Your Car Won’t Start? How to Troubleshoot Common Causes
It’s a new day and you’ve just gotten in your car so you can make your way to work. You flip the key in the ignition and nothing happens. Your car won’t start.
You frantically turn the key a few more times but the engine stays silent. Now, you’re late for work, stuck at home, and need your car to work to get back on the road.
Don’t panic. You can fix this. Just read on to find out about some common car problems and how to fix them.
Failing Alternator or Starter Motor
When troubleshooting a car that won’t start, a possible cause could be a failing alternator or starter motor. An easy way to determine this is to check if the headlights, interior lamps, and other electrical components are working. If they do not work, the alternator is likely not producing enough power to run those components.
If the battery is not dead, but the engine will not turn over, it may mean that the starter motor has failed. In both cases, the faulty part should be removed and replaced with a better alternator like a gm 1 wire alternator.
Faulty Battery
A dead battery is one of the most common reasons for a car not starting. Symptoms of a faulty battery include dim headlights and a slow engine crank when you attempt to start the car.
So check the battery connections and terminals for corrosion. Clean the terminals with a brush and baking soda solution, and tighten the connections.
If the battery won’t hold a charge, you either need to jump-start it or replace it. If the battery looks ok, you can also check the alternator for proper voltage output.
Fuel Injection Malfunctions
Dirty fuel injectors can lead to very poor driveability, poor idle, and hard starting conditions. You can clean the fuel injectors yourself with special cleaners or take your car to a professional shop for them to be serviced.
Other causes may include clogged filters, unclean pumps, or incorrect pressure regulators. So check the hoses and connections as well to make sure they are all securely connected. If all these components appear to be fine, then you’ll likely need a professional mechanic to check further into the issue.
Spark Plugs and Wires Problems
Spark plugs provide the sparking to ignite the fuel. If they become corroded, misfiring occurs and your car will not start.
Similarly, spark plug wires can weaken or become damaged. As a result, the current produced by the spark plugs will be weaker, resulting in misfiring and the car not starting.
To determine if this is the issue, you can examine the spark plugs and wires. If they look worn or corroded, they need to be replaced.
Try These Troubleshooting Tips When Your Car Won’t Start
Troubleshooting your car when it won’t start can be a daunting task. But with the help of the above tips, you can confidently determine why your car won’t start.
If you need further help, a certified auto mechanic can help you carry out the necessary maintenance and repair quickly and safely. So don’t hesitate, to be proactive and contact a local auto shop if necessary.
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