Turn to Us in Rockville if Your VW Fails to Start

One of the most common issues that Volkswagen owners can face is difficulty starting their car, and no one wants to be stranded at work or elsewhere without any understanding of what may be happening to their engine. Let’s look at the most common reasons why a Volkswagen won’t start and what you can do to fix the problem.

Dead Battery

The most common reason why a car won’t start is a dead battery. If you turn the key in the ignition and hear a clicking sound, it is likely that the battery is dead. This is especially common if you have not used your Volkswagen in a while or if you left the lights on overnight. To fix this issue, you can jump-start the battery using jumper cables or a portable jump starter. Once the car is running, you can recharge the battery by driving it for a while or by using a battery charger.

The Alternator

The alternator is a crucial component of a car’s electrical system, responsible for generating electricity and recharging the battery while the engine is running. If the alternator is bad, it may not be able to provide enough power to start the car, or it may fail to charge the battery properly. This can lead to a variety of symptoms such as dimming lights, sluggish engine performance, and difficulty starting the car. Without a functioning alternator, the battery will eventually lose its charge and the car will not start at all.

Faulty Ignition Switch

If the battery is not the issue, it could be a faulty ignition switch. The ignition switch is responsible for sending power to the starter, which is what starts the engine. If the ignition switch is malfunctioning, the starter will not receive power, and the car will not start. To diagnose this issue, you can try turning the key in the ignition and see if the dashboard lights come on. If they do, but the car does not start, it is likely an issue with the ignition switch. You will need to take your Volkswagen to a mechanic to have it repaired.

Bad Starter

The starter is what turns the engine over when you turn the key in the ignition. Signs of a bad starter include a grinding noise when you turn the key, a whirring noise, or no noise at all. If you suspect the starter is the issue, you will need to bring your Volkswagen to our mechanics to have it replaced.

Clogged Fuel Filter

The fuel filter is responsible for filtering out any debris or impurities in the fuel before it reaches the engine. If the fuel filter is clogged, it can prevent fuel from reaching the engine, which can cause the car not to start. Signs of a clogged fuel filter include difficulty starting the car, sputtering or stalling while driving, and reduced engine performance. To fix this issue, you will need to have the fuel filter replaced by our mechanics. This can be done quickly and affordably.

Bad Fuel Pump

The fuel pump is responsible for pumping fuel from the tank to the engine. If the fuel pump is bad, it can prevent fuel from reaching the engine. Signs of a bad fuel pump include difficulty starting the car, sputtering or stalling while driving, and reduced engine performance. To fix this issue, you will need to have the fuel pump replaced.

Ignition Timing Problems

The ignition timing is the process of igniting the fuel and air mixture in the engine at the right time. If the ignition timing is off, it can prevent the engine from starting. Signs of ignition timing problems include difficulty starting the car, poor fuel economy, and reduced engine performance.

Dirty or Faulty Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel and air mixture in the engine. If the spark plugs are dirty or faulty, they may not be able to create a spark, which can prevent the engine from starting.

Excluservice

Our experienced VW mechanics will evaluate your car or SUV and find the root cause of the problem. We will share our findings with you so you can choose an option of how to proceed within your budget. We prize quality service as high as customer service, so if you find yourself in need of help with your VW, please give us a call and speak with our friendly staff. We can make a convenient appointment for you to visit from nearby cities like Potomac, Bethesda, North Bethesda, and Rockville, MD.