkamameen6160]

Hi This Video is great, I have a Toyota Corona 1991 EFI Patrol Car *Battery - Good - Tested with Voltage Meter *Terminals/Posts - Good *Starter Motor is replaced Most of the time 98% of the time when i start the car in the morning fresh it starts quickly. Scenario 1- When i drive the car for a while or keep it running and then switch it off and start it again it just cranks but doesn't start after few keeping still for minutes(random) it starts with longer cranks and giving gas. Scenario 2 - it can be after driving or starting fresh the car clicks with all the lights on dashboards are on,and it doesn't crank at all after sometime (dont know what happens) turning the key several times with hard efforts it starts. Scenario 3 - Sometimes when i start i can see that after i turn the key and keep it pushing for around 1 second or less then it starts cranking(there is a delay in crank) Can you please help me to diagnose this issue It will be really great and helpful. Thank you

[@pvtruestmusic]

What was it

[@dennistoft6736]

I have a question for u I have a 1994 Ford ranger XLT and I fixed my starter and my battery post and still nothing is turning over so I'm asking u if that means my solenoid is bad

[@cristinazafra9879]

Thank you

[@donaldneece689]

How do I test the starter switch on the 07 Acura TL? I put a new starter and battery on it and it cranked fine and ran but later it wouldn’t even click. I am going to test the relay but I’m not sure how to test the switch. You think you can help me out ?

[@johnny83telbatalv]

Thank you sir your video is very helpful and you helped me by saving money and time thank for that.

[@tarquineous]

The inside of the terminals should also be cleaned. There are brushes made for this. One end of the brush is for the terminal on the battery, the other end is for the inside of the cable terminal. Then wipe them with spray oil such as WD 40. This should be good for a year or two. A step further would be to spray the completed connections with a wax type product such Boeshield, LPS-3, or similar weatherproofing.

[@CarsNToys]

Great tips! Thank you.

[@amrannawi8057]

Hi...why u said solenoid is good when got continuity between s terminal n body motor....What i Know s terminal Will connect to positive ...right. is it cause short when positive iouching negatif..

[@frankmontez6853]

Is it true that if it's starter then it wouldn't crank at all ? mechanic told me this and it is showing codes had it scanned at both O' Reilly's and AZ . Mine can take more than one try but cranks over though sometiomes verry weakly . Codes PO420 and secondary PO103 Mass or volume air flow circuit high speed and PO113 Intake air temperature sensor 1 circuit high input . Brand new battery .

[@blackspider2274]

My lights and all are good on my Focus. It's just sometimes I have turn the key multiple times before it starts.

[@tijanihajji]

Hi I’m TJ, need help for my Toyota Avalon 2004, tryed to clear codes by removing both + &- connectors and touch them together, The car won’t crank and start Need help

[@AngieMusicArt]

Is it absolutely necessary to disconnect the battery?

[@jollyroger7624]

70 years ago my old man would just whack the solenoid with a hammer, fixed it every time. now you almost need a degree !

[@jesusescobar435]

Agree on that.

[@roxysupastarchick]

That's great. Gives you one or 2 more emergency starts. Save that for your appointment to the mechanic

[@bnnett]

I did that last month

[@notcorey2890]

70 years??

[@jollyroger7624]

@@notcorey2890 Yes Corey, we had a car 70 years ago. Look up classic cars, they were modern back then.

[@Sn175dhf]

Genius 😎

[@judetate2433]

Nice video, but just for reference......the wifi symbol on the multi meter stands for speaker or sound and not wifi [even though it looks like one] ....that setting is for continuity and resistance with sound, beep, added....the setting to the right of it is the same but no sound...most all meters use these standard symbols....

[@sambo314]

How would we test if power is getting to the starter if we just used the battery ?

[@youflaw3285]

It amazes me how that lil gadget detect if anything is working or not

[@onza04]

@carsntoys, Need some additional guidance.. Checked the continuity at the starter (both sides were good), checked the relay (that is good), changed out the ignition switch since it was cheap. I can't get the 06 TL to turn! :( Any additional information??? Battery was new as of 6/2018 Before symptoms started, I would get ONE click then nothing. All the accessory lights and headlights are FULL power.

[@jeremiah1797]

did you ever find out what the click noise was,,

[@jesseserrano6520]

What was the issue? I have exactly the same one click right before the last start up. Now i have no crank or click at all.

[@Vilhyto]

Easy way to test the starter is to remove the starter relay, then with wire short the power terminals on the base of the relay, just like the relay would do. If the starter is cranking you know there's no fault but somewhere in the circuitry.

[@angelawise8070]

Yeah we have that problem is that do the glovebox got anything to do with that or not it might be the antonator

[@liloneal15]

Same car I think mi e is the connection but if not it has to be the starter or engine itself

[@cameronmoney6678]

As soon as you said check the battery cables I felt dumb af man lol sho nuff that was the problem lol 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@dee1380]

I'm not getting any power to my starter solenoid on my 89 Linc Basket.. What could it be?

[@mark.r8900]

Hi, if my flywheel is rotating while cranking car with key does that mean the starter is ok? And my problem could be fuel or spark related? Thanks

[@danielking8992]

Yes

[@raygarcia8419]

This is my question I put a new starter a new alternator and a battery and it still will not start but the lights come on there is no clicking sound

[@donaldneece689]

Also thanks for all the detailed step by step. You really should be a teacher or something

[@khaosau6729]

My car has no lights come on around the speedo and shit but turns over with no start since it seens like fuel pump isnt sending fuel, when i did this the lights come on but it wouldnt turn over then it when back to no lights but turns over

[@carlpoulin6407]

A defective alternator might be a reason why the battery is not keeping its charge. I'm not quite sure how i would test that though...

[@Grriimace]

What do you mean by bad “connection” ?

[@therodgers6417]

problem with 1996 jeep grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0. had the problem I replaced the battery terminals. quit again nothing. fixed the large 2 wires on ground wires I cut them and straightened them and put them into the terminal post, ran fine for a couple of months. went again I put the key in no lights inside or out or the dash, no key sound when put the key in, nothing. I replaced the battery on September 18. I put the key in and it turned on ran great without any problems, went to the store came back, and shut it off, no start. so I got a new alternator on October 3, 2020. it started right up had lights, key sound, power windows, and locks again. no problems until Wednesday 12/9 I came back from Walmart and I shut it off and no start or power issue again. it sat until Friday 12/11 I got a jump pack and it started right up again without problems like normal. the voltage gauge read as it did before since changed the battery and alternator at 14 volts. I shut it off after running for about 1 hour then dead without any power and no sound or lights again. but while it was running had accessories, lights, power windows, and locks, sounds from the key, everything worked normally. I went to Walmart on 12/18/20 and checked their battery and read like new. they gave me a receipt stating no problem. I came home to put my battery in again, everything is tight. no power doors, no key ding, no dash lights, no headlights, nothing. have no clue what to do next.

[@mrobvious5892]

What was the problem?

[@philphillips1810]

Had that happen to me once. Turns out, the fix was a blown fuse housed near the battery that only cost 3 dollars after I'd spent money on a new battery and alternator I didn't need, plus the cost of labor.

[@robinpetti5410]

Can the the relay get stuck

[@MattBarzz]

my car starts just fine no hesitation sometimes other times i turn key and get no crank or attempt to start but always get all lights. car runs fine otherwise . hot or cold doesnt seem to affect when this happens or doesnt

[@carllemke4622]

Ok so got an 07 TL every thing lights up when I put the key on but it won’t crank at all no clue what’s causing it

[@isaacsanchez5159]

My 05 Honda odyssey does the same thing, it will start just fine the next day though

[@fernandezmarquez6638]

Hey my car start but I have to turn the key very quick so it can start but normally it don’t start and it make a rattle sound if the key it’s on on position

[@fernandezmarquez6638]

Help please

[@malikawan7770]

How did you solve it fellow I have same issue ?

[@ivanespinoza28]

Ignition switch

[@ReapWhatYouSowGardening]

If you use a Dremel on the battery will it destroy the terminals?🤔

[@gth882]

Stick with sand paper