Car Won’t Start, Check Engine Light On

Introduction

When your car won’t start and the check engine light is on, it can be a frustrating and confusing experience. There are many possible causes for this problem, and it can be difficult to know where to start troubleshooting. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common causes of this problem and provide you with some tips on how to troubleshoot it.

Common Causes

Dead battery: This is the most common cause of a car that won’t start. If your battery is dead, it will not be able to provide the power needed to start the engine.
Faulty starter: The starter is responsible for turning the engine over. If the starter is faulty, it will not be able to engage the flywheel and start the engine.
Bad alternator: The alternator is responsible for charging the battery. If the alternator is bad, it will not be able to provide the power needed to start the engine.
Fuel pump failure: The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine. If the fuel pump fails, the engine will not be able to start.
Ignition system failure: The ignition system is responsible for creating the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine. If the ignition system fails, the engine will not be able to start.

Troubleshooting

If your car won’t start and the check engine light is on, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem:

Check the battery: Start by checking the battery. If the battery is dead, you will need to jump-start it or replace it.
Check the starter: If the battery is good, the next step is to check the starter. You can do this by listening for a clicking sound when you turn the key. If you hear a clicking sound, the starter is probably bad and will need to be replaced.
Check the alternator: If the starter is good, the next step is to check the alternator. You can do this by testing the voltage at the battery. If the voltage is below 12 volts, the alternator is probably bad and will need to be replaced.
Check the fuel pump: If the alternator is good, the next step is to check the fuel pump. You can do this by listening for a humming sound when you turn the key to the “on” position. If you do not hear a humming sound, the fuel pump may be bad and will need to be replaced.
Check the ignition system: If the fuel pump is good, the next step is to check the ignition system. You can do this by checking the spark plugs and wires. If the spark plugs are fouled or the wires are damaged, the ignition system may be bad and will need to be repaired or replaced.

Conclusion

If you have tried all of the troubleshooting steps above and your car still won’t start, you should take it to a mechanic for further diagnosis. There may be a more serious problem that is preventing your car from starting.