Car won’t start but lights work

Turn the key and listen for a clicking or cranking sound to determine if the engine attempts to start. Open the hood and inspect the battery terminals for corrosion or loose connections. Use a multimeter to test the battery voltage; it should read around 12.6 volts when fully charged. Locate the starter relay in the fuse box and swap it with a similar one to test if the relay is faulty. Gently tap the starter motor with a wrench while someone turns the key to see if it engages. Check the fuse box for any blown fuses related to the ignition or starter system. Turn the key to the ON position and check if dashboard lights behave normally to assess ignition switch function. Attempt to jump-start the car using jumper cables and a known good battery. Check if the car’s security system or immobilizer is preventing the engine from starting. Clean any corrosion from battery terminals using a terminal cleaner and reattach securely. Apply battery terminal grease to prevent future corrosion after cleaning the terminals. Ensure the gear selector is in Park or Neutral if the car is automatic. Depress the clutch fully if the car is manual transmission before starting. Check for any dashboard warning lights that may indicate a specific issue. Inspect ground wires and connections for looseness or corrosion. Try starting the car with a spare key in case of a faulty key chip. Listen for a fuel pump priming sound when the key is turned to ON. Ensure all interior lights and accessories turn off before starting to reduce battery load. Avoid repeated cranking to prevent draining the battery further. If all checks fail, contact a professional mechanic for diagnosis.