Your car’s dashboard is a crucial interface that provides you with essential information about your vehicle’s performance. When this dashboard starts flickering, it can be very worrisome, especially if the car refuses to start. This issue may stem from a variety of factors, ranging from electrical problems to issues with the ignition system. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons behind a flickering dashboard and the subsequent failure to start, along with potential solutions to diagnose and address the problem.
Causes of why dash light flickers but the car won’t start.
The are a few reasons why your dashboard lights may flicker but the car won’t start. It could be a problem with the battery, the starter, or the alternator. Keep reading to find out detailed information about the causes.
1. Electrical System Malfunction
The primary reason for a flickering dashboard and a non-starting car could be a malfunction in the electrical system. The electrical system plays a vital role in the proper functioning of various components, including the ignition system, starter motor, and battery.
Loose or corroded battery terminals, damaged wiring, or a faulty alternator can disrupt the flow of electricity, leading to erratic dashboard behavior and subsequent failure to start.
2. Battery problem
A common cause of flickering dash lights and a car that won’t start is a problem with the battery. If your battery is more than three years old, it’s possible that it’s not providing enough power to start the car. Car batteries tend to lose their ability to hold a charge as they age, so this is something to keep in mind if your battery is getting up there in years.
Another possibility is that the battery terminals are corroded. This can happen if you live in an area with high humidity or if you haven’t had the battery serviced in a while. Corroded terminals can prevent the battery from starting the car.
3. Faulty Ignition Switch
Another possibility is a faulty ignition switch. The ignition switch is responsible for initiating the electrical power flow to the starter motor and other essential components when the key is turned. A malfunctioning ignition switch can result in a flickering dashboard and prevent the car from starting. It is usually located near the battery and is relatively easy to replace.
If you turn the key and hear a clicking noise, this is usually an indication that the starter is bad. You may be able to get the car started by giving the key a few extra turns, but eventually, you’ll need to replace the starter.
A bad starter can also be caused by a problem with the ignition switch. If the ignition switch is not working properly, it can prevent the starter from getting the power it needs to start the car.
4. Alternator problem
Another possibility is that the alternator is not working properly. The alternator charges the battery while the car is running, so if it’s not working, the battery will eventually die. This can cause the dashboard lights to flicker and the car to stall.
An alternator can go bad gradually or it can fail suddenly. If you notice that your car’s battery is not holding a charge, it’s a good idea to take it to a mechanic to have the alternator checked.
Solutions on how to your car that won’t start but light flickers
Now that we know some of the possible causes of this issue, let’s look at some solutions.
1. Check the battery
If you think the problem may be with the battery, the first thing you should do is check the terminals to see if they are corroded. If they are, you can clean them with a wire brush or replace the battery.
If the problem is with the battery, you may be able to get by with a jump start. If you have a friend or family member who can give you a jump, this may be all you need to get the car started.
However, if the problem is with the starter or alternator, a jump start will only be a temporary fix. You’ll still need to take the car to a mechanic to have the problem diagnosed and repaired.
Cleaning your car battery is easy and can be done at home. To clean your battery you need:
Tools and materials needed
-Wire brush
-Cleaning solution
-Protective gloves
Instructions
Step One: Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. This will prevent any accidents while you’re working on the battery.
Step Two: Use the wire brush to clean the terminals. If they are very corroded, you may need
- Remove the battery from the car.
- Clean the terminals with a wire brush.
- Apply a thin layer of grease to the terminals to prevent corrosion.
- Reattach the battery and try starting the car.
2. Replace the starter
If you suspect that the starter is the problem, you can replace it yourself if you’re comfortable working on cars. However, if you’re not sure what you’re doing, it’s best to leave this job to a professional.
Replacing the starter is a relatively easy job, but if you’re not sure how to do it, just follow the steps below
Tools and materials:
-socket wrench set
-screwdriver
-new starter
Steps
- First, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
- Next, locate the starter and remove the two bolts that hold it in place.
- Once the bolts are removed, you can pull the starter out.
- To install the new starter, simply reverse these steps.
- First, connect the new starter to the battery.
- Then, bolt it into place and reconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
3. Replace Alternator
If you think the problem may be with the alternator, you’ll need to take it to a mechanic or an auto parts store to have it replaced.
While it’s possible to replace the alternator yourself, I will not recommend it unless you’re very comfortable working on cars.
The steps below will show you how to replace the alternator, but if you’re not sure how to do it, just take the car to a mechanic.
Tools and materials needed:
-socket wrench set
-screwdriver
-new alternator
Instructions:
- First, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
- Next, locate the alternator and remove the two bolts that hold it in place.
- Once the bolts are removed, you can pull the alternator out.
- To install the new alternator, simply reverse these steps.
- First, connect the new alternator to the battery.
- Then, bolt it into place and reconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
4. Take the car to a mechanic
If you’re not an expert in fixing cars or you’re not sure what the problem is, I would suggest you quickly call or take your car to a mechanic. They will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.
Taking the car to a mechanic can be expensive, but it’s usually cheaper than buying a new car. If you’re having trouble with your car, it’s best to get it fixed as soon as possible so it doesn’t become a bigger problem down the road.
Other possible reasons why your car won’t start
There are other reasons apart from the main points mentioned why your car might not start. These include:
1. A problem with the fuel system
A reason why your car might not be starting is that there’s a problem with the fuel system. This could be something as simple as a dirty air filter or a more serious issue like a fuel leak. This happens when the seals in the fuel system wear out and allow fuel to leak into the engine. The main cause of this is using the wrong type of fuel or not changing the oil regularly.
2. A problem with the ignition system
Another reason why your car might not be starting is that there’s a problem with the ignition system. This could be something as simple as a dirty spark plug or a more serious issue like a faulty ignition coil. The main cause of this is using the wrong type of spark plug.
To fix this, follow the steps below:
- Check the spark plugs and replace them if necessary:
- To check the spark plugs, remove them from the car and hold them up to the light. If they are covered in soot or oil, then they need to be replaced.
3. Oil Change
This is one of the most important things you can do for your car. Over time, the oil breaks down and becomes less effective at lubricating the engine. When this happens, it can cause all sorts of problems, including a faulty ignition coil. To change the oil, simply drain the old oil out and add new oil.
Final Thoughts
Cars are complex machines and there are a lot of things that can go wrong with them. If your car won’t start, it could be anything from a simple problem to a more serious issue. However, by following the steps above, you should be able to narrow down the problem and get your car running again in no time.
I hope this article helped understand why your dashboard lights flicker but the car won’t start when you turn the key. If you have any further questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thanks for reading!
