Diagnose Your Symptom in Seconds
After 20 years on roadside calls, I can tell you this –
Most breakdowns fall into a handful of patterns.
Nothing random about it.
Use this page to spot the likely cause fast… no guessing.
Quick Start Diagnosis
What’s your car doing?
Top 10 Most Common Breakdown Problems
(In my 20 years responding to breakdowns)
Starting Problems
Car Won’t Start
- Car cranks but won’t start
- Car Won’t Start – No Click, No Crank
- Car clicking but won’t start
- Car won’t start but lights on
- Car hard to start after sitting a few days
- Car won’t start after vacation
- Engine sat for years won’t start
- Car won’t start, yellow engine light on
- Car hard to start when warm
- Car hard to start when cold
- Car starts only with jump start
- Car starts then stalls
- Car won’t start but battery is good
- No dash lights…no crank but battery is OK
Starter Issues
Engine Performance Problems
Rough Running
- Rough idle & hard brake
- Engine shaking at idle
- Engine misfire
- Engine stalling
- Engine splutters after gas fill
Loss of Power
- Sluggish/slow acceleration
- Car hesitates when accelerating
- Car feels like it’s losing power
- Sudden loss of power while driving
- Car loses power, stalls and won’t restart
- Turned on lights and car died
Engine Running Strange
➡️ See All Performance Help →
Car Noise Problems
Clicking Noises
- Clicking when turning
- Clicking when starting
- Clicking from dashboard
- Clicking while driving
- Clicking/creaking noise from steering when turning
Grinding Noises
Squealing / Screeching
Knocking / Ticking
Whining / Humming
Vibration & Driving Problems
Car Vibrations
- Car shudders on acceleration
- Car shakes when braking
- Steering wheel vibration
- Car shakes at stoplight
- Car shakes when driving
Handling Issues
Brake Problems
Top Issues
- Spongy brake pedal
- Brake pedal goes to floor
- Brakes very sensitive
- Brakes binding
- Brake pedal pulsation
- Brakes squealing
- No Brakes After Brake Pad Change
- Rotors Won’t Come Off
- Brakes Grinding at Low Speed
- Soft Brake Pedal After Bleeding
- Brakes smoking
➡️ See All Brake Help →
Electrical Problems
Battery Issues
Dashboard Problems
- Dashboard warning lights
- Dash lights flicker
- Dash lights flicker with engine off
- Dashboard clicking noise
- Dash display dead
Diagnostic Problems
➡️ See All Electrical Help →
Warning Lights
Top Issues
Cooling System Problems
Top Issues
- Car overheating
- Car overheating but coolant full
- Temperature gauge fluctuating
- Heater blowing cold air
- Coolant disappearing
- Temperature gauge stays low
➡️ See All Cooling Help →
Fluid Leaks
Oil Leaks
Coolant Leaks
Transmission Fluid
HVAC Problems
Top Issues
- AC not blowing cold air
- Heater not blowing air
- Heater only blows cold
- No heat at idle
- Windows Fog Up
- Blower Motor Only Works on High Speed
➡️ See All HVAC Help →
Exhaust & Emissions Problems
Top Issues
Odor Problems
Fuel Smells
Burning Smells
Sweet / Coolant Smells
Exhaust / Emissions Smells
Other Odors
Wheel & Suspension Problems
Top Issues
Smoke Problems
Exhaust Smoke
- Brakes smoking
- Blue smoke from exhaust
- Black smoke from exhaust
- Smoke when accelerating
- White smoke from exhaust
- Smoke on startup
Under Hood Smoke
Shutdown Problems
Top Issues
Charging Problems
Top Issues
Locking/Access/Security Problems
Top Issues
Lighting Problems
Top Issues
Tire Problems
Top Issues
- Uneven tire wear
- Steering wheel shake
- TPMS keeps coming on
- Wheel won’t come off
- Car shakes when driving
➡️ See All Tire Help →
Wiper & Washer Problems
Top Issues
Visit our DIY Car Maintenance page and level up your car care skills — or keep the quick-reference version below in your glovebox.
Look inside on Amazon.com
Look inside on Amazon.com
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
John Cunningham is an Automotive Technician and writer on Rustyautos.com. He’s been a mechanic for over twenty-five years and has worked for GM, Volvo, Volkswagen, Land Rover, and Jaguar dealerships.
John uses his know-how and experience to write articles that help fellow gearheads with all aspects of vehicle ownership, including maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.