Trouble Starting Engine
Trouble-Shooting:Engine Won't Start
(Note: Always check your fuses before "over-thinking" your vehicles problem.)
Nothing is more aggravating than when you get into your car, turn the key and find yourself looking at more than just another day of being late to work. Diagnosing the problem can be as simple as tuning your ears a little. I will go over the basic strategy to determine your vehicle, from the ignition system to more mechanical problems (the problems that no one wants to experience.)
Silenoid, Starter, Or Battery
It is very common for a solenoid on the starter to end it's life without warning. Sometimes, you have problems for a few weeks prior to the malfunction, by hearing a clicking sound when and having to turn your key a few extra times to get it to start. Often, you never get any warning signals. The best way to diagnose whether it is the solenoid or the starter itself, is to turn the key. If you hear a click after you turn the key, congratulations, you either have a dead battery or a dead starter. The best way to check for a dead battery is to use an altimeter, if you don't have one handy, try jump-starting your car. If the same results occur, the starter has died.
Now, if you don't hear a click, you may have a dead battery or the solenoid has gone out. A solenoid is attached to the starter and is usually aligned on the top. It's purpose and function "engages" by electromagnetism, to push the starter gear forward to turn the flywheel and start the engine. Without this, your engine will not even budge. You can buy a solenoid rebuild kit, and replace the brushes saving you the cost of a new starter. It is fairly simple, I advise buying a mechanics handbook from an auto parts store for your make and model.
Engine Fires, But Won't Start
When your engine goes through the motions of starting, and even starts for a second, then abruptly dies. You may have a problem with your fuel pump. If you are mechanically inclined, you will want to use a mechanics handbook to guide you through the steps of replacement. If you aren't, call your mechanic. This repair must be done correctly, and with specific instructions. If you smell gasoline strongly, you may have a leak, or flooding of the engine may be occurring due to the spark plugs not firing correctly or firing at all. Be sure to check your ignition control systems to diagnose problem further. It could be the rotor in your distributor, distributor cap, or spark plug wiring. Diagnosing takes a little time, but keep that handbook handy, and you can save yourself hundreds of dollars in mechanics bills.
