What are the reasons why the car always fails to start?
1 Answers
Engine failure to start is one of the most common car problems. There are two scenarios for failure to start: one is when you can hear the starter motor turning, but the engine does not start. The other is when there is no sound at all after turning the key. The details are as follows: 1. The first scenario: The starter works, but the engine does not. This situation is more complicated because it could be caused by any one of multiple faults. It is rare for two or more faults to occur simultaneously, but it cannot be ruled out entirely. (1) First, it could be an electrical or electronic fault. The occurrence is usually very sudden, with no prior signs. Electrical faults include: blown fuse, open circuit in the high-voltage coil, open circuit in the low-voltage circuit, detached central ignition wire, leaking distributor rotor, or damaged spark plug. Electronic faults mainly refer to the central computer control board losing functionality. (2) Then, it could be a fuel system fault. Engine shutdown caused by fuel system faults often comes with symptoms like the engine feeling weak or the accelerator pedal feeling unresponsive. Possible fuel system fault locations include: fuel pump failure, blocked fuel line, clogged fuel filter, carburetor failure, or damaged injector, etc. Sometimes, the fuel tank might be empty without the owner realizing it. Adding a few liters of gasoline can solve all the issues. (3) Lastly, it could also be a mechanical fault. Common mechanical faults include: timing belt breakage, cylinder leakage with no pressure, etc. 2. The second scenario: The starter does not work or barely works. In this case, the first thing to check is the battery. There are many methods to check it. Connect the battery's positive and negative terminals, then turn the key to start. If the voltage indicator suddenly drops below 8 volts when the power is connected, the battery definitely has a problem. If you don’t have a voltmeter, you can use a 12-volt small bulb and a short piece of power wire instead. The method is the same—if the bulb suddenly becomes significantly dimmer, it also indicates an aging battery. In many cases, the battery may already be failing but can still power the headlights. This is not surprising. Only at the moment of ignition can the battery's performance truly be tested because that is when it bears the maximum load.
