What causes difficulty in starting a car but normal operation after startup?
3 Answers
Difficulty in starting a car but normal operation after startup may be caused by carbon deposits in the engine, weak ignition, or insufficient low pressure. Here are the detailed explanations: 1. Carbon deposits in the engine: Carbon deposits can cause ignition difficulties, accompanied by slight shaking at idle. Cleaning the throttle valve, intake tract carbon deposits, and fuel injectors can solve the problem. 2. Weak ignition: Weak spark plug ignition energy can result from not replacing spark plugs after their maintenance cycle, leading to severe ignition energy decline and misfires. Many modern engines use direct fuel injection, which places higher demands on spark plugs. 3. Insufficient low pressure: Insufficient low pressure in the fuel system can directly cause the engine to require a second ignition. The specific reason is that the first ignition fails because the low-pressure fuel system is building up fuel pressure, while the second ignition succeeds.
I've been driving for over twenty years, and it's quite common to experience difficulty starting the car while everything else runs fine. The issue usually lies in the starting system—like insufficient or aging battery power. Starting requires a high current, and if the battery is low, the engine may crank but fail to start. However, once running, the alternator charges it, and all is well. Another possibility is worn starter motor gears, causing a brief hiccup during ignition. Don’t underestimate this—last week, my car had this issue, and I nearly missed a meeting. Quickly check the battery voltage; if it’s below 12 volts, it’s time for a replacement. Regular maintenance is key: avoid too many short trips, as they drain the battery, and take longer drives or charge it periodically to extend its lifespan. Fuel system problems, like a faulty low-pressure fuel pump, can also make starting difficult by hindering fuel delivery. Safety first—don’t wait for a breakdown to fix it.
Having helped out at the repair shop quite a bit, starting difficulties are often due to aging ignition systems, such as carbon buildup on spark plugs or weakening ignition coils, resulting in insufficient ignition at low RPMs during startup but improving at higher RPMs. Alternatively, it could be due to corroded or loose battery terminals causing poor contact and insufficient starting current. I usually start by checking the battery voltage with a multimeter; if it drops below 10 volts during startup, there's an issue. Loose wire connections are also common, so I recommend checking and tightening them one by one. Cold starts are more prone to problems, as low temperatures affect oil viscosity and increase wear. Addressing issues early saves trouble—last time, a client ignored it and ended up with a no-start situation, costing a lot to fix. Developing a habit of monthly electrical system checks can prevent such issues.
