Why won't my car start?

The sound tells you the cause. A single click or silence with dim dash lights is usually a flat battery (most common) or a failed starter motor. If it cranks but won't fire, it's fuel, spark or a sensor. If the battery keeps going flat, the alternator isn't charging.

The most common causes

1
Flat or dead battery

Clicking or rapid clicks with dim dash lights. The most common cause — tested and replaced on-site.

Clicks, dim lights
2
Failed starter motor

A single click and no crank usually means the starter, not the battery.

Single click, no crank
3
Alternator not charging

If the battery keeps going flat after a jump, the alternator isn't charging it.

Keeps going flat
4
Fuel or ignition fault

Cranks but won't fire points to fuel, spark or a sensor — that needs a diagnostic.

Cranks, won't fire
5
Corroded terminals or immobiliser

Loose or corroded battery terminals, or an immobiliser fault, can also stop a start.

Is it safe to drive? This isn't a safety issue — you're just stranded. We come to wherever the car is, including roadside, and can test and replace a battery or starter on the spot.

What it costs in Sydney

Battery (tested, supplied & fitted)from $180
Starter motor replacementfrom $350
Mobile diagnostic$129

Get it diagnosed — in your driveway.

Won't start? We come to you — test the battery, starter and charging, and fix it on the spot.

$129
Credited if you book the repair · Hills & Western Sydney
Call 0414 623 806
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Reviewed by a Vertex mechanic — 20+ years' experience. ★ 4.9 on Google · Fixed price, every fault photographed, 12-month warranty.

Common questions

A single click or rapid clicking with dim lights is almost always a flat battery or a failing starter motor. We can test and replace either on-site.

Yes. If the engine turns over but doesn't catch, it's usually fuel, spark or a sensor — that needs a diagnostic to pin down.

Yes — we come to wherever the car is, whether that's your driveway or roadside.

Not sure exactly what's wrong?

Use our free 60-second Fault Finder — get the likely cause, whether it's safe to drive, and a fair price.

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Get the price before you book.

Any car. Anywhere. Any time — across the Hills & Western Sydney.

Call 0414 623 806