My Car Won’t Start But The Radio and Lights Work

If your car won’t start but the radio and lights are working, it could point to an issue unrelated to the battery since the electronics are functioning. Here are some potential causes and what you can do:

Transmission in the Wrong Position: For automatic cars, ensure the gear is in “Park” or “Neutral.”

Starter Motor or Solenoid: The starter motor might not be working correctly. If you hear a clicking sound when you turn the key, the starter could be the problem.

Ignition Switch Problem: The ignition switch may be faulty and not sending power to the starter.

Dead or Weak Battery: While the lights and radio may work, the battery might still not have enough charge to start the engine. Check the battery voltage if possible. Jump-starting the car is worth a try.

Fuel System Issue: If your car is out of fuel, or if the fuel pump or filter is faulty, it won’t start.

Wiring or Fuse Problems: Damaged or loose wiring, or a blown fuse, can also prevent the engine from starting.