Dealership can't figure out why my car won't start
Mechanics often struggle to diagnose intermittent electrical issues when the dashboard lights up and the vehicle fails to crank. This leaves owners stranded without their car for weeks while the repair shop remains unable to find the root cause.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
- 1Replacing the batteryDid this help you?
- 2Putting the car in neutral when coming to a stopDid this help you?
- 3Considering scrapping the vehicleDid this help you?
- 4having the same shop continue replacing parts under warrantyDid this help you?
- 5checking lug nuts and wheel fitment manuallyDid this help you?
- 6planning to switch to a different mechanic eventuallyDid this help you?
- 7Shopping around for a different shop that is willing to investigate underlying mechanical issuesDid this help you?
- 8Trying temporary chemical additives like catacleanDid this help you?
- 9Clearing diagnostic trouble codes independentlyDid this help you?
- 10asking online communities for second opinions on mechanic diagnosesDid this help you?
- 11checking specific vehicle components like the compressor manuallyDid this help you?
- 12replacing the gas capDid this help you?
- 13using fuel additives for a temporary fixDid this help you?
- 14using a code reader to pull diagnostic codesDid this help you?
- 15searching Google for potential causes based on symptomsDid this help you?
- 16Going to a different auto shop that doesn't just want to blindly sell replacements.Did this help you?
- 17Asking online car communities for likely diagnoses to bring back to the mechanic.Did this help you?
- 18Attempting DIY checks on easily accessible parts like cabin filters.Did this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I just bought this truck this weekend and I would like to know if there are any notable problems with engine transmission and everything else.”source ↗
“The headlights are non-functional. I would like some advice on that.”source ↗
“my car will drop the RPM when coming to a stop”source ↗
“only do it when the car is fully warmed up”source ↗
“Nobody has been able to diagnose it in Canada!”source ↗
“The trans shop kept throwing parts that made no difference (Torque converter, valvebody, solenoids)”source ↗
“The mechanic shop threw a crank sensor, evap valve, throttle body, pcv, plugs, hoses, and no change!”source ↗
“My question here is: both shops are basically saying they aren't going to check why the cat failed they just think the car is old and it probably needs a new one.”source ↗
“I don't want to spend the coin to replace it again in 6 months because we didn't even check for the root cause.”source ↗
“I took the car to the mechanic and honestly it’s been pretty frustrating because they seem to be pretty lazy or in such high demand for simple issues, that they weren’t willing to stress test and run the ac fir 20 minutes to see the problem.”source ↗
“They were willing to dismantle the whole dashboard" and replace the whole system which seemed extreme and of course that was for like several thousands of dollars .”source ↗
“cars been in and out the shop 3 separate times for this over the last two weeks.”source ↗
“It started as quiet knocking after brake pads were replaced. When that didn’t fix the issue, they replaced the bearings. Then ultimately after that didn’t work decided to replace the brake shoes.”source ↗
“the car started swaying like a ship, and the knocking sound is extremely loud after driving on the freeway, almost like the bottom is detached.”source ↗
“Dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree on 8/19. Car drove just fine until 8/21. I parked and it hasn’t crank since. It’s been sitting at VW for 15 days and they don’t even know what’s wrong with it.”source ↗
“that filter looks like it hasn't been changed since the obama administration but it's got nothing to do with your ac blowing hot -- they're either clueless or hoping you are”source ↗
“Took my 2016 Honda civic EX in today because it’s been blasting hot air. They’re saying everything is fine “no leaks or damage, underneath the car looks fine” it’s just the cabin air filter that’s dirty and causing an issue. Not sure I trust that they checked out the alternatives for what it could be or just did basic routine checks”source ↗
“Is it possible for the cabin air filter to be causing the air to come out hot?”source ↗
“I have been dealing with the check engine light coming on after fueling and throwing every other light on the dash on.”source ↗
“I am so ignorant when it comes to these kinds of things, but could it be my fuel pump?”source ↗
“Last time I brought it to a mechanic I got taken advantage of and paid waaaaay to much to have my alternator fixed so I’m Leary of just taking it in and hoping for some advice and for the best.”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 8How to diagnose an engine code without guessing or replacing parts
- 2Why is my car running rich and smoking after sitting for years?
- 12Car still has electrical problems and high voltage after replacing parts
- 26Intermittent car hesitation with no trouble codes
- 14How to get a rusted suspension part unstuck
- 2Should I tell a mechanic what I think is wrong with my car?