Some stuff just doesn't happen at the right moment. Take, for example, a car that unexpectedly refuses to start. While inconvenient, this is not a cause for concern. Do you have a car that won't start right now? Have you recently seen a stalled vehicle or one that hasn't started properly? Then this is the article for you. We look at the triggers of a car that won't start and provide solutions.
Warning: If your car won't start, don't turn the key any further. Warming up the starter motor, especially when it's cold, might seem like a good idea, but it can harm the starter motor. So don't try for more than 15 seconds!
Why Won't My Car Start? There's A Problem With One Of These Systems.
We need to look at what happens when a car starts well to understand why it starts poorly. Several components in the car work together to keep the engine running smoothly. The following are some of them:
The electrical system
The fuel system
The starter motor
The engine
The ignition normally sends a signal to the battery to power the starter motor when you turn the switch. The starter motor then begins to spin, igniting the gasoline engine. It then begins to rotate, and since it is supplied with fuel, it will continue to rotate. The car will not start or will not start properly if one of these devices does not work or does not operate properly.
The Most Common Cause Of A Car Not Starting Properly Is A Dead Battery.
You have a dead battery nine times out of ten if you try to start the car but the engine does not turn. In this scenario, the starter motor will turn slowly but insufficiently to start the vehicle. The RRRR-RRRR-RRR sound can then be heard, along with clicks. If you do it a few more times, the battery will eventually run out, and you'll hear a louder RRRrrr - kkk - before it finally goes over and out.
If you have jumper cables or know someone who does, you can normally repair this pretty quickly. Start the other car by connecting the cables to your battery and the battery of the other car (red cable to + pole of the empty battery and + pole of the good battery, black cable to pole of the good battery, and a metal portion of the car that won't start). Then, with the working engine, put some gas in it when not starting the car that won't run. Now is the time to start the car!
There is another choice if there is no other car nearby or you do not have jumper cables: push the car (this only works with gas-fueled cars). For this, you just need a few powerful people. Get behind the wheel, change the key to "on," shift into second gear, and fully engage the clutch. Remember to release the parking brake and switch off all other electrical devices (radio, lights, air conditioning). Let one of your helpers drive, and when they hit a pace at which they must run (roughly 6-7 mph), slowly release the clutch and accelerate. Now is the time to start the engine. Then, with the clutch slightly pressed back, offer extra throttle to allow the engine to run properly.
Other Reasons For A Car's Failure To Start
There are a few other causes and faults that cause a car to start poorly, in addition to an empty battery. An issue with the fuel system, the starter motor, or the engine itself may also be the cause.
An Issue With The Fuel System Prevents The Car From Starting Properly.
A lack of gasoline, for example, due to an empty tank, is another easy way to solve the issue that causes a bad starting vehicle. There will be some fumbling, but the engine will not start and will come to a complete stop.
Fill a jerry can with gasoline or diesel and dump it into the tank to fix the problem. Since the fuel system would first bleed itself if it was empty, it could take some time to start properly. Then you go to a gas station to refill so that it doesn't happen again right away.
You're probably also aware that when the fuel gauge hits the red part, you'll need to refuel. You will forget this at times, but in most situations, the meter will not function properly. This may be caused by a dashboard malfunction, but a stuck float in the tank is also possible. There is normally a defect somewhere when the car starts driving again after refueling but the meter is still at zero.
In these situations, keep an eye out for a fuel odor. Animals will gnaw on your car's cables from time to time. It can cause problems if they bite a piece out of your fuel cable and the gasoline leaks.
The Starter Motor Is Defective, And The Car Will Not Run.
The starter motor is extremely unlikely to fail. Even, it's possible that the issue is located here. When you try to start the engine, you don't hear a click, but you can turn on the radio and the lights? The starter motor would then be cut off from power.
It's possible that a cable has fallen loose or been chewed by an animal. You can determine this by inspecting the cable that connects the battery to the starter motor to ensure that everything is in working order. Keep an eye out for rust at the touchpoints. The electrical circuit can be disrupted as a result of this.
Furthermore, there may be an electrical problem with the car's security system. The starter motor is then disrupted. A broken touch is another issue that may arise from time to time. You can then turn the key as hard as you like and nothing will happen if it does not bind. A new touch would be beneficial.
Due To Engine Damage, The Car Will Not Start.
A faulty engine can also make it impossible to start. Usually, there are a few warning signs that precede this. This includes the following:
Ticking noises may be a sign of a worn timing belt. There is a leak somewhere in the oil system, as shown by the blue smoke from the exhaust. Water is indicated by white smoke. In this scenario, there may be a coolant leak. The engine failure light may signify a variety of problems, and the same is true for a car that accelerates slowly. Consider the following:
Timing belt or chain is worn
The turbo is not working properly
Leaks
The catalytic converter is defective
If you've experienced all of the above symptoms and the car is becoming increasingly difficult to start, the engine is most likely malfunctioning. If the timing belt, for example, was in poor shape and you continued to drive it, it could become totally faulty and even break. You will be able to start the car, but it will instantly stop because the engine cannot turn without a belt.
Repairing problems with the engine, in particular, is a costly situation. That is why, before embarking on costly repairs, we often advise people to have a car that starts poorly for an evaluation. If you don't, there's a good chance you'll keep wasting it, which is a shame! Bring your car into our auto repair shop today if you need vehicle repairs!