Car Won’t Start, Check Engine Light On
Causes
- Bad battery
- Loose or corroded battery terminals
- Faulty alternator
- Broken starter
- Clogged fuel filter
- Bad spark plugs
- Faulty ignition coil
- Computer problems
Troubleshooting
- Check the battery. If the battery is dead, jump-start the car and then have the battery tested. If the battery is bad, replace it.
- Check the battery terminals. If the terminals are loose or corroded, clean them with a battery terminal cleaner and tighten them. If the terminals are damaged, replace them.
- Check the alternator. The alternator is responsible for charging the battery. If the alternator is not working properly, the battery will not be able to hold a charge and the car will not start.
- Check the starter. The starter is responsible for turning the engine over. If the starter is not working properly, the engine will not be able to start.
- Check the fuel filter. The fuel filter removes impurities from the fuel. If the fuel filter is clogged, the engine will not be able to get enough fuel to start.
- Check the spark plugs. The spark plugs create the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine. If the spark plugs are worn or fouled, the engine will not be able to start.
- Check the ignition coil. The ignition coil provides the spark to the spark plugs. If the ignition coil is not working properly, the engine will not be able to start.
- Check the computer. The computer controls the engine’s operation. If the computer is not working properly, the engine will not be able to start.
Repair
The repair for a car that won’t start and has the check engine light on will depend on the cause of the problem. If the problem is a simple one, such as a dead battery, you may be able to fix it yourself. However, if the problem is more complex, such as a faulty computer, you will need to take your car to a mechanic.
Cost
The cost of repairing a car that won’t start and has the check engine light on will vary depending on the cause of the problem. If the problem is a simple one, such as a dead battery, the cost of repair will be relatively low. However, if the problem is more complex, such as a faulty computer, the cost of repair could be quite high.
Prevention
There are a few things you can do to prevent your car from not starting and having the check engine light on. These include:
- Regularly maintaining your car
- Having your car inspected by a mechanic at least once a year
- Replacing worn or damaged parts as needed
- Using high-quality fuel
- Avoiding driving in extreme weather conditions
By following these tips, you can help keep your car running smoothly and avoid the inconvenience and expense of a car that won’t start.
