Please help - First let me say that my car knowledge is limited and
that any help will be greatly appreciated. I had no problem starting
the vehicle this morning and heading to work, but would not start
this evening. The temperature has been in the lower teens all day/
evening. The electrical system seems to be fine as the lights, wipers,
dash all function as if the car were startting just as it has
historically for me. I originally thought I needed to replace the
battery. I put the key in the ignition and turn but there is no
cranking or any noise other than a dull hum. I know I was getting low
on fuel (the signal for low fuel jsut went off as I was pulling into
work this morning), and wasn't sure if the cold weather cold somehow
afftect. Just hoping somebody can point me in a direction, as I am
not sure what to check, etc.

To compound the issue, I am in the process of looking for a new
mechanic. My previous auto repair provider "irked" me when they
ealier in the week replaced the ignition switch and failed to give me
the new keys, and then had another issues with it the very next day
that required another tow for something they were able to fix in five
miniutes.Ther car worked fine all weekend, so I am guessing/hoping the
new ignition switch is not part of the issue.
If anyone knows a good mechanics around Harrisburg, PA I would
appreciate that information as well.

 

You may have a problem with the battery/charging system or the starter
motor/solenoid/ignition switch. This is pretty basic stuff which any
mechanic or auto-electrician should be able to resolve.

Do the various warning lights turn very dim when you try to start? If
so, you have the first problem. It could be loose or dirty battery
terminals, a dying battery, loose alternator drive belt or faulty
alternator.

If the warning lights remain bright when cranking then the problem is
with the starter motor not trying to turn the engine over. More
likely, the motor is not being activated properly by the ignition
switch or the solenoid.

Did the work on the ignition switch pre-date the starting faults? Were
both the switch and steering column lock changed as a unit? If only
the lock was changed it's possible that the switch which is located
behind the lock may be faulty.

If you can access the starter motor and identify the solenoid which is
attached to it you will see a thick wire from the battery, a bunch of
other wires connected to its terminal and a single separate wire.

That single wire comes from the ignition switch and is only live when
you turn the ignition key during starting. Assuming that the battery
condition has been eliminated, if that single wire goes live when it
should and the engine still doesn't turn over then you probably have a
faulty starter.

Not the kind of job you want to do in winter before work and not
really advisable if you are not at ease working in the engine bay but
maybe useful information when dealing with repairers.