You’re prepared for a lengthy weekend drive. With excitement, you load up your belongings and get into the car. When you turn on the ignition, you discover the engine won’t start. You have a clear plan for the day, which can be frustrating.
The engine may not start for several reasons. The good news is that if the car has no serious problems, simple module troubleshooting can resolve the issue. In this post, we will examine the causes of engine starting issues and the troubleshooting methods for fixing them.
Reasons Your Car May Not Start
Dead, Defective, or Flat Battery
One of the most frequent complaints to the AA is that your car’s battery isn’t starting, which is typically the primary cause. Your battery may run out of power or possibly die in the following ways:
- The car’s lights and other electrical components were left on, which caused overheating and depleted the battery voltage.
- It’s been a while since you drove your vehicle.
- A problem with the battery sensors.
The battery may cause the automobile not to start but produce a quick clicking sound when you turn the key. You might need to replace the battery or have support specialists inspect the electrical and charging systems, but a jump start might get you rolling again. Cold weather increases the likelihood of battery issues since the battery becomes cold and finds it difficult to maintain its charge.
Issues with the Starter Motor
Some cars we are called to that won’t start are caused by a starter motor issue. When you turn the key or push the start button, the starter motor, which is connected to the vehicle’s battery, starts the engine.
When you turn the ignition key, a loud click could indicate a malfunctioning starter motor. A mechanic must examine the vehicle’s electrical system and starter motor to determine whether there is a problem.
Fuel Issues
Fuel issues could be a significant lock that prevents the car from starting. These include mechanical or electrical problems with the fuel system and faults with the fuel pump.
Issues with Wiring or Electricity
Electrical problems with non-starting autos include issues with the body control unit, which manages various electrical systems in the car, such as battery cables, spark plugs, temperature, fuse box, etc. If you haven’t driven your automobile in a while, remember that rodents can build a nest beneath the hood and munch on the wires, coils, or injectors.
Engine Issues
If your automobile has engine mechanics issues, it may not start. The crankshaft or the timing belt and chain are usually the primary culprits. If the engine turns over more quickly than usual, this could be the root cause of your shutdown problem.
Identifying and Resolving Issues with Car Starting
- Examine the Terminals and Battery: If you discover the battery is dead, you have two options: charge it or get a new one. Additionally, clean and tighten the terminals if they are loose or unclean. Rusty terminals typically cause a power outage, which prevents the engine from starting. Thus, cleaning the terminals might resolve your issue.
- Using Another Vehicle to Jump Start: You can still use the jumpstart method even if the battery is dead. You need a different vehicle with a fully charged battery for that. After that, you can use jumper cables to connect the dead battery to the fully charged battery to jump-start your car. If your car’s battery is dead, this is one of the simplest ways to start it.
- Tap the Starter Motor: If the automobile starts with a clicking sound, the starter motor is the problem. You can tap the starter motor to release a trapped electrical connection if you can access it.
- Key Cycling Method: The battery may be dead or weak if the automobile starts with a clicking sound. The key cycling approach can heat the battery, terminals, and starter motor. Start by repeatedly turning the key to the engine start position ten or so times. This action will engage the starter motor and the battery, potentially warming them up. After five minutes or so, try starting the engine.
- Change the Relays: The gasoline pump may be the issue if the engine is revving but not starting. Locate the fuel pump relay in the owner’s manual, remove it from the socket, locate another relay with the same component number, and replace it with the fuel pump relay. If the relay was the problem, the engine should now start.
- Replace the Blown Fuse: A blown fuse may occasionally cause trouble starting a car. The owner’s manual provides information on finding and checking the fuse box. It is possible to swap out a blown fuse with a new one. The spare fuse often included in the box can solve the issue.
- Unflood the Engine: If you smell petrol or diesel when you start the vehicle, the engine is overloaded with fuel. In this case, you can try to unflood the engine by holding the accelerator pedal down while cranking it. This action will allow more air to enter the engine, helping to clear the excess fuel and allowing the engine to start.
Conclusion
There are several reasons why your car might not start. To ensure it is not a significant problem, you must thoroughly investigate and rule out the more typical causes. You should be able to get your car running again by attempting the usual remedies until you get to the closest car garage in Ajman or a service shop to discover the problem.
As usual, it is preferable to call a towing service and get professional assistance if you are unsure how to perform any of these repairs. Poor fixes can cause additional harm.
