Whenever a car doesn’t start, the first concern is dying battery. But when you have a new car battery in place and still car won’t start, what could be the possible reason? It may sound frustrating but it is not always about a new battery.
Beside Failing Battery, a loosen cable connection or a faulty ignition switch or a bad alternator – there could be several reasons that your car won’t start with new battery. If you are struggling with the same problem – Car won’t start with new battery, this blog post will unveil some of the technical aspects in a layman lingo to get a deeper understanding about this problem.
Before we explore the reasons why Car won’t start with a new battery, lets quickly discuss the significance of a battery for any car.
What is a Car Battery, and How Does it Work?
A car battery supplies the spark needed to make the engine run. It is a box filled with lead plates and sulfuric acid (electrolyte). The electrolyte allows a current to flow from the positive terminal of the battery to the negative terminal.
Voltage output is determined by the number and type of lead plates inside. The more lead and the less space between the plates, the higher the voltage. Voltage is used to jump-start a dead battery and start an engine.
What is an Alternator?
An alternator is an electrical generator, which supplies electrical power. It harnesses mechanical energy from the engine’s rotation to generate electricity. An alternator is the vehicle’s charging system for the battery to supply current for electronic devices when needed.
What Happens When an Alternator Fails?
A car alternator charges the battery whenever the engine is running. If your car’s alternator fails, it will not be able to set your vehicle’s battery or provide any power to run electronic devices or accessories.
Your vehicle won’t start if there isn’t enough power in the battery. The voltage of a fully charged 12-volt lead-acid car battery is about 12.8 volts. If the voltage drops below 10 volts, you risk damaging your car’s electrical system.
If the alternator stops working, the car won’t start with a new car battery!
What are the Signs of Bad Alternator?
If you have installed a new battery and the car won’t start, the probable reason is a faulty alternator. Here are some symptoms of bad alternator:
The pulley or belt creates a problem due to a bad alternator and causes loud noises when you start the engine. The misalignment of the pulley leads to overheating, grinding or even excess friction.
Once you replace the belt, if the noise persists, you need to change the alternator.
Battery light of Dashboard
Once you turn on the ignition and then turn it off by starting the engine, if the battery-shaped dashboard light continues to illuminate, it indicates some problem with your car’s charging system. It can be a faulty alternator or some other reason.
Consult a mechanic to locate the exact reason for light illumination.
Voltage Leak in Alternator
When the electricity in the alternator runs out, then the problem of light dimming occurs. If you are experiencing any such problem with your car, take the help of a voltmeter. A voltameter will check if there are any leaks in the alternator?
What is the Sign of a Blown a Fuse or Ignition Switch?
The faulty ignition and fuse switches are major reasons for the car not starting after a new battery is installed. Check if there is some metal wire damage.
Also, check if the plastic wire is connected properly. The damaged fuse may result in power flow from started relay and the debarring the car to start.
If the fuse is in order, next comes the ignition switch. An ignition switch is the first thing to check if your car won’t start. Once you turn the key, it sends a power-on signal to the engine. If this switch is faulty or broken, then no power will go to the starter engine after installing the new battery.
What are Some Common Signs of a Faulty Ignition Switch or Fuse?
Here are some common signs of a faulty ignition switch or fuse:
Accessories are not turning on.
When your car’s accessories are not turning on, it is a clear indicator that there is some problem with your ignition system.
Struck Ignition Switch
If the key is constantly at “on” position to give consistent power to fuel pump and ignition system. This overshoots sensor with too much energy to fuel pump causing an overload – this could be what’s happening with you when the car won’t start with a new battery.
The car is Stalling while Driving.
Due to ignition cut-off, the car starts stalling while driving. If this is happening with you, it is a clear indicator of a faulty ignition switch.A pro tip: The best way to locate the problem with the ignition switch is to check the dashboard lights and instrumental panel. If the ignition key is moved, the lights will not turn on!
What are the other Possible Reasons that my Car Won’t Start?
Besides faulty alternator and faulty ignition switch or fuse, here are some other reasons which may stop your car to start:
Problem with New Battery Connection
If you turn the key, but the car is still silent, it indicates some issue with the new battery connection. The new battery wiring may be loose or damaged.
Problem with Fuel Supply
If the car is not starting and engine cranks by producing a cracking noise, the possible problem can be with the fuel tank, fuel pump motor, clogged fuel filter or fuel lines. Also, check the spark plugs to locate the exact issue.
Improper Battery Installation
If the new battery has not been installed properly, you may notice a clicking noise when you try to start the car. A dead battery can be a potential reason for this chaos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my car start, but I have a battery?
Your battery may not be strong enough to start the engine. It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s defective, but you should check for voltage drop when starting your car. If there is no power to the starter solenoid, you need a new battery or test charging system.
If your battery terminals are corroded, it can prevent a proper connection and prevent the battery from supplying power to your engine. Cleaning them can solve this problem.
How do I know if it’s the battery or the alternator?
If your battery is new and you have voltage drop when turning on the headlights, likely, your alternator isn’t working. If there is no voltage, but the engine will start, then a dead battery or a loose connection can be causing your car won’t start with a new battery problem.
Why is my car dead with a new battery?
If your car doesn’t start with a new battery, it may not be the battery’s fault. Check to see if there is a voltage drop to important items like headlights or starter motor. If you have power but still can’t start your engine after about 15 minutes (or maybe you’ve been stranded somewhere), then it’s probably time for a re-charge.
There are many other reasons why a car won’t start with a new battery. However, faulty ignition switches and fuses are considered the most common ones. So, if you are facing any of the above problems, don’t worry. It’s nothing to be afraid of. It can very well be just a faulty ignition switch or fuse, which is the reason behind your car won’t start with a new battery. A good solution for this problem is getting your ignition system checked by professionals to get a reliable solution.
My Name is Christopher Angels, and I am a postgraduate in mechanical engineering. Cars have always excited me as a child, and soon I decided to dive into the world of cars by pursuing mechanical engineering. I also worked as a Mechanic for over 3 years to understand Cars’ anatomy and how each part contributes to its working.
My Name is Christopher Angels, and I am a postgraduate in mechanical engineering. Cars have always excited me as a child, and soon I decided to dive into the world of cars by pursuing mechanical engineering. I also worked as a Mechanic for over 3 years to understand Cars' anatomy and how each part contributes to its working.