How to Tell if Your Car Needs a New Fuel Pump
Learn the top signs your car's fuel pump is failing-no start, stalling, strange noises, poor fuel economy-and how to test it yourself before spending money on unnecessary repairs.
Car Not Starting? Common Causes and Quick Fixes
When your car not starting, a common automotive issue where the engine fails to turn over or ignite. Also known as crank-no-start, it’s one of the most frustrating problems for UK drivers—especially in cold weather. This isn’t just a random glitch. It’s usually one of five clear issues, and most of them are easy to spot if you know what to look for.
The biggest culprit? Your car battery health, the condition of the battery that powers the starter and electronics. A weak or dead battery won’t deliver enough juice to turn the engine. You’ll hear a slow click, or maybe nothing at all. Check the terminals for corrosion, and if your battery is over three years old, it’s probably time for a replacement. Many drivers don’t realize their battery can die overnight from leaving the lights on—even in summer.
Another major cause is fuel pump failure, when the pump that sends fuel from the tank to the engine stops working. If you hear a quiet whirring sound from the back seat when you turn the key, the pump might still be working. If you hear nothing, it’s likely dead. Fuel pumps don’t always give warning signs, but if your car sputters or struggles to start after sitting for a while, that’s a red flag. You don’t need a full tank to test it—just listen.
Then there’s the starter motor, the component that physically spins the engine to get it running. A bad starter often makes a loud clicking noise when you turn the key. Sometimes, tapping it gently with a wrench can get it working again—temporarily. But if it’s failing, it won’t last. This isn’t something you can fix with a jumper cable. It needs replacing.
Less obvious but just as common: a faulty ignition switch, bad relay, or even a clogged fuel filter. These don’t always show up on diagnostic tools, but they stop the car from starting just the same. If your dashboard lights come on but the engine won’t turn, you’re not dealing with a dead battery—you’re dealing with a broken connection somewhere in the chain.
You don’t need to be a mechanic to figure out what’s wrong. Start with the battery. Then listen for the fuel pump. Then check for clicks when you turn the key. These three steps rule out 90% of cases. If none of them point to the issue, it’s time to get a professional look. But don’t waste money on a full diagnostic yet—knowing what to check first saves you time and cash.
Below, you’ll find real, tested advice from drivers who’ve been there. From how to test your battery with a multimeter, to spotting the exact sound of a failing fuel pump, to knowing when a starter is beyond saving. No fluff. No theory. Just what works when your car won’t start—and you need to get moving.