If your car is suddenly stopping while in motion, this is not only a serious safety concern, but a serious issue. While not always just an electrical battery issue, there could be something wrong with your injectors, fuel pump, or spark plugs, as well. The most common reason for the engine just suddenly failing is due to electrical failure as a result of battery loss, though. If you find that your car has no power in Venice, FL, bring it in to the mechanics at Rolling Auto Service for electrical repair. Call us today at 941-493-6511 to set up an appointment.
Why Does My Car Have No Power?
There can be multiple reasons on what causes a car to lose all electrical power. It is also important to note when the loss of power happens, though, as this will signify where the damaged area is. Here are some signs you have electrical issues with your car and how to identify why your car has no power.
Car loses power then comes back
If you are asking yourself “why does my car start and then shut off?” It is because your ignition coil is broken. A failed ignition coil prevents the spark plugs from igniting. This makes your car has no power and sputters after briefly starting. If the car starts but loses power over time, then you have an alternator problem.
Car has no power at all but battery is good
If your car won’t start but you have checked your battery and it is fine, check your connections and fuse box. It could be that the cables and hoses could have become disconnected in the electrical system under your hood. The black fuse box under the hood of your car has all the electrical fuses labeled and where to find them, making it easy to tell if one has become loose. If the car takes a while to start, you need car battery service to replace an old battery.
Car has no electrical power at all
What does it mean when you turn your key and nothing happens? It means that you have a dead battery! It is not cause for alarm or panic, and there is no need to rush out and buy a whole new expensive car. Oftentimes, a simple jump start with some cables and another car can get it started back up again. If that doesn’t work, buying a new battery surely will. If the car takes a while to start, you need car battery service to replace an old battery.
Car loses power while driving
If the car completely shuts down after having power, failed ignition coils or spark plugs are to blame. This is a serious and dangerous problem as it happens unexpectedly, often leaving drivers in the middle of the road with a smoking hood. Extreme heat or a bad connection to the spark plugs can cause them to shut down, preventing them from being able to ignite the fuel and start the engine. If you are unsure what exactly is wrong with your car and why your car has no power in Venice, FL, bring it the mechanics at Rolling Auto Service for examination and repair. Call our shop at 941-493-6511 for more information.
Common Causes of Car Battery Failure
- Leaving a car door open. If a seatbelt gets stuck in the door and prevents it from shutting all the way, it causes the interior or dashboard lights to stay on, draining the battery. While not a big deal for a few hours, if left overnight or over the weekend, you can expect your car has no power until jump started.
- Leaving the lights on. While most cars today have automatic headlights and dashboard lights that shut off when the key is out of the ignition, some are still manual. If a driver forgets to turn the headlights off, the battery is quickly drained. This is one of the most common reasons for early car battery failure.
- Using car accessories while the car is off. While you may be saving gas by not running the engine when you are just sitting in the car listening to music, you are instead wearing down the battery. The battery helps the engine provide the initial electrical spark or charge the turns over the motor, but by using all the battery’s juice before igniting the engine, you won’t be able to start the car.
- Old age of the battery. Surprisingly, car batteries only have a lifespan of around 5 years. If your battery has died recently, check the warranty to see if it has been 5 years or more since you have replaced it and consider getting a new one.
- Nonuse. Not turning the car engine over for more than 2 weeks can oftentimes cause the battery to become stagnant from nonuse and stop working. A simple jump start can get the electrical juices flowing again and your car working just fine. This is a common experience for car owners coming back from vacation or college where they haven’t used a car in a while.