Troubleshooting What to Do if Your Car Engine Won’t Start
What could be more infuriating than getting into your car, turning the key (or pressing the start button), and having nothing happen; a total ignition no go! And, what’s worse, it’s failing on Labor Day Weekend. Luckily, DART (Delaware’s multi-modal transit system) offers Labor Day transit service. So, you’re not entirely stranded. Still, a car that won’t start can be a major inconvenience. But before you call a tow truck, or check out DART’s transit schedule, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. And to help, the experts at In and Out Tire Pros in Millsboro offer this guide to help you figure out why your engine won’t start and what you can do about it.
If Your Vehicle Won’t Start, Check the Following:
1. Battery
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- What to Look For: If your car is completely unresponsive when you try to start it—no lights, no sounds, no dashboard indicators—it’s likely your battery.
- Solution: Open the hood and check the battery terminals, making sure they are clean and tightly connected. And if you have a multimeter, check the battery voltage; it should be around 12.6 volts. Because, if the voltage is low, you can try jump-starting the car. But, if the battery is completely dead, it might need to be replaced.
2. Inspect the Starter Motor
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- What to Look For: do you hear a clicking sound when you turn the key, but the engine doesn’t turn over?
- Solution: The clicking sound indicates that the starter motor is trying to engage but is not receiving enough power. And this could be due to a weak battery, a faulty starter solenoid, or a bad connection. So, if jump-starting the car doesn’t work, the starter motor or solenoid may need to be replaced.
3. Check the Fuel System
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- What to Look For: Does the engine crank, but doesn’t start? Or does it start and then quickly die?
- Solution: Ensure there’s enough fuel in the tank. But, if you have fuel but the engine still won’t start, you may have a clogged fuel filter, a faulty fuel pump, or a problem with the fuel injectors. So listen for a faint humming sound when you turn the key to the “On” position (or press the start button). And if you don’t hear it, the fuel pump might need to be checked or replaced.
4. Examine the Ignition System
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- What to Look For: Does the engine crank but not start? Or do you not see any spark when checking the spark plugs.
- Solution: If your engine isn’t getting a spark, it won’t start. So, check the spark plugs and ignition coils. And look for signs of wear, carbon buildup, or corrosion on the spark plugs. And if they’re damaged or worn, replace them. Also, if the ignition coils are faulty, they may need to be replaced.
5. Test the Alternator
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- What to Look For: Does you car start but dies immediately? Or have you noticed electrical issues leading up to the problem?
- Solution: The alternator is responsible for charging the battery and powering the electrical system when the engine is running. So, if the alternator is failing, the car might start with a jump but won’t stay running.
6. Check for Engine Immobilizer Issues
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- What to Look For: The engine won’t start, but you see a security light on the dashboard.
- Solution: Modern vehicles often have an engine immobilizer system that prevents the engine from starting without the correct key. So, if the security light is flashing or staying on, the immobilizer might not be recognizing the key. Therefore, try using a spare key if you have one, or consult your vehicle’s manual for a reset procedure.
7. Look for Signs of a Blown Fuse or Relay
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- What to Look For: Do certain electrical components not work and the car won’t respond when you try to start it?
- Solution: Check the fuse box for any blown fuses or faulty relays, particularly those related to the ignition or fuel systems. And replace any blown fuses with ones of the same rating.
8. Consider the Engine Timing
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- What to Look For: The engine cranks but doesn’t start. And you have heard unusual noises before the issue began.
- Solution: If your timing belt or chain has broken or slipped, the engine’s valves and pistons won’t be in sync. And this will prevent the engine from starting. Unfortunately, this can cause significant engine damage, and you’ll need to have the timing checked and repaired by the professional mechanics at In and Out Tire Pros.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve gone through these troubleshooting steps and your car still won’t start, it might be time to call the experts at In and Out Tire Pros. Because, complex issues like a faulty computer module or internal engine problems require specialized tools and expertise to diagnose and repair.
If Your Car Won’t Start, In and Out Tire Pros Can Help.
While a car that won’t start can be a frustrating experience, by systematically checking each potential issue, you can often identify the problem and either fix it yourself or give your mechanic a good idea of what’s going on. And remember, regular maintenance can prevent many of these issues from happening in the first place. So, let In and Out Tire Pros come up with the perfect, affordable maintenance schedule.
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