Why won't my car start?

Question

For the past month there were often times when I would put the key into the ignition and turn it, it would take a few seconds to start. Other times it would start right away. Today it won’t start at all. When I put the key in and turn it makes a whistling type of sound. The lights come on so my guess is that it is not the battery. What else could it be?

Update:

1991 Nissan 300zx

Cecil n · Accepted Answer

First suggestion, purchase a Chiltons or Haynes book for your car.  They are available at most auto parts stores, and some libraries have them for loan, or they will let you make copies of the pages you need.  Start with the simple, cheapest items.  Make SURE the battery is charged, all the connections are clean and tight.  There will be a trouble shooting section in the book, follow those directions.   Fuel filter on some cars has been known to make a whistling sound when it's clogged.  Good Luck!

the bear facts · Answer

Just because the lights come on this does not mean that the battery is not the cause,it only requires 12volts and 5amps at most to turn lights on,to start the engine it requires 12volts and 200amps or more,so if the battery is low on charge then it will not have enough power to turn over the engine.Have your battery checked for proper charge and get the alternator checked at the same time.

oklatom · Answer

Open the hood.  Find the battery.  Grab the terminals and try to turn them.  Okay, the one that just came off in your hand when you did that is the problem.  Clean things up well, put it back on, tighten it up.  Make sure the other one is tight too.  Now start it.  Much better, eh?

ClassicMustang · Answer

nine times out of ten it's the battery or battery connections

bangieb · Answer

It could possibly be the altenator, or the....Starter...check with your mechanic.

anything about car · Answer

your car make,model & year?

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Why won't my car start?

6 Answers