What to do if Car Engine Doesn’t Start

1. Check the Battery

The battery is the most common reason why a car engine won’t start. If the battery is dead, there won’t be enough power to turn the engine over. You can check the battery by connecting a voltmeter to the terminals. If the voltage is below 12 volts, the battery is likely dead and needs to be replaced.

2. Check the Starter

The starter is the component that turns the engine over. If the starter is faulty, it won’t be able to engage the engine and start it. You can check the starter by listening for a clicking sound when you turn the key. If you don’t hear a clicking sound, the starter may be faulty and needs to be replaced.

3. Check the Fuel Pump

The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine. If the fuel pump is faulty, the engine won’t be able to get the fuel it needs to start. You can check the fuel pump by listening for a humming sound when you turn the key. If you don’t hear a humming sound, the fuel pump may be faulty and needs to be replaced.

4. Check the Spark Plugs

The spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel in the engine. If the spark plugs are faulty, the engine won’t be able to start. You can check the spark plugs by removing them from the engine and looking for any signs of damage or wear. If the spark plugs are damaged or worn, they need to be replaced.

5. Check the Fuel Filter

The fuel filter is responsible for removing impurities from the fuel. If the fuel filter is clogged, the engine won’t be able to get the clean fuel it needs to start. You can check the fuel filter by removing it from the engine and looking for any signs of dirt or debris. If the fuel filter is dirty or clogged, it needs to be replaced.

6. Check the Air Filter

The air filter is responsible for removing impurities from the air that is drawn into the engine. If the air filter is dirty or clogged, the engine won’t be able to get the clean air it needs to start. You can check the air filter by removing it from the engine and looking for any signs of dirt or debris. If the air filter is dirty or clogged, it needs to be replaced.

7. Check the Engine Oil

The engine oil is responsible for lubricating the engine’s moving parts. If the engine oil is low or dirty, the engine won’t be able to run properly and may not start. You can check the engine oil by removing the dipstick and looking at the oil level. If the oil level is low, add oil until it reaches the full mark on the dipstick. If the oil is dirty, it needs to be changed.

8. Check the Coolant

The coolant is responsible for keeping the engine cool. If the coolant level is low, the engine may overheat and not start. You can check the coolant level by looking at the coolant reservoir. If the coolant level is low, add coolant until it reaches the full mark on the reservoir.

9. Check the Belts and Hoses

The belts and hoses are responsible for driving the engine’s accessories and transporting fluids. If a belt or hose is broken or damaged, the engine may not be able to start or run properly. You can check the belts and hoses by looking for any signs of damage or wear. If a belt or hose is damaged or worn, it needs to be replaced.

10. Check the Computer

The computer is responsible for controlling the engine’s operation. If the computer is faulty, the engine may not be able to start or run properly. You can check the computer by having it diagnosed by a mechanic. If the computer is faulty, it may need to be replaced.

If you have checked all of the above and your car still won’t start, you should take it to a mechanic for further diagnosis.