Why would car lights work but the engine wont start?

Answer 1

It is most likely because your battery is dead and only has enough juice to run the lights or that your alternator is bad which is what keeps the battery charged. Or your car is out of gas. Hope this helps

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The test is to try to start the car with the lights on...if the lights go dead when you turn the key then the battery has low voltage. Try jumpstarting the car. However, if the lights stay bright and you hear a click, then the starter is bad. Try hitting the starter with a hammer a few times. If the car turns over, then go get at starter.

Those tests assume that the car doesn't turn over...Please keep in mind that the "starter" does not start the car...it is merely an engine rotation device...if the car is turning over but not starting - then the starter is doing it's job.

If it turns over but still wont start then you need to check for spark. Put a spark plug from any easy to get to spark plug wire and see if you see any spark. If you have spark, then listen to hear if the fuel pump is running. Of course make certain that you are not out of gas.

To do this pull off the gas cap and have someone turn the key, you should hear the pump "buzzing". If not, then check the fuel pump fuse or relay.

If you're still not cetain if it is the fuel pump, then spray starting fluid or dump a small amount of gas into the engine. If it starts then you have a lack of fuel.

If you could be more specific about your "no start" probelm then i can be more specific on how to help you. Been a mechanic for 35 years.

Best of luck ^_^

Answer 2

Assuming the starter does not crank over the engine. Bad starter, starter solenoid or relay.

Bad battery.

Loose/dirty connections between battery and starter.

Bad or out of adjustment neutral safety switch.