Common Car Faults, Symptoms, and Solutions

At certain points in time, car users or owners experience some level of difficulty in optimizing the performance of their vehicles, especially, after some years of service. These common car faults and solutions have been compiled to enhance an effortless car self-service.

Fault: 
No Start, No Crank, Weak Crank, No Sound, inability to Unlock Car 

Description:
- Key in the ignition starts cranking very weakly.
- No dashboard lights. - Very dim dashboard lights.
- No electronics work, or they work very weakly (eg. window scrolls down and up a lot slower than normal) Possible Cause: - Dead or very weak battery.

Solution:
- Check the terminals to make sure the connection is not loose or corroded.
- Check the battery if it has exceeded its lifespan.
- If the connection is okay, try to boost the battery and recharge as required.
- If recharging does not work, then you will need to replace the battery.

Fault: 
No Start and a Rapid Chatter Sound 

Description:
- When the key in the ignition yields cranking, the dashboard lights and interior lights flicker.
- The windows scroll down and up a lot slower.
- Electronic accessories are still operational.

Possible Cause: 
Very weak battery.

Solution: 
- Check the terminals to make sure the connection is not loose or corroded.
- Check the battery if it has exceeded its lifespan.
- If the connection is okay, try to boost the battery and recharge as required.
- If recharging does not work, then you will need to replace the battery.

Fault: 
No Start and a "Click" Sound from the Engine Bay 

Description: 
- When the key in the ignition yields cranking, the dash lights dim slightly for a second and then stays bright.
- All electronics accessories are functioning normally

Possible Cause:
- Starter contacts worn out.

Solution: 
- Replace starter contacts in the starter solenoid.
- Replace starter solenoid assembly.

Fault: 
No Start, No Crank, No Sound 

Description: 
- key in the ignition yields cranking.
- The dashboard lights stay bright.
-All electronics accessories are functioning normally.

Possible Causes: 
- Faulty Starter Solenoid.
- Faulty Starter assembly.
- Starter circuit problems.

Solution:
 - Replace starter contacts, starter solenoid, starter assembly or repair starter circuit as required.

Fault:
Cranking only with no start 

Description: 
- The key in the ignition yields cranking.
- Everything is functioning normally as usual, but will not start

Possible Causes: 
- There are many possible causes, but it is neither a battery nor a starter problem.

Solution:
This problem will require a proper and thorough diagnostics by an expert technician. Just remember that a vehicle will always require air, fuel, and the ignition to operate.