There is no precise cause for why your car won't start. Numerous issues can prevent your engine from starting because the car has many different parts and systems.
Most of the time, you will need to call a mechanic if your car doesn't start, but there are some problems that you can fix on your own. Some of the reasons your engine won't start could cost you a fortune, but some can be fixed without costing you anything.
We'll outline the top 8 causes of your car's engine trouble today in Carsbite's car review magazine.
A dead or malfunctioning battery is the most typical cause of car starting problems. When you turn the key, the automobile produces a quick clicking noise, but it won't start. The battery may be the problem. When it's cool outside, and the battery struggles to maintain its charge, battery issues are more likely to occur.
Check your battery to see whether it's weak if you have a battery tester. Use jumper cables to jump-start your automobile if you don't have one. Allowing the car to run for a few minutes after receiving a jump start will allow the alternator to fully replenish the battery.
Battery corrosion might also be problematic and prevent your car from starting. Always make sure your battery posts are clean by checking and wiping them down.
The best action is to take good care of your battery because battery jumps are only short-term fixes, and new batteries can be pricey.
When you turn on the ignition, the starter motor, which is attached to the car's battery, starts the engine. When you turn the key and only hear one click, it may indicate an electrical system issue if the engine won't start.
Other factors besides dead batteries or alternators can prevent your ignition from working. The repair cost might range from inexpensive to expensive, depending on the model of your automobile and the type of starter motor it has.
The ignition switch is a further stage in starting your car's engine after turning the key. The ignition coil produces an electric spark from a battery's voltage.
Your battery is functioning, but your ignition may not be if your dome light comes on, but your engine won't start.
A flooded gasoline engine is a typical problem. This occurs when the engine is turned off too quickly after being cold-started. After you switch the engine off, the unburned fuel still stays within. As a result, the spark plugs become damp, making the automobile challenging to restart.
Spark plug problems can only be resolved by getting new ones installed. When purchasing a new spark plug for your vehicle, remember to read the user manual to determine the type of product you must use and the characteristics of the new spark plug to determine whether they are compatible with your engine. Purchasing a spark plug that is the wrong size could result in further issues and costlier fixes. You might also be offered aftermarket spark plugs by some experts, which can improve the performance of your engine. Investing in high-performance spark plugs is not a bad idea if you're planning to upgrade your engine and increase its power and torque.
After the automobile has started, the alternator keeps the electrical systems operating while recharging the battery. The alternator provides the electricity required to run the lights, radio, and heating.
The alternator is probably not keeping your battery charged if the engine starts but soon shuts off. Repairs are not advised for any damaged alternators; they should be replaced. There are ways to test your alternator, but nothing is better than bringing a car to a repair center.
If the ignition key doesn't turn, the steering lock may be stuck. As an anti-theft precaution, your steering lock turns on when someone tries to turn the wheel without the key in the ignition. Additionally, this may be brought on by a wheel firmly contacting a curb.
If your steering lock becomes stuck, try to wriggle it left and right before turning it slowly in the direction that allows movement. See if the key will turn at this point by swaying the steering to try to locate the free-play area. Remember that; if you try to force the key, it can break down.
The gasoline filter prevents junk from entering the fuel system of your car. The engine may not receive enough gasoline if this filter is clogged. If this is the issue, a replacement will typically be required. The fuel filter is simple to repair in some vehicles, such as the Peugeot 206. Still, more effort is needed to replace it in vehicles where the fuel filter is housed inside the fuel tank.
Another potential issue is a bad fuel pump. If the gasoline pump doesn't sound when the switch is turned on, it's definitely broken and needs to be replaced. Some mechanics make the claim that they can fix a damaged gasoline pump, but there is typically no guarantee.
If you've run out of AdBlue in a diesel-powered vehicle, you might not be able to restart the engine. Adding AdBlue fluid to the car is a simple solution to this issue.
Always pay attention to any warning lights on your cluster, as your car will display a warning with a countdown to allow you time to top off on the dashboard.
Problems with your car's engine's mechanics can prevent it from starting. The crankshaft or the timing belt and chain are frequently the main culprits. Timing belts and chains are essential components of a working engine.
The timing belt and chain work together to move the engine's cam and crankshaft, causing the cylinders to ignite at the correct timings.
If your timing belt breaks, you must replace it, which is not an easy or inexpensive task. The timing chain problem is significantly more difficult and expensive since it is more expensive and requires more work to replace.
Timing belt replacement intervals are specified by the automakers. The period is typically every 60,000 kilometers or every four years and is determined by mileage. The period in some vehicles is every 100,000 kilometers.
If the battery in your key fob runs low, your engine will not start because the immobilizer will not detect the key. Try holding your fob directly against the start button, using a spare key, or both.