There is nothing as frustrating as a car engine failing to start. But, it’s not entirely hopeless – there is a way out of it. Several do-it-yourself tricks may be useful in such situations. Most of them don’t require tools, so you don’t have to worry if you don’t have a toolbox in your car. One of these tricks should get your car’s engine working if you are lucky. If none of them seems to work, call your favorite mechanic.
Here are the five major things to do when your car’s engine doesn’t start. They are arranged based on what is likely to be causing the problem Or why not apply for commercial auto insurance for problems that even mechanic cant fix.
Table of Contents
Replace the Battery If the Car Clicks but still Does Not Start
A car key that clicks but doesn’t start the engine is an indication of a weak or dead battery. If your battery is too old, more than five years old, it might have exhausted all its power. But, if it is new, there could be electrical faults in the car that is draining charge in the battery. There are several ways to determine if the problem is emanating from the battery. First, turn the wipers on and observe their movement. If they are moving too slowly, then the battery is not functioning well. Also, dim lights indicate a low battery charge.
You can resolve the problem of a discharged battery by jump-starting the engine. This means connecting your car to another one to transfer some charge to your engine. Leave the car’s engine to run for a few minutes to make sure that it is fully charged. But be sure to replace the battery if it is too old.
Turn the Steering Wheel Right and Left If the Key Refuses to Turn In
There are a couple of things that may cause the ignition key not to turn. The obvious one is the wearing off of the key and ignition system. In this case, you can try to use the spare key. Also, the key may fail to rotate if you have turned the front wheels aside. The ignition lock might lock down the steering, making the car key hard to turn in such a case. As such, the steering wheel needs to be unlocked to get the key working again. You can do this by turning the steering wheel right and left as you jiggle the ignition key gently.
Check Your Car’s Wiring System If There is an Unusual Cranking
Usually, the cranking of the engine should be fast and silent. If you turn on the key and the starter does not crank, then you could be dealing with a faulty battery connection. Check the electric connection between the battery and the engine. If the cables are loosely connected, tighten them and try reigniting the engine. If they are corroded or dirty, clean them using a wire brush.
If the cranking is normal, but the engine is not firing, the gas levels could be really low. In that case, you’ll need to refuel the car. On the contrary, the engine could be over flooded with fuel. You can reduce the fuel in the combustion chamber by holding down the acceleration pedal and cranking the engine.
Check the Carburetor Or Call an Expert If the Engine Won’t Start on A Very Cold or Hot Day
Elements inside the engine may get damp on a very cold or rainy day. For instance, dampness on the distributor cap can prevent the engine from starting. You might need to remove the moisture by using a cleaning solvent and a rag. If you have problems starting your car during a cold day, the carburetor could be the culprit. Check if the choke is open or closed. Call an expert to diagnose the problem if nothing seems to be wrong with the choke.
Sometimes the engine may refuse to start during very hot weather. In most cases, the major problem is caused by issues with the coolant temperature sensor. It would help to clear air filters that may be clogged.
If the Problem Requires a Mechanic
If none of the above tricks works, be sure to call your mechanic. A professional mechanic should be able to diagnose the problem and fix it quickly. It is essential to have the contacts of a reliable mechanic service near you. They will offer you solutions for your vehicle’s mechanical problems. More importantly, they will give you expert tips that may help you during engine emergencies. Call Genesis Mechanics, a reliable and professional mechanic service in Brisbane.
Autobiography
Eric Reyes is a passionate thought leader having been featured in 50 distinguished online and offline platforms. His passion and knowledge in Finance and Business made him a sought after contributor providing valuable insights to his readers. You can find him reading a book and discussing current events in his spare time.
