Car Engine Will Not Turn Over
Introduction
Your car engine will not turn over when the starter motor, powered by the car battery, cannot engage the car’s flywheel to start the engine. This can leave the driver stranded and frustrated.
Electrical System
Dead Battery
A dead battery is the most common reason a car engine will not turn over. The battery provides the electrical power to the starter motor, which in turn engages the flywheel to start the engine. If the battery is dead, there is not enough power to turn the starter motor and start the engine.
How to Fix:
Check the battery terminals for corrosion or loose connections. Clean the terminals and tighten the connections if necessary. If the battery is completely dead, you may need to jump-start the car or replace the battery.
Faulty Starter Motor
The starter motor is the component that engages the flywheel to start the engine. If the starter motor is faulty, it will not be able to turn the flywheel and start the engine. A faulty starter motor can be caused by a number of issues, including:
- Worn brushes
- Faulty solenoid
- Damaged armature
- Loose or corroded connections
How to Fix:
Check the starter motor for any of the above issues. If you find any problems, replace the starter motor.
Faulty Ignition Switch
The ignition switch is the component that provides power to the starter motor. If the ignition switch is faulty, it will not be able to provide power to the starter motor and start the engine. A faulty ignition switch can be caused by a number of issues, including:
- Worn contacts
- Faulty wiring
- Damaged switch housing
- Loose or corroded connections
How to Fix:
Check the ignition switch for any of the above issues. If you find any problems, replace the ignition switch.
Mechanical System
Seized Engine
A seized engine is an engine that has locked up and cannot be turned over. This can be caused by a number of issues, including:
- Lack of lubrication
- Overheating
- Mechanical damage
How to Fix:
If your engine has seized, it will need to be repaired by a qualified mechanic.
Damaged Starter Bendix
The starter bendix is a small gear that engages the flywheel to start the engine. If the starter bendix is damaged, it will not be able to engage the flywheel and start the engine. A damaged starter bendix can be caused by a number of issues, including:
- Worn teeth
- Broken springs
- Damaged housing
- Loose or corroded connections
How to Fix:
Check the starter bendix for any of the above issues. If you find any problems, replace the starter bendix.
Damaged Flywheel
The flywheel is a large gear that is connected to the crankshaft. The starter bendix engages the flywheel to start the engine. If the flywheel is damaged, the starter bendix will not be able to engage the flywheel and start the engine. A damaged flywheel can be caused by a number of issues, including:
- Worn teeth
- Broken ring gear
- Damaged housing
- Loose or corroded connections
How to Fix:
Check the flywheel for any of the above issues. If you find any problems, replace the flywheel.
Other Causes
Security System
In some cases, a car engine will not turn over because the security system is activated. The security system can be activated by a number of things, including:
- A dead battery
- A faulty ignition switch
- A damaged key
- A broken window
How to Fix:
Check the security system to see if it is activated. If it is, you will need to disarm the security system by entering the correct code or using a key fob.
Fuel System
In rare cases, a car engine will not turn over because there is a problem with the fuel system. This can be caused by a number of issues, including:
- A clogged fuel filter
- A faulty fuel pump
- A damaged fuel line
How to Fix:
Check the fuel system for any of the above issues. If you find any problems, replace the faulty component.
Conclusion
If your car engine will not turn over, there are a number of possible causes. The most common causes include a dead battery, a faulty starter motor, or a faulty ignition switch. Other possible causes include a seized engine, a damaged starter bendix, a damaged flywheel, or a problem with the security system or fuel system.
If you are not able to identify and fix the problem yourself, you should take your car to a qualified mechanic.
