Car Won’t Start and Engine Light Is On: Troubleshooting Guide
If your car won’t start and the engine light is on, it can be a frustrating and confusing experience. There are a number of potential causes for this problem, so it’s important to troubleshoot the issue carefully in order to find a solution.
Possible Causes
1. Dead Battery
A dead battery is one of the most common reasons why a car won’t start. If the battery is not able to provide enough power to the starter, the engine will not be able to turn over. You can check the battery by using a voltmeter to measure the voltage. If the voltage is below 12 volts, the battery may need to be replaced.
2. Faulty Starter
A faulty starter can also prevent a car from starting. The starter is responsible for engaging the flywheel and turning the engine over. If the starter is not working properly, the engine will not be able to start. You can check the starter by listening for a clicking sound when you turn the key to the start position. If you don’t hear a clicking sound, the starter may need to be replaced.
3. Ignition Switch Problems
Ignition switch problems can also cause a car to not start. The ignition switch is responsible for sending power to the starter. If the ignition switch is not working properly, the starter will not receive power and the engine will not be able to start. You can check the ignition switch by trying to start the car in neutral. If the car starts in neutral, the ignition switch may be faulty.
4. Fuel Pump Problems
Fuel pump problems can also prevent a car from starting. The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine. If the fuel pump is not working properly, the engine will not be able to get the fuel it needs to run. You can check the fuel pump by listening for a humming sound when you turn the key to the on position. If you don’t hear a humming sound, the fuel pump may need to be replaced.
5. Clogged Fuel Filter
A clogged fuel filter can also prevent a car from starting. The fuel filter is responsible for removing impurities from the fuel. If the fuel filter is clogged, the engine will not be able to get the clean fuel it needs to run. You can check the fuel filter by removing it and inspecting it for dirt and debris. If the fuel filter is clogged, it will need to be replaced.
Error Codes
If the engine light is on, it may be possible to retrieve error codes that can help you identify the problem. Error codes are stored in the car’s computer and can be retrieved using an OBD-II scanner. Some of the most common error codes that are related to starting problems include:
- P0300 – Random/multiple cylinder misfire
- P0340 – Camshaft position sensor circuit malfunction
- P0341 – Camshaft position sensor circuit performance
- P0351 – Ignition coil A primary/secondary circuit malfunction
- P0352 – Ignition coil B primary/secondary circuit malfunction
- P0562 – System voltage low
- P0601 – Internal control module memory checksum error
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some troubleshooting tips that can help you identify and fix the problem:
- Check the battery voltage using a voltmeter.
- Listen for a clicking sound when you turn the key to the start position.
- Try starting the car in neutral.
- Listen for a humming sound when you turn the key to the on position.
- Inspect the fuel filter for dirt and debris.
- Retrieve error codes using an OBD-II scanner.
Conclusion
If you are unable to start your car and the engine light is on, it is important to troubleshoot the issue carefully in order to find a solution. By following the troubleshooting tips in this guide, you can identify and fix the problem so that you can get your car back on the road.
