Car Engine Won't Start

What do you do if your car engine won’t start? While you might need a tow truck, there are a couple things you can check first.

Take an Automotive Class!

We asked service manager Sandy Bosserman, of Enchantment Ford in New Mexico, about car engines and reasons why they don’t start. Keep in mind that these are rules of thumb to follow. Not every car and their components are the same. If you’re unsure what to do, call a tow truck, your mechanic or your auto club.

• Battery - It could be your battery. To tell if it is, look at your headlights or turn on your inside overhead light. If they are dim or not as bright as usual, you may have a dead battery. You can try a jump-start from another car’s engine, but before you do make sure you know how to jump-start a car. Because of all the new technology in cars these days, read your owner’s manual on how to jump-start your vehicle so you don’t ruin any electrical components, or ask a knowledgeable friend to help you. A clicking noise when you try to start the car could also indicate a dead or low battery.
• Key Doesn’t Turn – If your engine won’t start because you can’t turn your key, make sure you have the vehicle in park. In addition, with the security features in cars today, often if you are using your valet key (trunk key) and not your ignition key, the key may not turn because the computer thinks it is being stolen. If this happens, get your ignition key and wait fifteen to thirty minutes before trying again.
• Ignition Switch – You may have a bad ignition switch that will need to be replaced in order for your car to start. When you have your mechanic perform your regular lube-oil-filter service, ask them to check your ignition switch and the wires surrounding it.
• Starter Solenoid – You could also have a bad starter solenoid. Again, this will have to be replaced at an auto repair center before you can start your engine. Ask your mechanic to check this every 30,000 miles.
• Fuel – While this sounds silly, many people don’t realize that they have indeed run out of fuel. Check the gas gauge. If you’re out of gas, the needle will not rise.
• Carburetor – The carburetor opens and closes, and sometimes get stuck blocking fuel so your engine won’t start. If this happens, lightly tap the carburetor close to the gas line to see if that frees up the problem.
• Spark Plugs – You could have loose or bad spark plugs. If you check the spark plug wires that are connected to the distributor cap and they are secure and your car still won’t start, you probably need new spark plugs.
• Corrosion – If you look under the hood of your car, there are many cables and wires. Often, wires and cables can become corroded and you may need to have them replaced before you can get your car back on the road.
• Overheating – You may need to replenish fluids that are causing your car to overheat.

1. Invest in a basic automotive class so you understand what all the parts and components are under your hood. Many people don’t even know how to check their own oil so taking an automotive class can be gold. Look for them at your local community college.
2. Read your owner’s manual. Many times an engine won’t start because the owner put in the wrong type of fuel. Consider the owner’s manual as your car’s bible. Read it and follow the directions if you have problems.
3. If your vehicle is relatively new and still under warranty, call the customer service number in your owner’s manual. The call will be toll-free and you can find out if your car is eligible for roadside assistance or a free tow to the nearest auto repair shop.
4. Keep up with recommended service appointments. Many engines fail due to low or no oil from infrequent or no changes and bad air or fuel filters.
5. Ask a mechanic to assist you in understanding how your engine works. If he or she can give you some tips on what different sounds mean when your car engine won’t start, you may be able to handle some repairs by visiting a parts store..

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