Fill Up Your Engine Oil
Does your engine sound like its really struggling to turn over when you try the ignition? It might be because youre low on engine oil. If your oil is low it puts a lot more strain on the battery to start the engine, and if the battery is cold or not in top condition to begin with then youll never get off the mark. Use a dipstick to check oil levels and, if its looking low, top it up before you try to start the engine again.
Why My Car Wont Start Or Turn Over
After putting in your primaries in the ignition and after the nth time you still could not start your vehicle, what do you do? Possibly you could attempt checking initially if you could troubleshoot any vehicle troubles your automobile might have just before you actually rush to call a tow truck. Keep in mind, it may take just a couple of messing to acquire your vehicle going back on the road.If you understand where to look and just what to locate, you can certainly make your auto running once more. Bear in mind, know-how of troubleshooting car troubles is merely like know-how of where to find Lincoln Mark VIII components selection: it conserves you a whole lot on problem, efforts, and monetary resources.Now, you must know if your car has obtained an auto transmission or if it works on a stick shift. For auto autos, check the transmission. On the other hand, if you have a vehicle mounted with a hand-operated transmission, make sure that the clutch pedal is disheartened totally.You should now examine if you have attached your seat belt properly if these techniques do not work. You see, for safety factors, there are some car manufacturers who make sure that motorists and travelers are security distorted up. And when the automobiles device notifications that the drivers safety belt is not yet attached, you can additionally make certain that your engine would certainly not launch.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TX63XO6n8A
Problems With The Fuel System
The fuel system provides the engine with what it needs to run by sending gasoline or diesel to the engine.
If your car wont start but has power, the culprit could be a malfunctioning fuel system. Youll want to check the battery and ignition system first. Then if they are working properly, check the fuel system.
Faulty Fuel Pump
Newer cars do not usually have problems with their fuel system. Your fuel system should be okay if you drive your car regularly and keep it filled with gas or diesel. However, a vehicle may come from a factory with a faulty fuel pump.
Also, older vehicles can tend to have problems with the fuel pump. Fuel quality can also be a factor in keeping fuel systems in good shape.
How to Check Fuel Pumps Condition
Checking the fuel pump is not difficult. When you turn the key in the ignition just before the engine cranks, you should hear a hum coming from the back. That would be the fuel pump.
The pump begins the flow of fuel before the car starts. If the fuel pump is faulty, this wont happen. The engine will not get the fuel it needs to start.
When you turn the key and dont hear the slight hum, you may have an issue with the fuel pump. A technician can inform you if you need a new fuel pump or if it is just clogged.
Fuel Line Problems
The fuel pump may be working properly, but the fuel will not reach the injectors without enough pressure. A clogged fuel line can keep your car from starting.
Failed Fuel Injector
How to Check Fuel Injectors Condition
Read Also: Can You Get Bed Bugs In Your Car
Causes Of A Car Wont Turn Over
There is no worse feeling than trying to start your car and finding out that it wont turn over. When a car does not turn over, it means that the starter motor is not able to crank in order for the engine to turn over. As a result, you will turn the key in the ignition and nothing will happen. Do not confuse an engine turn over problem with an engine that wont start. It is possible to turn over an engine and still have it not start. For example, if you have a problem with your spark plugs or fuel supply system, then your engine wont start even if the starter is successful at turning it over. On the other hand, if the starter doesnt have the power or ability to crank the engine, then you cant even begin the process of starting the engine.
Some Cars Automatically Shut Off The Fuel Pump After A Crash
Some models, like many Ford vehicles, have a fuel pump switch , that automatically cuts power to the fuel pump when involved in an accident. If your engine refused to start after an accident or after a vehicle struck yours in a parking lot, check for an inertia switch. The switch helps prevent your car from catching on fire if an accident occurs. Check your car owner’s manual or vehicle repair manual to locate the switch. You can pop the button back in manually.
A blown head gasket can lower engine compression enough to prevent the engine from starting.
Recommended Reading: What Is The World’s Fastest Car
Bad Crankshaft Position Sensor
Not only does the engine in your car need a spark to begin combustion, that spark has to take place at the exact right moment. Too late or too early and the air/fuel mixture won’t entirely combust, reducing performance and potentially failing to start the engine entirely. One of the reasons your spark plugs might be firing incorrectly is due to a faulty crankshaft position sensor. It’s this sensor that tells your engine’s computer the position of all the valves and pistons at any given moment. The ECU then uses this information to determine when to fire the spark. If this sensor has gone bad, the ECU won’t know when to fire the sparks, and the engine might not start. Visit the Carr Chevy service department to have a new crankshaft position sensor installed and calibrated to make sure your car starts up strong, morning after morning.
Check The Spark From The Ignition Coil
Spark is another common problem when the car wont start. It could either be caused by a bad spark plug, bad ignition coil or ignition cable. The wirings could also point to the ignition coil or to no signal from the crankshaft sensor, so you should always diagnose the crankshaft sensor first.You can check the spark by removing the cable/coil and the spark plug. Take a cable between the plug and a good ground point and let a friend crank the engine while you are checking for a spark, just remember to keep your hands away from the spark or you will get a dangerous shock.
Recommended Reading: Can You Renew Your Car Registration Online
Battery Alternator And Starter Testing
It might be worth investing in a battery tester. These basically function as multimeters. You attach it across the battery terminals and follow the on-screen instructions. The tester will then show a test result, letting you know what condition the battery is in.
These devices usually also test the alternator and starter motor. You should consider getting one if youre unsure where the problem is coming from. Batteries are typically tested for both voltage and cranking amps, so make sure to test for both of these.
Reason : Inadequate Fuel Flow
Issues may occur or be present within the fuel flow due to a bad fuel pump, the fuel pump getting corroded, incorrect or dirty fuel present in the tank, clogged or faulty fuel injector, or possibly an empty or unfilled fuel tank since the fuel gauge may not be completely 100% accurate.
Your car needs an effective and adequate fuel pressure for the engine to run or even start. Usually, you should be able to hear a buzzing sound from the fuel pump for a couple of seconds when you switch the ignition to on.
In case you cannot hear any buzzing sound from either inside the car or from the back of the fuel tank, the pump might be long gone, and probably no amount of fuel is being circulated to the engine.
Solution: In case you have a faulty or damaged fuel pump or a damaged fuse for the fuel pump, you can purchase a new fuel pump according to your cars model & make as well as a new fuses. If the problem is more severe and cannot be repaired with new parts, you should contact a professional technician.
Recommended Reading: What Are The Best Tires For My Car
When The Car Engine Wont Turn Over But Lights Work
- Bad ignition coil: When your dome light turns on but the engine doesnt start, that means your battery is working but your ignition may be at fault. The ignition coil transforms a batterys voltage into an electric spark. A damaged ignition coil means theres not enough juice to do that. Youll need a multimeter to test the strength of the current running through the coil.
If youve run into a problem you cant fix yourself , get in touch with a trustworthy auto mechanic to diagnose and repair the issue.
If your car wont start, Roadside Service coverage* can help. Roadside Service coverage from Erie Insurance pays for reasonable auto towing and required labor costs at the site of the breakdown to get you back on the road.** To learn more about this coverage, talk to your local ERIE agent.
*Roadside Service coverage is only available when comprehensive coverage has been purchased on the vehicle.
**Restrictions apply in North Carolina.
Why Is My Car Not Starting No Clicking Noise
Starter Engine Issues If you don’t hear clicking when you start the engine, the problem may be a dead battery. If you hear clicking, but the engine doesn’t crank, the starter might not be getting enough electricity. Using your owner’s manual and a voltmeter, you should be able to test functionality.
Also Check: When Do You Switch From Infant Car Seat
Ignition Lock Jammed/ Wheel Stuck
If your car won’t start because you cant turn the ignition key, the steering lock may be jammed. This is often caused by a front tyre on one side of the vehicle stuck hard up against a kerb.
To free it off, simply turn the wheel slightly from side to side whilst carefully turning the key back and forth at the same time until the lock frees off.
If you cannot move the wheel, put your foot on the brake and carefully release the handbrake and allow the vehicle to slightly roll away from the kerb, then reapply the handbrake and retry. Caution: only do this when safe to do so do not attempt if you are parked on a steep incline.
When The Car Cranks But Wont Start
- Clogged fuel filter: The fuel filter keeps debris from getting into your cars fuel system. When this filter is clogged, it can prevent enough fuel from reaching the engine. A replacement is usually needed if this is the problem. And to keep your fuel filter from clogging in the future, try to change it every two years or 30,000 miles .
- Failed fuel pump: This could be a simple as a relay or fuse which you should check first based on your owners manual. It could also be due to a failed or damaged pump. This will need to be fixed by a professional.
- Bad timing belt: The timing belt ensures the engines valves open and close at the proper interval so that the valves and the pistons never touch. The timing belt is the most important maintenance item in your engine. A failed timing belt can cause catastrophic engine damage requiring an engine replacement. Auto manufacturers specify when a timing belt should be changed. This is usually based on mileage generally, the interval is every 60,000 miles or five years .
You May Like: How To Clean Car Interior Cloth
Signs Your Car Wont Turn Over But Has Power
Auto Repairs Are EXPENSIVE
There are certain signs that your car is dead, wont turn over, or in the process of dying. By realizing these signs, you can prevent your car from running and functioning as they should. There are certain symptoms, like your engine cranking but the inability to start, your engine doesn’t crank, inconsistent starting and stopping, difficulty cold cranking, and repeated car jumping. Any single one of these signs can alert the driver that your car wont turn over, but has power.
How To Start A Car With A Bad Ignition Switch
Should your cars ignition switch act up, there are ways that you can start it regardless. If you have an older car, you might be able to try and hotwire it. This can be done by finding the battery wire and ignition wire respectively, usually underneath the steering column. Connecting them together should start the engine. If you dont mind causing permanent damage to the ignition switch , then you can try using a drill and a screwdriver. Drill into the keyhole, and use the screwdriver to twist the ignition to start your car. However, a much safer solution than the prior 2 would be using a jumper cable. Link up the jumper cable from the battery to the ignition coil, and then to the starter solenoid. Then, unplug the ignition switch wires, and short where those wires and the solenoid meet.
Don’t Miss: Does My Car Need An Alignment
Check Your Battery Leads Are Clean And Tightened
Locate your car battery under the bonnet and take a close look at the cables. If you can see signs of corrosion a salty, crusty substance then youll need to clean this so the battery can work properly. Making sure youre wearing protective goggles and gloves, disconnect the battery cables and clean with a toothbrush and a strong mixture of baking soda and water. When you replace the cables, always connect the negative one last to avoid electric shock.
If your cables are corrosion-free, its still a good idea to check how tight they are, as loose cables can stop the current from flowing properly. If the clamps are loose, tighten them up before trying the ignition again.
Car Wont Turn Over But Has Power Why Does This Happen
When anything goes wrong with an engine, the first order of business is to assess the situation. Most problems cannot be narrowed down by looking at the health and age of the car. For example, if your car is just a year old, it is highly unlikely that it has a fuel injection issue. In newer cars, its most likely a faulty battery.
In older cars, however, especially the ones that are being started after a long while, it can be anything. Right from the battery, all the way to the engine itself. But let us not panic and break it down piece by piece to understand why it happens and how it can be cleared.
You May Like: How Much Do Pilot Car Drivers Make
Some Kind Of Trauma To The Battery
As you may have seen in the video seen above, lead-acid batteries require a few things to function properly:
- An electrolyte solution of 65% water and 35% sulfuric acid.
- 6 working 2 V cells, made up of 1 lead plate and 1 lead dioxide plate.
- A wiring harness.
- Other things such as the alternator, the occasional recharge, ventilation, etc.
Of the things we mentioned in this list above, the first 3 are particularly liable to knocks and bumps. They are listed in the approximate order of whats most likely to go wrong.
If there has been some kind of trauma for example, if youve been in a small car crash or dropped the battery when fitting it it could have caused a leak, leading the electrolyte solution to slowly drain out. Once this is gone, the battery cant produce a charge.
The cells could also be damaged and stop working. You can test this with a voltmeter across the battery, making sure to use the right kind so you dont damage anything. If its less than 12.4 V, there may be a problem with one of the cells.
Its also possible for the wiring harness to become damaged or torn. You should be particularly careful if you think this might be the problem, as it could lead to a short circuit. This means sparks where you dont want sparks, so be careful. Get a professional electrical technician to look at it for you.
All of these could prevent the battery from sending enough power to turn the engine over.
What Do You Do When Your Car Won’t Turn Over
Here are a few things to try if your car won’t turn over.
Also Check: Who Is This Car Registered To
How To Check A Carburetor Or Throttle Body Injection System
- you have enough fuel in the tank,
- the fuel pump is working,
- the fuel filter is not clogged ,
- the fuel pressure regulator is working properly
- the fuel injectors are not clogged.
