Why won’t my car start

You got ready for the office and were surprised by the car, not starting. What is in mind? “Why won’t my car start”. Here are some reasons to consider,

• Dead Battery:

One of the main reasons is a dead car battery. The battery is an important part of any vehicle which should function properly to provide the initial power to the engine to get started. Check the voltage of the battery with a voltmeter, it should be more than 12 Volts.  

In cold climate areas batteries become dead quickly. But to fix this you do not need to go to the mechanic, you can start your car by jump-starting it with another vehicle with jumper cables, or without jumper cables if you have a jump-starter available.

• Loose Battery Connections:

If your battery is okay, the next thing to check is whether battery connections are proper, if any of the cables are loose, tight it properly. Check for rust or corrosion(greenish material) on the terminals, which need to be cleaned, and ensure the engine is switched off before touching the battery terminals.

• Faulty Alternator:

An alternator generates electricity and provides power for the car battery charging and other electrical systems of the vehicle, if the alternator does not work, the battery will not recharge and car electronics will be fully dependent on the battery causing the battery to drain out quickly.

In some modern vehicles, the power steering and brake systems rely on electrical power. A failing alternator might lead to losing power assistance in steering and braking, making the vehicle more difficult to control and stop.

 

• Starter Motor not Work:

The starting motor receives electricity from a battery and provides a crank to the engine for the start-up. If the starter motor does not work properly, the engine will not start.

• Empty Fuel Tank:

If the fuel tank of your car is empty, the car will not start. Need to verify if the fuel gauge is working fine, otherwise tank will become empty even if you are not aware of it.

• Keyfob Battery dead:

Some latest models of vehicles have wireless start options, if the remote (keyfob) battery is weak or dead, it will not give a signal to the engine to start, this is also one of the reasons, but this issue is not faced by the vehicle which needs to insert the key in ignition switch. If this is the issue please read the procedure on how to replace the keybob battery.

• Locked steering wheel:

If your car’s steering wheel gets locked or jammed, the car key will not even move, this happens when someone tries to move the steering wheel when the car is not moving. Kids sometimes do this when the car is parked. This is an anti-theft function. If this happens move the steering wheel and same time move the key as, after some tries, the lock will be removed.

• Ignition system problems:

Refers to issues that affect the system responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture within an engine’s cylinders. The ignition system consists of several components working together to generate the spark necessary for combustion. When these components malfunction, they can disrupt the engine’s ability to start or run smoothly. Some common ignition system problems include:

• Faulty Spark Plugs:

Worn-out or fouled spark plugs can lead to misfires, rough idling, or difficulty starting the engine. Over time, spark plugs can degrade, causing poor combustion and performance issues.

• Bad Ignition Coils:

Ignition coils are responsible for producing high-voltage sparks to ignite the air-fuel mixture. If an ignition coil fails, it can cause a lack of spark in one or more cylinders, leading to rough running or even engine stalling.

• Distributor or Distributor Cap Issues:

In older vehicles with traditional distributor-based ignition systems, problems with the distributor or its cap can cause erratic spark distribution, leading to misfires or engine hesitation.

• Ignition Control Module Failure:

The ignition control module (ICM) controls the ignition timing and firing sequence. If it malfunctions, it can cause issues with the timing of spark delivery, resulting in poor engine performance or failure to start.

• Ignition Switch Problems:

A faulty ignition switch can prevent the starter motor from receiving power or cause intermittent electrical problems, leading to difficulty starting the engine or sudden loss of power while driving.

• Wiring or Connection Issues:

Corroded, damaged, or loose wiring connections in the ignition system can disrupt the flow of electrical current, leading to sporadic spark delivery or complete ignition failure.

• Ignition Timing Problems:

Incorrect ignition timing, whether due to mechanical issues or improper adjustment, can lead to inefficient combustion, reduced power, and poor fuel economy.

Identifying and resolving ignition system problems typically involves diagnosing specific components using diagnostic tools, visual inspection, and testing procedures. Regular maintenance, such as replacing spark plugs and ignition components at recommended intervals, can help prevent many ignition system-related issues.

The car won’t start but has power 

If your car has power (lights, radio, etc.) but still won’t start, it typically eliminates issues related to the battery and electrical systems. Here are some possible reasons why your car won’t start despite having power:

1. Starter Motor Issues: One reason could be problems with the starter motor. If the starter motor is faulty or not engaging correctly, you may hear a clicking sound when you try to start the car.
2. Ignition Switch Problems: A malfunctioning ignition switch can prevent the starter motor from receiving the signal to start the engine, even though other electrical systems have power.
3. Fuel Delivery Problems: Issues with fuel delivery, such as a clogged fuel filter, a faulty fuel pump, or a problem in the fuel injection system, can prevent the engine from starting.
4. Ignition System Problems: Faulty ignition components, like a bad ignition coil or spark plugs, might prevent the engine from starting despite the electrical systems having power.
5. Security System Activation: Some vehicles have security systems that can prevent the engine from starting if there’s a malfunction or if the system has been activated erroneously.
6. Broken Timing Belt or Chain: If the timing belt or chain has broken, it can cause severe engine damage and prevent the engine from starting.
7. Engine Sensors or Computer Issues: Malfunctioning engine sensors or problems within the car’s computer system might prevent the engine from starting.
8. Transmission Issues: In cars with automatic transmissions, problems with the neutral safety switch might prevent the engine from starting if the transmission isn’t in the correct position.
9. Mechanical Problems: Other mechanical issues within the engine, such as a seized engine or major internal damage, can prevent the engine from starting.

 

Considering your car has power, but the engine won’t turn over, it’s advisable to have a professional mechanic diagnose the problem. They can use diagnostic tools and expertise to pinpoint the specific issue and get your car running again.