Starter cranks slowly or clicks
Check within a few days- Flat or worn battery
- Alternator not charging
- Starter motor, loose or corroded terminals
The fault can get worse and more expensive. Drive carefully and book a diagnosis.
Car won’t start — what could be the cause?
When the car won’t start, one question is key: does the starter turn the engine? If it cranks weakly or not at all, the culprit is usually the battery, terminals or starter. If it cranks normally but the engine won’t fire, we look for the cause in fuel, ignition or sensors.
Most common variants and causes
Cranks normally but won’t fire
Avoid driving — call us- No fuel or pressure (pump, filter)
- Crank or cam position sensor
- Immobiliser, ignition
Driving on may be unsafe or cause serious damage. Call us — we’ll advise whether to drive in or use a tow truck.
What you can check yourself
- Check whether the dashboard lights dim when you try to start — a typical sign of a weak battery.
- Look at the battery terminals — loose or corroded ones can cut the power.
- Don’t crank the starter for long without a break — pause so it doesn’t overheat.
- Check that there’s fuel in the tank — the gauge can be unreliable.
How we check it in the workshop
We test the battery and charging, check the starter and, if the engine cranks, the fuel pressure, ignition and ECU fault codes. In newer cars we register the battery after replacement.
This is guidance only, not a diagnosis. We’ll find the exact cause at our workshop in Bielany — you approve the quote before any work starts.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell it’s the battery?
The starter turns slowly or you only hear clicking, and the dashboard lights dim. In winter it’s the most common cause.
Does a new battery need to be registered?
In many newer cars (e.g. BMW, Audi, Mercedes) yes — otherwise charging doesn’t work properly. We do it when replacing the battery.
The engine cranks but won’t start — what could it be?
The fuel pump, crankshaft position sensor, ignition or immobiliser. Computer diagnostics will point to it.
Other symptoms
Check engine light is onKnocking over bumpsCar pulls / steering off-centreBrake problemA/C not cooling or smellsRattling from the engineExhaust smoke / loss of powerJerky gearbox or clutchEngine is overheatingPuddle under the car / leakCar jerks when accelerating
Not sure? Take the symptom test (2 clicks)