Car Engine Turns Over But Will Not Start
Problem
Your car engine turns over, but it will not start. This can be a frustrating problem, especially if you are in a hurry or if you are stranded somewhere.
Causes
There are several possible causes for this problem. Some of the most common causes include:
- A weak or dead battery
- A faulty starter
- A problem with the fuel system
- A problem with the ignition system
- A problem with the engine itself
Troubleshooting
If your car engine turns over but will not start, there are several things you can do to troubleshoot the problem.
1. Check the battery
The first thing you should do is check the battery. A weak or dead battery can prevent your car from starting. To check the battery, you can use a voltmeter to measure the voltage. The battery should have a voltage of at least 12.6 volts. If the battery voltage is below 12.6 volts, it may need to be replaced.
2. Check the starter
If the battery is good, the next thing you should check is the starter. The starter is responsible for turning the engine over. To check the starter, you can try to tap it with a hammer. If the starter is faulty, tapping it may cause it to start working again.
3. Check the fuel system
If the battery and the starter are both good, the next thing you should check is the fuel system. The fuel system is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine. To check the fuel system, you can try to start the car while spraying starting fluid into the intake. If the car starts while using starting fluid, it means that there is a problem with the fuel system.
4. Check the ignition system
If the battery, the starter, and the fuel system are all good, the next thing you should check is the ignition system. The ignition system is responsible for creating the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine. To check the ignition system, you can try to replace the spark plugs. If the spark plugs are worn out, they may not be able to create a spark, which will prevent the engine from starting.
5. Check the engine
If all of the other steps have failed, the next thing you should do is check the engine itself. There are several possible problems that can prevent an engine from starting, such as a blown head gasket or a seized piston. To check the engine, you will need to take it to a mechanic.
Conclusion
If your car engine turns over but will not start, there are several possible causes for the problem. By troubleshooting the problem, you can identify the cause and fix it.
