Check Engine Light On and Car Won’t Turn Over
1. Introduction
If your car’s check engine light is on and the car won’t turn over, it can be a frustrating and confusing experience. There are several potential causes for this problem, and it’s important to diagnose the issue correctly in order to fix it.
2. Common Causes
There are several common causes for a check engine light and a car that won’t turn over. These include:
- Dead battery: A dead battery is one of the most common causes of a car not turning over. If your battery is dead, it will need to be replaced.
- Faulty starter: The starter is responsible for turning over the engine. If the starter is faulty, it will need to be replaced.
- Bad alternator: The alternator is responsible for charging the battery. If the alternator is bad, the battery will not be able to get enough power to start the car.
- Ignition switch problems: The ignition switch is responsible for sending power to the starter. If the ignition switch is faulty, it will need to be replaced.
- Fuel pump problems: The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine. If the fuel pump is faulty, the engine will not be able to start.
3. Diagnosis
To diagnose the problem, you will need to start by checking the battery. If the battery is dead, it will need to be replaced. If the battery is not dead, you will need to check the starter. To do this, you can try tapping on the starter with a hammer. If the starter is faulty, it will need to be replaced. If the starter is not faulty, you will need to check the alternator. To do this, you can use a voltmeter to check the voltage at the battery terminals. If the voltage is low, the alternator will need to be replaced. If the voltage is high, the alternator is probably not the problem.
4. Repair
Once you have diagnosed the problem, you will need to repair it. If the battery is dead, it will need to be replaced. If the starter is faulty, it will need to be replaced. If the alternator is bad, it will need to be replaced. If the ignition switch is faulty, it will need to be replaced. If the fuel pump is faulty, it will need to be replaced.
5. Prevention
There are several things you can do to prevent your car from having a check engine light and not turning over. These include:
- Regular maintenance: Regular maintenance can help to prevent many problems from occurring in the first place. This includes things like changing the oil, checking the tires, and inspecting the brakes.
- Avoid driving in bad weather: Driving in bad weather can put a lot of stress on your car’s battery and alternator. If possible, avoid driving in bad weather, especially if your car is already having problems.
- Get your car checked out if you notice any problems: If you notice any problems with your car, even if they seem minor, it’s important to get your car checked out. This can help to prevent small problems from becoming big problems.
6. Conclusion
If your car’s check engine light is on and the car won’t turn over, it can be a frustrating and confusing experience. However, by following these steps, you can diagnose and repair the problem and get your car back on the road.
