Car Won’t Start, But Radio and Lights Work 

 

Welcome to the Ultimate Guide on Car Won’t Start, But the Radio and Lights Work!

After occasionally experiencing car starting problems despite the radio and lights working, I decided to research the possible causes and solutions.

Car Won’t Start, But Radio and Lights Work

This is a common problem among most car owners, so there’s no need to worry. What’s more, some causes behind your car not starting are easy to address through troubleshooting tips that I’ll share with you. Not to mention, those problems you can’t handle alone are easily managed by a professional mechanic. 

That said, whatever the cause, there’re possible fixes to the car starting problems. 

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Car Won’t Start, But Radio Works

Here are some of the reasons why your car won’t start but the radio works fine:

• Spark Plugs Issue

A spark plug plays a vital role in powering your car. As the name suggests, spark plugs supply electrical sparks, thus igniting the fuel in the combustion chamber needed to start your vehicle. Like any other car parts, spark plugs eventually break, crack, get dirty, or wear out. Faulty plugs cause engine misfire as a result of incomplete fuel burn. When this happens, your car won’t start.

Unless the spark plug manufacturer specifies otherwise, spark plugs should be replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. To test the spark plugs’ functionality, you’ll need to test their resistance using a multimeter. If the test is positive, you’ll need your spark plugs replaced. Usually, spark plugs are easy to replace and inexpensive too. If you’re skilled or have automobile mechanisms knowledge, you can do the replacement yourself or ask a mechanic to handle the issue. Faulty spark plugs are one of the reasons why your car may fail to start.

• Fuel Pump Issue

If the spark plugs aren’t the issue, the other possible reason your car won’t start is a fuel pump issue. Fuel is an essential element to starting your vehicle. With the help of a fuel pump, gas from the tank can be pumped directly into the engine. When a fuel pump is faulty, your car won’t start since the fuel isn’t delivered as needed. Additionally, when your fuel filter clogs with dirt or debris, your car won’t start since the fuel doesn’t get to the engine. You can have a professional examine the fuel system and pump to determine whether it’s the cause of the problem.

• Corroded Battery Terminals

A corroded battery terminal could be another reason your car won’t start. Corroded battery terminals result in the battery not supplying power as required. Usually, battery terminals corrode due to acidity or dirt build-up. You can clean the battery terminals using a wire brush. This helps remove the corrosion. After removing the corrosion, spray the battery with WD-40 or apply petroleum jelly.

• Starter Problems

Your car could be having starter problems that stop it from starting. Just like a battery, a car starter may need jump-starting. If possible, you can have someone push the car as you try to start it. One of the signs that you’re having starter problems is a clicking sound when you attempt to start the vehicle. Additionally, you may experience smoke from the hood when starting the car. Consult a professional if you have starter problems.

• Ignition Switch Problem

An ignition switch is an essential component to start your car. The switch is responsible for signaling the battery to start the vehicle. Your car won’t start as a result of a bad ignition switch. Some signs of a faulty or broken ignition switch include overheating, the key sticking in the ignition system, the key failing to turn to the on position, and dashboard lights not lighting up or flickering in an attempt to start your car. If you’re having ignition switch problems, consult a professional mechanic for an ignition switch replacement—usually, the OEM ignition switch costs around $50 to $300.

• A Dead or Dying Battery

Another reason your car won’t start despite the lights and radio working is a dying or dead battery. Typically, most car owners assume that their car battery isn’t the issue if the radio or lights are working. This isn’t always the case, though. The lights and radio in your automobile use less energy to operate. Your car’s battery may have enough juice to turn on the lights and radio, but not the other electrical parts.

Consider jump-starting it if you want to make sure the battery is not the problem. If your car starts after jump-starting, the battery is the problem. You can rule out the battery issue if the vehicle doesn’t start even after jump-starting. However, remember that corroded battery terminals or cables will also cause your car not to start. What’s more, you can conduct a load test to determine the exact condition of your car battery.

• Empty Gas Tank

While car owners in a hurry tend to overlook this factor, it could be why your car won’t start. Fortunately, the solution is quite simple. Get your empty tank filled with gas from your gas can that’ll get your vehicle started until you get to a gas station. Additionally, if you have a miscalibrated fuel gauge that misleads you on the state of your gas tank, consider fixing it.

• Blown Fuse

A blown fuse will result in car starter issues. Usually, a car has several electrical fuses that aid its functionality. If the starter or fuel pump fuse blows, the engine might not start. A mechanic can help resolve the problem.

Troubleshooting Tips When Your Car Won’t Start, But Radio and Lights Work

Here’s what you’ll need to do when your car doesn’t start but the radio and lights work:

• Test the Battery Power

You’ll need first to test the battery’s condition using a multimeter. For a good battery, the multimeter should read 12.6 volts. If the multimeter reads less than 12.3 volts, the power is low. Alternatively, try jump-starting the car. If the engine starts, then the battery is faulty. To get accurate results, consider load testing the battery.

• Check Battery Terminals

You can check the battery terminals for corrosion. As mentioned, you can clean corroded battery terminals using a wire brush.

• Try Roll Starting

The roll starting method applies when the other car-starting methods, such as jump-starting, automobile self-starter, and kick-start, are unavailable. For roll starting, have someone push the car as you try starting it.

• Check the Fuel Pump and Filter

You can check whether the fuel pump and filter are working correctly. To test the functionality of the fuel pump, have someone start the car as you listen near the fuel tank for an audible noise. If you hear the audible noise, then the fuel pump is working. Additionally, test whether the fuel filter works by removing the filter, then igniting the car. If the vehicle starts, the fuel filter is the problem and needs replacing.

• Check the Fuse Box

As mentioned, a blown fuse will result in the car not starting. Consider having a mechanic check your vehicle for a blown fuse. If there’s any, replacing it will help solve the issue.

• Check for Spark Plug Failure

Faulty spark plugs can stop the car from starting. Moreover, spark plugs wear over time and require replacement. If the radio and lights work, but the car won’t start, the spark plugs could be bad. To check for faulty spark plugs, use a multimeter.

FAQ

What does it mean when your car won’t start, but the lights come on?

The most likely reason why your car doesn’t start but lights come on is the starter or ignition problem. A clicking sound indicates car starter problems in an attempt to start the vehicle. Additionally, you may notice smoke from the hood when starting the car. 

Moreover, a faulty ignition key will stop your car from starting. Some signs of a defective ignition key include dashboard lights flickering in an attempt to start the vehicle and key failure to turn to the “on” position. Have your car checked by a mechanic if you experience any of the above issues.

Why do I turn key and nothing happens, but the lights work?

If nothing happens when turning the key but the lights work, you might be experiencing battery issues. Your battery may have a charge but not enough to crank your car. Try jump-starting it to see if your car starts. 

Is my car battery dead if the car won’t start, but the radio and lights work?

When the car won’t start, but the radio and lights work, your battery may be dead. Usually, such accessories require less power than the power needed to start the engine. Your battery may have enough power to start the radio and lights but not the engine. Try Jump-starting your car.

Conclusion

The car not starting while the radio and lights work is a common problem among many car owners. The causes of this problem can vary between individuals or vehicles. Generally, when your car doesn’t start, but the radio and lights work, the problem could be caused by battery terminal corrosion, dead battery, fuel pump issues, filter and starter problems, burst fuse, or faulty spark plugs.

Some problems, such as battery terminal corrosion, are easy to fix, while others, such as faulty spark plugs, may need professionals. Once you’ve identified the cause of the car problem, you can quickly repair or replace the required part. 

Last Updated on October 12, 2023 by Brian Beasley