Check Engine Light Won’t Come On and Car Won’t Start
What It Means
When you turn the key in your car, the check engine light should come on for a few seconds. This is a self-diagnostic test that the car’s computer performs to make sure all of the sensors and systems are working properly. If the check engine light doesn’t come on, it could mean that there is a problem with the computer itself, or with one of the sensors or systems that it monitors.
If the check engine light doesn’t come on and your car won’t start, it could be a sign of a serious problem. It’s important to have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
Possible Causes
There are a number of possible causes for a check engine light that won’t come on and a car that won’t start. Some of the most common causes include:
* A faulty ignition switch
* A faulty starter motor
* A faulty battery
* A faulty alternator
* A faulty fuel pump
* A faulty engine control module (ECM)
What to Do
If your check engine light doesn’t come on and your car won’t start, there are a few things you can do:
1. Check the battery. Make sure that the battery is properly connected and that the terminals are clean. If the battery is dead, you can try to jump-start the car.
2. Check the ignition switch. Try to turn the key to the “on” position and see if the check engine light comes on. If it doesn’t, the ignition switch may be faulty.
3. Check the starter motor. Try to turn the key to the “start” position and see if the starter motor engages. If it doesn’t, the starter motor may be faulty.
4. Check the fuel pump. Turn the key to the “on” position and listen for the sound of the fuel pump running. If you don’t hear the fuel pump running, it may be faulty.
5. Check the engine control module (ECM). The ECM is responsible for controlling the engine’s operation. If the ECM is faulty, the car may not start.
If you’ve checked all of these things and your car still won’t start, it’s important to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic.
Cost of Repair
The cost of repairing a check engine light that won’t come on and a car that won’t start will vary depending on the cause of the problem. Some of the most common repairs include:
* Replacing the ignition switch: $100-$200
* Replacing the starter motor: $200-$400
* Replacing the battery: $100-$200
* Replacing the alternator: $200-$400
* Replacing the fuel pump: $200-$400
* Replacing the engine control module (ECM): $500-$1,000
Conclusion
If your check engine light doesn’t come on and your car won’t start, it could be a sign of a serious problem. It’s important to have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. The cost of repair will vary depending on the cause of the problem.
