Car Won’t Start: Check Engine Light and Battery Light On
If your car won’t start and the check engine light and battery light are both on, it’s a sign that there’s a problem with your car’s electrical system. This could be caused by a number of different things, including:
- A dead battery
- A faulty alternator
- A loose or damaged wiring connection
- A problem with the starter motor
Troubleshooting the Problem
To troubleshoot the problem, you’ll need to start by checking the battery. If the battery is dead, you’ll need to jump-start your car or replace the battery. If the battery is not dead, then you’ll need to check the alternator. The alternator is responsible for charging the battery, so if it’s not working properly, the battery will not be able to provide enough power to start the car.
To check the alternator, you can use a voltmeter to measure the voltage output. The voltage output should be between 13.5 and 14.5 volts. If the voltage output is below 13.5 volts, then the alternator is not working properly and will need to be replaced.
If the alternator is working properly, then you’ll need to check the wiring connections. Look for any loose or damaged wires and tighten or replace them as necessary.
If you’ve checked the battery, alternator, and wiring connections and you still can’t start your car, then you may have a problem with the starter motor. The starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over, so if it’s not working properly, the engine will not be able to start.
To check the starter motor, you can use a voltmeter to measure the voltage at the starter terminals. The voltage should be between 12 and 14 volts. If the voltage is below 12 volts, then the starter motor is not getting enough power and will need to be replaced.
Fixing the Problem
Once you’ve identified the problem, you can start fixing it. If the battery is dead, you’ll need to jump-start your car or replace the battery. If the alternator is not working properly, you’ll need to replace it. If the wiring connections are loose or damaged, you’ll need to tighten or replace them. And if the starter motor is not working properly, you’ll need to replace it.
Once you’ve fixed the problem, your car should start normally. If it doesn’t, then there may be another problem that you’ll need to diagnose and fix.
Conclusion
If your car won’t start and the check engine light and battery light are both on, it’s important to troubleshoot the problem and fix it as soon as possible. Driving with a car that has electrical problems can be dangerous, so it’s important to get it fixed right away.
