Why does my car start sometimes and not others?

Given that yours will start sometimes but not other leaves a few possible causes. The most likely causes would include a fault with the ignition switch, battery cables, fuel pump, starter, or low fuel pressure. Clogged Fuel Filter: A fuel filter that is clogged can make a vehicle very difficult to start.

Can a car starter work intermittently?

Intermittent issues starting the vehicle If the starter relay is working properly, it will send power to the starter every time it is engaged. However, it is possible that the starter relay will become damaged due to excessive heat, dirt, and debris or other issues that might cause sporadic operation of the starter.

How do you diagnose intermittent starting problems?

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Starter Relay

Vehicle does not start.
Starter stays on after engine started.
Intermittent issues starting the vehicle.
Clicking sound coming from the starter.

What can cause intermittent crank no start?

When your engine cranks but won’t start or run, it could mean your engine is having trouble producing a spark, getting fuel, or creating compression. The most common causes are problems in the ignition (for example, a bad ignition coil) or fuel system (for example, a clogged fuel filter).

What does intermittent no start mean on a car?

Share it! An intermittent no-start condition references any time where starting is possible sometimes, and other times the engine will not start. This implies that the difference between starting and failure to start is not understood.

What does it mean when your car won’t start?

An intermittent no-start condition references any time where starting is possible sometimes, and other times the engine will not start. This implies that the difference between starting and failure to start is not understood.

Can a bad ignition switch cause a car to not start?

by Jonathan Lister. The ignition switch in Ford vehicles is responsible for handling the electrical signals related to starting the vehicle. A failing ignition switch can cause system-wide problems ranging from the ability of the car to start, to maintaining speed and even keeping the radio turned on.

Why does my Car start every time I hit the start key?

That’s when that small resistance that is internal to the battery becomes significant and the “voltage drop” becomes too great to allow the battery to deliver sufficient starter current. You may hit the start key several times and magically the car starts and all is normal for an indeterminate time.

What causes a car battery to start intermittently?

Reconnect the ground cable and re-check the voltage. It will either be completely normal or on occasion the electrical load from the cars computers etc. will cause the voltage to take a significant drop. Then hit the starter while measuring the battery voltage at the terminals.