BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING
Why will my engine not start?
- Nothing, or almost nothing - This means that the engine's starter motor does not operate at all, or operates very slowly.
- The starter motor operates normally, but the engine does not start up and run.
What happens when the starter motor operates very slowly?
You will realize this when you do not hear the normal noise of the engine once you turn the ignition switch to START. You may hear a clicking sound or series of clicks, or nothing at all.
Check on the following:
- If your car is equipped with an automatic transmission, check the position of the shift lever. It must be in Park or in Neutral. On some manual transmission models, the clutch pedal must be pushed all the way to the floor or the starter will not operate.
- Turn the ignition switch to ON. Turn on the headlights and check their brightness. If there is no headlight at all the battery is discharged.
- Turn the ignition switch to START. If the headlights do not dim, check the condition of the fuses. If the fuses are OK, there is something probably wrong with the electrical circuits for the ignition switch or starter motor. You will need a qualified technician to determine the problem.
If the headlights dim noticeably or go out when you try to start the engine, either the battery is discharged or the connections are corroded. Check the condition of the battery and terminal connections. You can jump start the car from a booster battery.
What if the starter motor operates normally but the engine does not run?
If you can hear the starter motor operating normally, but the engine does not start up and run, you have to consider the following factors:
- Are you using the proper starting procedure?
- Do you have petrol? Turn the ignition switch to ON for a minute and watch the fuel gauge. The low fuel warning light may not be working, so you were not reminded to fill the tank.
- There may be an electrical problem, such as no power to the fuel pump. Check all fuses.
If you find nothing wrong, you will need a qualified technician to diagnose the problem.
