Car Engine Won’t Start But Battery Works
If your car engine won’t start, but the battery works, there are a few possible causes.
1. Check the Starter
The starter is responsible for turning the engine over. If the starter is not working properly, the engine will not start. There are a few things that can cause the starter to fail, including:
- A bad starter motor
- A loose or damaged starter solenoid
- A faulty ignition switch
You can check the starter by trying to start the car in neutral. If the engine starts in neutral, but not in park or drive, the starter may be bad.
2. Check the Fuel System
The fuel system is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine. If the fuel system is not working properly, the engine will not start. There are a few things that can cause the fuel system to fail, including:
- A clogged fuel filter
- A bad fuel pump
- A faulty fuel injector
You can check the fuel system by trying to start the car with a can of starting fluid. If the engine starts with starting fluid, the fuel system may be bad.
3. Check the Ignition System
The ignition system is responsible for creating the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine. If the ignition system is not working properly, the engine will not start. There are a few things that can cause the ignition system to fail, including:
- Bad spark plugs
- A bad ignition coil
- A faulty distributor cap
You can check the ignition system by trying to start the car with a new set of spark plugs. If the engine starts with new spark plugs, the ignition system may be bad.
4. Check the Timing Belt
The timing belt is responsible for synchronizing the movement of the crankshaft and camshaft. If the timing belt breaks, the engine will not start. You can check the timing belt by looking for any cracks or tears. If the timing belt is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
5. Check the Engine Computer
The engine computer is responsible for controlling the engine’s operation. If the engine computer is not working properly, the engine will not start. There are a few things that can cause the engine computer to fail, including:
- A bad electrical connection
- A faulty sensor
- A software glitch
You can check the engine computer by having it scanned for codes. If the engine computer is bad, it will need to be replaced.
Conclusion
If your car engine won’t start, but the battery works, there are a few possible causes. By following the steps in this guide, you can narrow down the possible causes and get your car back on the road.