Car Engine Turning but Not Starting: Troubleshooting Guide
1. Check the Battery
A dead or weak battery is the most common reason why a car won’t start. The battery provides the electrical power needed to start the engine, so if it’s not working properly, the engine won’t be able to turn over.
To check the battery, you can use a voltmeter to measure the voltage. A healthy battery should have a voltage of around 12.6 volts. If the voltage is below 12 volts, the battery is likely dead and needs to be replaced.
2. Check the Starter
The starter is the electrical component that turns the engine over. If the starter is not working properly, the engine will not be able to start.
To check the starter, you can try to tap it with a hammer while someone else is trying to start the engine. If the engine starts after you tap the starter, the starter is likely faulty and needs to be replaced.
3. Check the Fuel System
The fuel system provides the engine with the fuel it needs to run. If the fuel system is not working properly, the engine will not be able to start.
To check the fuel system, you can try to start the engine with the gas pedal pressed all the way down. If the engine starts and then dies, the fuel system is likely not working properly and needs to be inspected by a mechanic.
4. Check the Ignition System
The ignition system provides the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine. If the ignition system is not working properly, the engine will not be able to start.
To check the ignition system, you can try to replace the spark plugs. If the engine starts after you replace the spark plugs, the ignition system is likely faulty and needs to be inspected by a mechanic.
5. Other Possible Causes
If you have checked all of the above and the engine is still not starting, there may be another problem. Some other possible causes include:
- A faulty fuel pump
- A clogged fuel filter
- A bad ignition coil
- A faulty crankshaft position sensor
- A blown fuse
Conclusion
If your car engine is turning but not starting, there are a few things you can check to try to diagnose the problem. The most common causes are a dead battery, a faulty starter, or a problem with the fuel system. If you are not able to diagnose the problem yourself, you should take your car to a mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.
