{"id":1412,"date":"2019-05-27T20:08:38","date_gmt":"2019-05-27T20:08:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dealerfireblog.com\/thirdcoastautos\/?p=1412"},"modified":"2026-01-22T18:12:24","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T18:12:24","slug":"what-to-do-when-your-truck-wont-start","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thirdcoastautos.com\/blog\/what-to-do-when-your-truck-wont-start\/","title":{"rendered":"What To Do When Your Truck Won\u2019t Start"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Common Truck Starting Problems and Solutions<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s not much worse than that moment when you just can\u2019t get your truck to start. Whether your key isn\u2019t turning in the ignition, the engine won\u2019t crank, or it just keeps revving but never starts, we\u2019ve got some suggestions that can help you figure out what\u2019s wrong and get your vehicle going again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Truck is not what it used to be? <\/strong>View Our Pre-Owned Truck Inventory!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

What To Do When Your Truck Won’t Start: Common Issues and Solutions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Note: If the suggestions on this page don’t work, it’s a good idea to check your owner’s manual.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n
\"a<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

If you have a key-start ignition, can you turn the key<\/strong>?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If not, the steering may be locked by the ignition lock; try turning the steering wheel left and right while gently jiggling the key in the ignition. Otherwise, the issue may be with the key or ignition mechanism itself. Try a spare key, and if this doesn\u2019t work, call a local dealer or shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do the lights on the instrument panel turn on? <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If not, the battery may be dead<\/a>, or something may be damaging its electrical connection. Try jump-starting (see below). If that doesn\u2019t work, it\u2019s probably an issue with the battery connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a security or \u201ckey-shaped\u201d light comes on and stays on, <\/strong>there is likely a problem with the key or the car\u2019s security system. Look up information about reprogramming a key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the check engine light does not turn on, <\/strong>this could mean there\u2019s a problem with the engine computer, or it may not be receiving power as it should.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does the ignition turn, but the engine clicks or cranks and doesn\u2019t start?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In this case, it\u2019s most likely a problem with a weak battery (this can also cause your car to stop while driving<\/a>). Also, check the cables that deliver the current from the battery to the starter motor. We recommend jump-starting to get going and possibly replacing the battery, as a new battery is not too expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It could also be a lack of oil, or the starter motor may need to be replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Remote Start Issues<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some different issues can arise with a Remote Start system instead of a traditional turning key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the \u201ckey not found\u201d warning light is on, <\/strong>your key fob battery may be weak. Try putting the key fob close to the start button. The battery can be replaced at your dealership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the brake lights don\u2019t activate, <\/strong>you\u2019ll have to get the brake light switch and circuit checked. This is common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the gear indicator doesn\u2019t show the vehicle is in park, <\/strong>try shifting to neutral and trying again. If it still doesn\u2019t work, there may be a problem with the gear selector switch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Jump-Starting the Engine<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you can\u2019t get your vehicle to start in some of the aforementioned ways, we recommend jump-starting the vehicle. Look up how to do it and be careful, as mixing up the positive and negative cables in this process can cause extensive damage to your electrical system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Common Truck Starting Problems and Solutions There\u2019s not much worse than that moment when you just can\u2019t get your truck to start. Whether your key isn\u2019t turning in the ignition, the engine won\u2019t crank, or it just keeps revving but never starts, we\u2019ve got some suggestions that can help you figure out what\u2019s wrong and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3787,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[8,16],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n