Car Won’t Start: Engine Battery and Oil Light On

Overview

When you turn the key in your ignition and nothing happens, it can be a frustrating experience. One of the most common reasons for a car not starting is a dead battery. However, if you see the engine battery and oil light on, there could be a more serious problem.

Causes

There are several possible causes for a car not starting with the engine battery and oil light on:

1. Dead Battery

The most common cause is a dead battery. This can be caused by leaving the lights on, forgetting to turn off the engine, or a faulty battery.

2. Faulty Alternator

The alternator is responsible for charging the battery. If the alternator is not working properly, it will not be able to charge the battery and the car will eventually not start.

3. Oil Pressure Problem

The oil light is designed to warn you of low oil pressure. If the oil pressure is too low, it can damage the engine.

4. Starter Motor Problem

The starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over. If the starter motor is not working properly, it will not be able to start the engine.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the problem, you will need to check the battery, alternator, and oil pressure.

1. Check the Battery

The first step is to check the battery. You can do this by using a voltmeter to measure the voltage across the battery terminals. A healthy battery should have a voltage of around 12.6 volts. If the voltage is below 12 volts, the battery is likely dead and will need to be replaced.

2. Check the Alternator

If the battery is good, the next step is to check the alternator. You can do this by using a voltmeter to measure the voltage at the alternator output terminal. A healthy alternator should output around 14 volts. If the voltage is below 14 volts, the alternator may be faulty and will need to be replaced.

3. Check the Oil Pressure

If the battery and alternator are both working properly, the next step is to check the oil pressure. You can do this by using an oil pressure gauge. A healthy engine should have an oil pressure of around 40 psi. If the oil pressure is below 40 psi, there may be a problem with the oil pump or the engine itself.

Repair

Once you have diagnosed the problem, you will need to repair it.

1. Replace the Battery

If the battery is dead, you will need to replace it. You can do this yourself or have it done by a mechanic.

2. Replace the Alternator

If the alternator is faulty, you will need to replace it. You can do this yourself if you are comfortable working on your car, or you can have it done by a mechanic.

3. Fix the Oil Pressure Problem

If there is a problem with the oil pressure, you will need to fix it. This may involve replacing the oil pump or repairing the engine itself.

Prevention

There are several things you can do to prevent your car from not starting:

* Make sure to turn off the lights and the engine when you leave your car.
* Get your car’s battery checked regularly.
* Have your car’s alternator checked regularly.
* Change your car’s oil regularly.

By following these tips, you can help prevent your car from not starting.

Conclusion

If your car won’t start and the engine battery and oil light are on, there could be a serious problem. It is important to diagnose the problem and repair it as soon as possible. By following the tips in this article, you can help prevent your car from not starting.