7 Reasons Car Engine Not Starting
What Do You Do When Your Car Engine Cannot Start?
Most people nowadays drive new cars. That’s why I have been rather reluctant to write on the woes faced by older vehicles. But since there are some who have written in requesting assistance to solve problems faced by their not too newer vehicles, this article this is intended specially for them.
Below is listed some of the common engine problems normally faced by drivers.
1) Weak battery.
Weak battery might not ignite or start an engine. Dimmer head lamps and slow cranking of the ignition key or switch is a sure indication that the battery is weak. Your alternative is either jump start using jumper cables or otherwise push start your car. Visit the battery shop as soon as possible.
2) Worn out plugs.
Plugs used for too long a period, can sometimes cause a vehicle to be difficult to start. A good set of plugs will crank into action, the moment the ignition switch is switched on. A long dragging crank goes to show the possibility the plugs could be soiled or coated with carbon. Have the plugs changed or replaced as soon as possible.
3) Possibility of overflow.
At times, the engine suffers what is known as overflow. In such instances, you should be able to smell strong petrol permeating the atmosphere. When it happens, the vehicle cannot possibly be started.
You are advised to leave the vehicle alone for at least 1/2 an hour or 1 hour, allowing the plugs to dry up. If you’re at the supermarket, go for a 2nd round shopping. Come back after an hour or so and you’ll be able to start your car without any problem.
4) Lack of petrol.
Lack of petrol can sometimes be the source for a car not being able to start. Look at the fuel meter. Its rather good way to determine the amount of petrol in your fuel tank.
“E” obviously denote “empty”. You will then have to seek a friend’s help to source some fuel. Simply by pouring fuel into the petrol tank may not get the car restarted.
There is a techniques for getting your car restarted. It’s suggested you learn from your mechanic how it’s done. At least for the next encounter, you’ll be able to put your experience into good use.
5) Faulty electronic fuel pump.
A/c pump or electronic fuel pump draws petrol from the fuel tank to the carburetor. This represent the older fuel system used in older models of vehicles.
Petrol not reaching the carburetor will result in the car not starting. For temporary measure, a driver could try knocking at the a/c pump, in the hope it may get it working again. Failing which, your next alternative is to get your foreman to replace the 2 parts mentioned above.
6) Ignition switch problem.
Cars can sometimes not start due to this problem. Although in very rare cases, this can sometimes be the source of the car not starting. Have the mechanic check the ignition switch if all else fails to be located.
7) The starter.
The starter can sometimes be responsible for an engine not starting. A mechanic can kick start the starter. By doing the above, the mechanic will be able to determine if all is well with the starter or otherwise.
The above are but some of the few things a driver can check if and when a car engine cannot start. Whatever it is, always keep your mechanic’s phone number with you whenever you go out. You can never know when you might gave to contact him!
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