Why is my car engine not turning over?

Common causes of a car engine not turning over

There are several common causes for a car engine not turning over. These include:

Dead battery: This is the most common cause of a car engine not turning over. If your battery is dead, it will not be able to provide the necessary power to start the engine.
Faulty starter: The starter is responsible for turning over the engine. If the starter is faulty, it will not be able to engage the flywheel and start the engine.
Bad ignition switch: The ignition switch is responsible for sending the signal to the starter to turn over the engine. If the ignition switch is bad, it will not be able to send the signal and the engine will not start.
Loose or corroded battery terminals: Loose or corroded battery terminals can prevent the battery from providing power to the starter. This can cause the engine to not turn over.
Damaged flywheel: A damaged flywheel can prevent the starter from engaging the flywheel and starting the engine.

How to troubleshoot a car engine that is not turning over

If your car engine is not turning over, you can try the following steps to troubleshoot the problem:

Check the battery: Use a voltmeter to check the battery voltage. The battery should have a voltage of at least 12.6 volts. If the battery voltage is low, it may need to be replaced.
Check the starter: Try tapping the starter with a hammer. If the starter is faulty, this may jolt it into working.
Check the ignition switch: Turn the ignition key to the “start” position and listen for a clicking sound. If you hear a clicking sound, the ignition switch is probably working properly.
Check the battery terminals: Make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight. Loose or corroded battery terminals can prevent the battery from providing power to the starter.
Check the flywheel: Inspect the flywheel for any damage. A damaged flywheel can prevent the starter from engaging the flywheel and starting the engine.

Conclusion

If you have tried all of the troubleshooting steps above and your car engine is still not turning over, you will need to take it to a mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.