With the innovation in technology, a lot of daily adjustments like the daily manual oil checks and more. Vehicles nowadays are intelligent and a lot of things have been improved. There are still a few things that need to be checked when your car will not start. We have compiled the top reasons why your car won’t start.
1. The battery is dead
One of the very obvious reasons your car won’t start is that its battery might be dead. If you try to start the car and are unable to view the dashboard lights being turned on or hear the engine turning over, it might be possible that the battery might be dead. The car might show the battery symbol that can give you an indication of where the issue is.
Back in the old days, you could just jump-start your automobile and you could just go your way. However, a few modern car makers suggest that vehicle makers not jump start. It is because it can harm sensitive electronics. It can be even dangerous if done in the wrong way. The right way to jump-start your vehicle will be available in the user’s manual of the car. On the other hand, you can use a portable charger that goes well with your vehicle.
2. Loose or Dirty Battery Terminals
Another reason your car won’t start might be dirty or loose battery terminals. Your battery might not be dead in actuality but this might be the case. If your car fails to start, open the hood and just make sure that the clamps are well and securely connected to the battery. In case it is loose, you can just tighten them up. You can then just try to start your vehicle again. Moreover, the corroded terminals will weaken the connection which will make the starting a little challenging. You might have to see the corrosion that might be a greenish or white buildup that can be around the battery posts. Cleaning this particular area may be needed to get your car started again. Use gloves in order to shield your hands from the battery acid. You can mix a tablespoon of baking soda in a glass of water. A wire brush and thus baking soda mixture can be utilized to eliminate all the buildup. Once you are finished with the cleaning, just wipe the area with a damp rug or cloth. If the corrosion gets to the cable and the battery post, you might have to clean the cable as well. By doing this, you can prevent your vehicle to go through a similar situation.
3. Faulty Alternator
The alternator is used to keep the battery charged. It delivers electricity to the internal computer of the automobile. By this, the vehicle will have to operate normally. If the alternator is not working properly, it might give a warning sign like the headlights will be dulled or there will be a slow cranking. An alternator that is not working properly can not create the power required to deliver to the battery. The alternator is connected to the engine and is operated by the serpentine belt. If the belt is worn out of slipped, the alternator might not function properly. If this ever happens, you will be notified by the light on the dashboard. 4. Starter motor problems
If your car is not starting, it is a possibility that there might be an issue with the starter motor. The starter motor is joined with the battery of the car. It sets the engine in motion when you will start the ignition. A faulty starter motor can be a noisy click when you attempt to turn the key in the ignition. If there is a problem, the mechanic can check it along with the car’s electrical system.
5. Bad ignition coil:
When your dome light is turned on but the engine does not start, it means that the batter is functioning but the ignition might have a problem. The ignition coil converts the voltage of the battery into an electric spark. An impaired ignition coil means that it does not have a sufficient amount of juice. You might need a multi-meter which is a tool developed to calculate the voltage, electrical current, and resistance. This is to test the strength of the current that goes through the coil.
6. Faulty Immobilizers
Your car might not start if the security system of the car fails to identify the key. This can happen if the battery in the key fob is low. The immobilizer problems can make up 3% of the breakdowns. To fix it, you can try holding your fob as opposed to the start button. You can try a spare key as well. If it is still not functioning or you do not have a spare, you might have to get a new key.
7. Jammed Steering Lock
You might have gotten into your car and found out that you can not turn your key. If you ever get to encounter this, it would mean that the steering lock is jammed. If someone attempts to drive the wheel while the key is not inserted in the engine(anti-theft), your steering lock might get activated. Sometimes, it can perform like an anti-driver measure accidentally.
If the steering lock is jammed, try to shake it to the left and right. Right after it, you can turn it in whatever direction while permitting some moment. Once the lock gets unjammed, you can turn the key in the ignition normally.
8. The timing belt needs to be replaced
The timing belt is a rubber strip that is used to rotate the cam and crankshaft in the engine at the right time. The engine won’t work if it fails. A ticking sound might come from under the hood or listen to the starter motor working but not turning over. This is rare as compared to the other potential problems. The timing belts normally break while the engine is working. Cars having chain belts might last a little longer than the rubber version. You might need to go to the repair shop to get it fixed.
9. Clogged Fuel Filter
If the fuel can't get to the engine, the car would struggle to burn the fuel. The fuel filter would be stopping the car from starting since there would not be enough pressure in the fuel rails.
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