All drivers in the world have sometimes been in a frustrating situation where their car won’t start. It is important not to panic and get stressed about it because there are ways on how to solve this problem and get you back on the road. Here is a list of some problems that may occur and tips and tricks on how to solve them.
Dead battery
This is one of the most common reasons why a car won’t start. There are many reasons for this to happen. Often people forget to turn off their lights while their car is parked and this drains the battery. Another reason for this to happen is because of the long use of the battery and it simply needs to be replaced. You can check this by starting the lights first and if they work your battery is fine because the battery controls the lights. If they don’t work the battery is obviously dead. In this case, jumper cables are a good way to start your car and they will also determine if your battery is drained.
Ignition failure
If you’re failing to turn the key in the ignition there is an easy way to determine the problem and fix it. Check if your front wheels are turned aside because the steering may be blocked by the ignition lock. To fix this you need to jerk the key gently while slowly turning the steering wheel and this should release the ignition lock. These common car ignition issues can also happen due to the key or the ignition mechanism itself because both wore down over time.
No click when you turn the key
If this happens you should put your foot on the brake and while holding it put the shifter into the neutral position and try starting the car. Another way is to put the shifter to park and then try again. Moving the shifter can sometimes reintroduce electrical current inside the neutral safety switch.
Broken starter
This is a problem that happens quite often and it can be caused by a malfunctioning ignition switch. A car starter is a device used to initiate the engine using its own power so if it’s broken your car won’t start. To check if this is the problem, listen if you’re hearing a clicking sound while you’re starting the car. If this is the case then you’re probably dealing with a faulty starter. To solve this try hitting the starter with a hammer, jumpstart the car or bypass the starter relay.
Flooded engine
If you can smell gas, your engine might be flooded and the sparks are wet. The good news is that you may not have to remove and dry them. Press the accelerator pedal full throttle and crank the engine. This way the computer won’t inject any fuel in the engine and basically, by pumping air the sparks will dry off.
Engine cranks but won’t fire up
If this is occurring turn the radio down and listen if there is a buzzing sound. If there is no sound then maybe the fuel pump is on its deathbed. Using your user manual try to locate the fuel pump relay and exchange it with another relay with the same part number. If the car won’t start, try hitting the gas tank with your shoe in order to jar the fuel pump motor.
Engine hard to start when hot
Sometimes when you’re driving you decide to park for some reason. Then, once you want to leave you’re unable to restart your car for about an hour until it’s cooled down. This can be very irritating and in order to prevent this, you should check these things concerning your car. Look if your air filter is dirty or clothed. Then look to see if there is any corrosion on the negative battery terminal. If everything looks alright then it’s probably a fuel issue concerning the fuel pump and fuel generator.
Engine rotating but won’t start
You’re turning the key, the starter is cranking the engine over. It’s spinning and spinning the car won’t start and you’re going nowhere. Check if you have enough fuel in the tank and if the fuel gauge shows half a tank, add a few gallons. This is done because sometimes the fuel gauge isn’t working properly. If the fuel gauge isn’t lying to you, raise your hood and check spark plug wires and the ignition coil.
