Car Won’t Start, Check Engine Light On: Causes and Solutions
When your car won’t start and the check engine light is on, it can be a frustrating and worrisome experience. There are a number of potential causes for this issue, and the solution will depend on the underlying cause. In this article, we will explore some of the most common causes of a car not starting with the check engine light on, and we will provide some troubleshooting tips to help you get your car back up and running.
Common Causes of a Car Not Starting with the Check Engine Light On
1. Battery Problems
A weak or dead battery is one of the most common causes of a car not starting. When the battery is not able to provide enough power to the starter motor, the car will not be able to start. If the battery is weak, you may be able to start the car by jumping it with another vehicle. However, if the battery is dead, you will need to replace it.
To check the battery, you can use a multimeter to measure the voltage. The voltage should be between 12.6 and 13.2 volts when the engine is not running. If the voltage is below 12.6 volts, the battery is weak and should be replaced.
2. Starter Problems
The starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over. If the starter motor is not working properly, the car will not be able to start. There are a number of things that can cause the starter motor to fail, including a bad solenoid, a worn-out starter drive, or a loose connection.
To check the starter motor, you can use a multimeter to measure the voltage at the starter solenoid. The voltage should be between 12 and 15 volts when the key is turned to the start position. If the voltage is below 12 volts, the starter motor may be faulty and should be replaced.
3. Fuel Problems
If the fuel system is not working properly, the car will not be able to start. There are a number of things that can cause fuel problems, including a clogged fuel filter, a faulty fuel pump, or a bad fuel injector.
To check the fuel system, you can use a fuel pressure gauge to measure the pressure in the fuel line. The pressure should be between 40 and 60 psi. If the pressure is below 40 psi, there may be a problem with the fuel pump or the fuel filter. If the pressure is above 60 psi, there may be a problem with the fuel pressure regulator.
4. Ignition Problems
The ignition system is responsible for providing the spark that ignites the fuel in the cylinders. If the ignition system is not working properly, the car will not be able to start. There are a number of things that can cause ignition problems, including a faulty spark plug, a bad spark plug wire, or a worn-out distributor cap.
To check the ignition system, you can use a spark tester to check for spark at the spark plugs. If there is no spark, the problem may be with the spark plugs, the spark plug wires, or the distributor cap.
Troubleshooting Tips
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 voltage. If the voltage is below 12.6 volts, the battery may be weak and should be replaced.
- Check the starter motor voltage. If the voltage is below 12 volts, the starter motor may be faulty and should be replaced.
- Check the fuel pressure. If the pressure is below 40 psi, there may be a problem with the fuel pump or the fuel filter.
- Check for spark at the spark plugs. If there is no spark, the problem may be with the spark plugs, the spark plug wires, or the distributor cap.
If you are not able to troubleshoot the problem yourself, you can take your car to a mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.
Conclusion
If your car won’t start and the check engine light is on, there are a number of potential causes. The most common causes include battery problems, starter problems, fuel problems, and ignition problems. You can troubleshoot the problem yourself by checking the battery voltage, the starter motor voltage, the fuel pressure, and the spark at the spark plugs. If you are not able to troubleshoot the problem yourself, you can take your car to a mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.
