A snapshot on how does a car start must have given you a better understanding of the causes of varied problems of starting system. Now its time to have a look at ways to troubleshoot these car start problems. I do not recommend that you should not take your car for repair incase of any such problem. Rather, this post is just meant to help you understand the different 'No-start problems' with the automobile starting system and know few DIY tips to troubleshoot them when in need. Let's discuss some of the ways to troubleshoot these problems.
What to Do When...
Key Does not Move or Turn - This is common as we know, but neither of us know why does it happen. Lets first focus on why it happens and then on how to troubleshoot this problem. This happens mostly when you have parked your car with its wheels that are turned towards just one side. Parking your car in such a position is wrong. When you come back to start your car, you will find that your car's key will not turn on inserting in the switch.
Cause - This happens because there is excessive pressure on the steering lock that prevents the key from turning.
Solution - What you need to do is just force the steering wheel slightly in one direction. Then do the same in the other direction. Make sure you do not exert a lot of pressure towards any of the sides. Try turning the key while doing so. This way the pressure on steering lock is relieved. Now you easily turn the key.
What to Do When...
Car's Engine Makes a Different Sound Cranks a Cranking Sound - You are definitely familiar with this. At times, while starting the car, you hear a different sound - either a cranking sound, a single or multiple clicks at a time.
Cause - Battery is the cause. Your car's battery might have died or become weak. Another possible cause is probably that the connection with the battery has corroded.
Solution - You need to test your battery in such a scenario. A simple way to do so might be to just switch on interior car lights. Dim interior lights when you start the car indicate the need to charge or change your car's battery.
If at all you find the lights working fine, then the problem is not related with the automobile battery or battery parts. Problem might be
- with starter motor or with starter solenoid.
- Or with clutch pedal switch.
- Or with ignition switch or connecting wiring.
- Or with transmission selector.
- Or with neutral safety switch - You may try again by starting the car again with transmission selector in neutral.
What to Do When...
The Vehicle's Engine Cranks But Does not Fire - While starting the car, the engine cranks but does not fire. You may hear the cranking noise but slowly mellows down when you release the key.
Cause - Car's engine is not firing because there might be very less gas or fuel. If the problem arises in a fuel filled tank, the other causes for this no-start condition might be fuel, compression or spark.
Solution - Get the above mentioned auto parts tested at a trusted and known auto repair centre.
What to Do When...
While in Gear, the Car Does not Move - You find everything fine and the engine also functions smoothly, yet the starting problem persists if you place transmission selector in gear .
Cause - In case the car does not move, there is something wrong with the transmission. The other possible causes might be some damage to the clutch.
Solution - First of all, check the fluid level. Now in case, the level of fluid is OK, you need to get the gear shift checked. A disconnected gearshift will cause this problem. If found low, you need to diagnose the problem behind it which might be a leakage. Get this leakage repaired as soon as possible.
If you release the clutch when the transmission is in gear and you vehicle does not move despite the fact that the engine is working fine, its time for you to get the clutch changed.
These were the causes & DIY car repair tips that would help you in a 'No-start condition'. Therefore, next time, when you are on you way to job in the morning and your car says - 'No-start', do not panic or be sad. Just inspect your car's auto parts and try these tips to troubleshoot the problems while starting a car. Remember, its always better to call a car repair mechanic if you find yourself confused.
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