Turning your ignition key and the car won’t start? Unless you have run out of petrol then the most likely cause is an electrical problem with your car.
One call is all it takes to get you back on the move, PJ Auto Electrics, your local auto electrician based in Solihull, will soon be with you wherever you are. Specialising in all auto electrical faults we will diagnose and fix the fault quickly and professionally.
Car doesn’t start
PJ Auto Electrics is vastly experienced with dealing with and diagnosing car start problems caused by an auto electrical fault. We will diagnose the cause of the problem and get you back on the road as soon as we can. Common auto electric problems:
Battery is dead
Thankfully a dead battery can usually be jumped. But if it dies because it is old, you will need to replace it to get back on the road.
Alternator not charging the battery
The alternator keeps the battery charged. If the alternator goes bad the battery will quickly be drained and all power lost.
Starter motor not working
If this electric motor fails, you may only hear a clicking noise when you turn the key. That is the sound of the motor actuating, but not spinning.
Other starting problems are caused by:
Failed ignition switches
Flickering dash lights, or key not turning.
Spark plug or plug leads
If one or more of the spark plugs fails then you will find it difficult to start. Early signs of failure are poor acceleration, but on start up the engine will turn but not fire up.
Car Warning Lights On!
The warning lights on your dashboard are usually the first sign that something is not right with your car. They are also often an MOT fail.
Engine Management Warning Lights On!
There are many lights on the dash that are related to an auto electrical issue.
These include:
Battery charge warning light
Brake system warning Light
ABS Warning Light
Air Bag remaining on
Dashboard Warning Lights – Some will lead to an MOT Fail
There are now much tougher MOT rules which require some of your car dashboard’s warning lights to be working. If they don’t, your car may fail its MOT test.
MOT fail - Auto Electrics - Air Bag light on
From March 20th 2013, all Airbag lights (SRS malfunction warning lights) on the dashboard MUST light up when the ignition is turned on and MUST go out once the car is started. An airbag light should never come on unless there is a fault in your car airbags system. You can drive the vehicle with the airbag light on but the car airbags will not deploy should you be involved in an accident. PJ Auto Electrics will diagnose this and replacement parts will be ordered and replaced so the airbag light can then be reset.
MOT Failure – Auto Electrics - ABS light on
The car will fail the MOT if the ABS light is missing, does not illuminate, does not follow the correct sequence of operation, or indicates an ABS fault.
Other Common Auto Electric Problems:
Windows not working – car insecure (Possible MOT Fail)
Common problems with electric windows in your car are:
Windows do not go up or down when buttons are pressed.
Window drops to one side.
Window closes very slowly or fails to close completely
Note: Driver side windows are checked during the MOT and they can result in a test failure for the following reasons:
Car is insecure.
Opening mechanism of driver’s window not operating.
Rear Lights – lights flashing on-off – MOT fail and possible fine
Another MOT fail point is all brake lights need to be working. Also, you can face a fine of £60 and points on your licence if they are not working. This can be something simple from a failed bulb, to something more serious. PJ Auto electrics will carry out a quick diagnosis and fix and get your car safe and legal.