for some reason, my car won't start today. Not a battery problem, just won't turn over. I even pumped on the gas pedal numerous times before startin, which was a recommendation before in case of problems like this. The check engine light is on. The car is a 97 Lexus ES 300. It's at 188K miles. Spark plugs should have been changed at 180K.

Any recommendations for me to get the car started so that I can bring it to my mechanic?

 

how do we know it isn't a battery problem?

typically, a car will at least crank over unless one of a few things are going on:

1) battery not supplying enough power to turn the starter (the starter draws lots of current, much more than the radio and lights)

2) bad starter, but it will typically click when you attempt to start the car

3) anti theft has disabled the ignition system / you have a blown fuse or relay somewhere (I am not sure what anti theft controls the 97 ES employs, but I think it still will turn over)


I just want to clarify, when you say it won't turn over, you mean, you turn the key and nothing happens, correct? If the car actually makes noise like it is trying to start, but not, then it is turning over, just not fully starting, which is a whole host of other potential problems...

 

I agree with mitsuguy.

Here are also other potential causes:

- bad alternator not charging the battery
- ignition switch

 

also in the case of an auto, the shift select switch or whatever its called can cause these problems