Why won't my car start but the radio and lights work?

If your dash, radio, and headlights all work but the engine won't crank, you have enough battery for the small loads but not enough for the starter — usually a weak battery testing 'okay' on voltage but failing under load, or corroded battery cables losing 90% of their amps before they reach the starter. Less commonly: a bad starter solenoid, ignition switch, or (on automatics) a misadjusted neutral safety switch.

Get a free AI-ranked diagnosis for your exact year, make and model — with fair repair cost ranges and DIY-vs-shop guidance.