Engine Troubleshooting Engine Wont Start

When you find yourself with a ‘no start’ condition, it’s important to realize that the chances of determining the problem accurately without the proper diagnostics equipment or the expertise of a certified technician are fairly remote. Modern cars and trucks are as complicated and advanced as ever, and many symptoms can have multiple potential causes. In the event that you do find yourself in such a predicament, and your inner chest-pounding, alpha-male ego won’t allow you to take it to a repair facility without giving it a shot first, here are a few guidelines for determining the likely cause. First, how did this happen? Had the car been sitting unused for an extended period of time? Did it quit while driving down the road and wouldn’t restart? How had the engine been performing in the weeks prior to the current situation? Had it been running well? Sputtering or making any unusual noises? Showing signs of poor fuel economy? Has the vehicle’s “check engine” light came on at any time? Have you had any hard starting incidents in the days prior? How old is the car and/or it’s battery? There are three elements that an internal-combustion engine requires to start and run. These elements are spark, fuel, and compression. If you have a no-start condition, the engine is being deprived of one or more of these elements. The most common no-start conditions are known as “Click, no-start” and “Crank, no-start.” When you turn the key and all you hear is a ‘click’ sound, or no sound at all, the problem is generally electrical. The first option is to jump-start the vehicle. If jump-starting the vehicle successfully allows the engine to start and continue to run smoothly, then you likely have a defective battery. The power of the alternator is enough to keep the engine running after jump-starting, but keep in mind the alternator is not meant to be put under that heavy of a load. Running the vehicle on the alternator alone will wear the alternator out in short order, escalating the potential repair costs. If jump-starting does not start the vehicle, but improves the situation to a “Crank, no-start” condition, you could likely have a spark delivery malfunction, a compression problem, a fuel delivery problem, or any combination. Your best bet would be to two it to a reputable shop at this point. If jump-starting does nothing to improve the situation, it’s reasonably likely that the problem lies within the starter motor. Likely one of two defects has occurred: The starter motor and/or solenoid has failed, or a break or short in the positive battery cable that connects the battery directly to the starter has developed. With cars where the starter is accessible, tapping on the casing of the starter motor with a hammer while the attempting to start may alleviate the problem temporarily. If this method successfully starts the vehicle, replace the starter at once. With Crank, no-start conditions however, the list of potential causes grows exponentially. You could have a malfunction in the computer systems, or in the fuel delivery system, or you could potentially have internal engine problems. It is advisable that unless you have the proper diagnostics tools and experience necessary to properly determine the cause, bring the vehicle to a reputable vehicle service facility and let the professionals take care of it. Category:Home › Autos • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 2 • You should never use after-market auto parts when maintaining or fixing your car • Should a new car be rust-proofed? • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 1 • Five safest cars in North America • How to ensure your teen drives safely after getting a license • Pros and cons of using an hydrogen generator for your car • DIY automotive maintenance: How to change the oil

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