What causes the car to not start? What can cause your car not to start? What should you do when your vehicle won’t start properly?
It takes a logic approach to figure out why your car won’t start. Below is a list of possible reasons why your vehicle won’t start.
To start your car, turn the ignition key or press “Start” to activate the starter button. The voltage from the battery will be transferred via the key to the solenoid or starter motor. (For automatic transmissions, the gear position should be in P or N. In Start&Stop systems, you have to press the clutch or brake pedal.) The solenoid and relay send the required power to the starter motor. The problem is in the starter circuit, battery or ignition. If the engine doesn’t start, it could be because of a fault with one of these components.
Causes for engine not starting
Weak Battery
The battery voltage should be checked. Low battery voltage? Charge it, or use another vehicle’s battery to start it.
Battery Terminals That Are Not In Good Condition or No Longer Useful
Make sure to inspect the connections between the battery’s “+” and its “-” terminals. Clean it if there is any corrosion. If it is loosen it.
Starter Relay Connection
Check and clean the cable connections.
Defective Starter Relay/Solenoid
Defective Starter Motor
To see the starter turn, remove the starter and connect it to the battery. This can be done in an electrician’s shop.
Broken Starter and Flywheel Gears
The starter motor should be removed. The flywheel threads and the drive shaft should be checked. If necessary, replace damaged parts.
Defective Ignition Key
If voltage reaches the starter solenoid/relay, check it. If the current does not go out, check the clutch/brake switch in P/N in automatic transmissions, and in Start&Stop systems. Replace the ignition switch if you find no problem.
P/N Safety Switch, Brake Pedal Safety Switch
Turn the crank to measure the voltage. Replace any part that you suspect is defective.
Out of Battery Smart Key (Hands-Free Mode)
Your smart key system may have a problem and your car will not start if it is out of charge. Your key should be placed in the designated slot in the center console. This will allow the steering column and ignition system to communicate with your key. Refer to the manual for emergency starting instructions if the vehicle does not start.
Locking the Engine
You could have a bearing problem or a motor that is not working properly. Try turning the engine by hand from the crank pulley to understand why. It isn’t locked if it spins.
Leaky Cylinder Gasket
Leaked cylinder gaskets could have caused water to get into the cylinder block. Check for coolant by removing the spark plugs.
If the vehicle doesn’t start but it starts,
The starter motor turns when you press the ignition button. However, the car won’t start. This could be due to a lack of fuel, faulty sparkplugs, or the engine not compressing. Proper fuel pressure, normal compression and a correctly timed spark are essential for the engine to function properly.
Hint: You can remove the air intake pipe from the throttle body to find the reason the engine isn’t running. Push the throttle down and inject a small amount if starting fluid into your engine. The engine will start. The engine will start even if there isn’t any fuel. The spark plugs could be faulty if it fails to start.
Proper fuel pressure will be crucial for starting engines. The fuel pump should be audible under the rear seat when the ignition is turned on. The fuel pump could be defective if there is no sound. A faulty fuel pump will prevent fuel from reaching the engine. Check the exhaust for gas smells when you turn the ignition. The problem could be caused by spark plugs.
Fuel-related reasons for downtime
Anti-Theft System
This will disable the fuel pump, preventing the engine’s starting. Your vehicle will not start if the anti-theft light flashes. This can happen if the smart key battery is low.
Defective Fuel Pump
After pressing the starter, the fuel pump should sound for a few seconds. This means that the fuel pump is operating and sending fuel to your engine. It is under the back of your seat. It may be that the fuel pump has failed.
Defective Fuel Pump Relay
The PCM sends current to the fuel pump when the ignition switch is turned on. The relay must be replaced if the pump stops working if it is defective.
Switch to stop fuel-related problems
This prevents the engine’s starting by cutting off fuel after an accident. It could be triggered by a sudden jolt. To reset, press the button.
Cable Issues
The fuel pump wiring may be damaged, shorted or disconnected.
No fuel in tank
It is possible that the gauge might be defective.
Bad Fuel Issues
Bad fuel refers to fuel that has too much alcohol, too much diesel or water in it. You may have noticed bad fuel after your last fueling.
Fuel Filter Clogged
When was your last fuel filter change? It is possible that the fuel filter has been neglected for some time and may have accumulated dirt and rust. It is also important to clean the fuel tank if there has been corrosion.
Clogged or broken fuel pipes
You should inspect the fuel lines under your vehicle for cracking and bending.
Leaky Fuel Pressure Regulator
It regulates the fuel pressure that is sent to the injectors. It is vital for vehicle operation and proper fuel mixture.
Injector Failures
Injectors inject the fuel required by the engine into the combustion chamber. The vehicle may not start if the injectors are defective. Injectors will not work if the relay fails.
Air Leaks
EGR valve stay open, split air hose, PCV valve, etc. Problems in parts could lead to a large-scale air leakage. This can cause engine problems and disrupt the perfect air/fuel mix.
Causes of ignition
Defective Crankshaft Position Sensor
It transmits a signal (or PCM) to the ignition module to activate the ignition coil. The vehicle will stop working if it is malfunctioning.
Defective Ignition Module
It controls the ignition module. The ignition module can fail, causing the ignition coil to stop working and the combustion chamber to not ignite at the correct time.
Defective Ignition Coil
The spark plugs are ignited by the ignition coil, which generates high voltage. These electronic parts attach to the sparkplug heads for each cylinder separately and generate a voltage of 30 000 volts that sparks the sparkplugs. Each spark plug comes with its own ignition coil. The engine may not start properly if the ignition coil fails. If the coil in a particular cylinder is defective, the spark plug will not ignite. Other cylinders can still ignite normally.
