Car Won't Start Diagnosis for Imports in Athens, GA
You turn the key and nothing happens, or it cranks and cranks but never catches. Athens Import Auto Repair does car won't start diagnosis for imports in Athens, GA. We track down the reason and fix it.
Car Won't Start done right, by people who know imports
A no start can be simple or tricky. It could be the battery, or a sensor that tells the engine when to fire. It could even be a locked steering column. So we test in order until we find it.
One customer brought us a Mercedes-Benz E320 that would not start. We fixed it, and now it starts every time. Call 706-353-3880 and tell us what your car does.
Mercedes-Benz E320 and ML320 models often lose the crankshaft sensor when hot. That is the sensor that tells the engine when to fire. Mercedes-Benz C-Class models also have an electric steering lock that fails and blocks the start. BMW and Mini no starts are often a fuel pump. A weak but not dead battery is another common cause. Older Honda models have a main relay that fails on hot days. VW and Audi ignition switches wear and stop sending the crank signal. We sort all of these out at Athens Import Auto Repair in Athens, GA.
Kinds of no start we see
- You turn the key and hear one click, but the dash lights are on.
- You turn the key and get nothing at all, no lights and no sound.
- The engine cranks strong but never fires.
- The car starts cold but will not start again when hot.
- The key turns but the steering wheel stays locked.
- The push button does nothing, and the dash says key not found.
What our no start diagnosis includes
Battery and cable check
We start with the easy stuff. That is because a weak battery or a loose cable causes more no starts than anything else.
Starter circuit test
We test the starter, the relay and the ignition switch to find where the signal stops.
Fuel delivery test
We check fuel pressure at the engine, because a dead fuel pump means crank but no start.
Spark and sensor test
The crank sensor tells the engine when to fire. When it fails hot, the car dies and will not restart, so we test it.
Key and immobilizer check
The immobilizer is the anti theft system. If it does not see your key, the car will not start, so we scan it.
Steering lock and ignition switch
Some Mercedes-Benz and BMW models have an electric steering lock. When it fails, the key does nothing, so we fix the lock.
How a no start visit works
Tell us exactly what happens
Does it click, do nothing, or crank with no start? That narrows it down fast.
Get the car to us
Ask us about the best way to get the car to our shop on Winterville Road.
We test and find the cause
We work through the system step by step until the car tells us why.
We fix and confirm
We replace the part, then start the car many times, hot and cold.
Why drivers trust us with car won't start
We test in the right order
The order is battery, starter, fuel, then spark. That means no guessing and no random parts.
We know import no starts
Each brand has a few classic causes, so we check those first and save time.
Honest results
If it turns out to be a bad battery, we tell you so. We never turn it into a big job.
Being a single woman in Athens, I did not feel like I was being taken advantage of like I have at most other repair shops. They were polite, courteous and respectful. After checking prices I found they were least expensive for what I had done. I am very pleased and will definitely be a return customer.
Marucci, C., customerCar Won't Start FAQ
Who does car won't start diagnosis for imports in Athens, GA?
Athens Import Auto Repair on Winterville Road finds and fixes no start problems on imports only. We test the battery, starter, fuel, spark and key systems to find the cause. Call 706-353-3880.
My Mercedes-Benz starts cold but not hot. Why?
This is the classic sign of a failing crankshaft position sensor. That sensor tells the engine when to fire, and it works cold but quits when hot. We test it, then replace it.
The key turns but my steering wheel is locked. What is wrong?
Your car likely has an electric steering lock that has failed. Mercedes-Benz C-Class and some BMW models use one, and the car will not start until the lock releases. We repair or replace it.
My car cranks but does not start. What should I check?
A crank with no start means the engine is missing fuel, spark or timing. Listen for the fuel pump hum when you turn the key on. If it is silent, the pump may be dead, but we test all three to be sure.
Why does my car click once and not start?
One click usually means the starter got the signal but could not spin. A weak battery, a bad cable or a worn starter can all cause it. We test the battery first, since it is the most common cause.
Can a bad key stop my import from starting?
Yes, it can. Imports use an immobilizer, which must see the chip in your key. If the key battery is dead or the chip is damaged, the start is blocked. We scan the system to check.
Related services
Car won't start?
Call us and tell us what it does. Then we will find out why it is stuck.
Open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. After hours, leave a message or send the form and we will call you back.
Send us a message
Tell us your car and what you notice. We will call you back during shop hours.
If the form does not show, call 706-353-3880.