Why Won’t My Car Engine Turn Over?

If you’re turning the key and nothing is happening, it can be a frustrating experience. But don’t worry, there are a few things you can check to try and figure out why your car engine won’t turn over.

1. Check the Battery

The battery is responsible for providing the power to start your car. If the battery is dead or weak, it won’t be able to provide enough power to turn the engine over. You can check the battery by using a voltmeter to measure the voltage. The voltage should be between 12.6 and 13.2 volts. If the voltage is below 12.6 volts, the battery may be dead and need to be replaced.

2. Check the Starter

The starter is responsible for turning the engine over. If the starter is bad, it won’t be able to turn the engine over. You can check the starter by using a multimeter to measure the voltage at the starter solenoid. The voltage should be between 12 and 14 volts. If the voltage is below 12 volts, the starter may be bad and need to be replaced.

3. Check the Ignition System

The ignition system is responsible for providing the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine. If the ignition system is bad, it won’t be able to provide the spark needed to start the engine. You can check the ignition system by using a spark tester to test the spark plugs. The spark should be a bright blue spark. If the spark is weak or nonexistent, the ignition system may be bad and need to be repaired or replaced.

4. Check the Fuel System

The fuel system is responsible for providing the fuel to the engine. If the fuel system is bad, it won’t be able to provide the fuel needed to start the engine. You can check the fuel system by checking the fuel pressure. The fuel pressure should be between 40 and 60 psi. If the fuel pressure is below 40 psi, the fuel system may be bad and need to be repaired or replaced.

5. Check the Air Filter

The air filter is responsible for providing the air to the engine. If the air filter is clogged, it won’t be able to provide the air needed to start the engine. You can check the air filter by removing it and inspecting it. If the air filter is dirty or clogged, it should be replaced.

6. Check the Timing Belt

The timing belt is responsible for synchronizing the timing of the engine. If the timing belt is broken or out of time, the engine won’t be able to start. You can check the timing belt by removing the timing belt cover and inspecting the belt. If the timing belt is broken or out of time, it should be replaced.

7. Check the Engine Computer

The engine computer is responsible for controlling the engine. If the engine computer is bad, it won’t be able to control the engine and the engine won’t be able to start. You can check the engine computer by using a scan tool to read the diagnostic codes. If the engine computer is bad, it may need to be replaced.

Conclusion

If you’ve checked all of the above and your car still won’t turn over, you may need to take it to a mechanic to have it diagnosed. There may be a more serious problem that needs to be repaired.