How To Troubleshoot A Car Engine That Won't Start

If the engine of your car won't start, here are a couple quick items you can check to try and fix the problem.

There Is No Sound When You Turn The Ignition

Typically, when the key is put into the ignition, you should immediately begin to see lights on the dashboard turn on and hear the radio key in. The key being put into the ignition completes the cycle that will trigger the battery and power on the vehicle and the items within the car. If you have a dead battery then it will not have enough power to turn on anything within the car and you will most likely hear nothing. If this is the case, then check the battery connections to ensure that the cables are connected properly and that there is not a loose connection.

You Hear A Knocking Noise When The Engine Is Running

A knocking noise from the engine is a sign that there is a serious problem with the engine, and the noise is a warning sign to alert you to shut the vehicle down. A knocking noise coming from the engine could be a number of mechanical issues, including a lack of oil inside the engine that could cause the engine to seize, or a problem with the cooling system. If the cooling system is not working, then the car's engine can be overheating and you will want to shut the car off, let it cool and then re-fill it with coolant. Also check the engine to see if there are any oil leaks, and top up the engine with a new jug of oil. You should not attempt to drive the car while it is making a knocking sound at any time.

The Engine Starts, But Dies

This is typically a sign that there is a problem with the distribution of fuel to the engine, and the car is not getting enough gas to stay running. Check the carburetor and open up the choke valve to allow more fuel into the engine. Check to make sure that the car's fuel tank is filled and that you do not have a broken fuel gauge, which could be causing an improper fuel reading. To test if the car is low on fuel, fill a gas can with fuel and then add it to the car's reserves. You only need a dollar or two's worth of fuel, but it will be more than enough to start the car. If the car still starts but eventually sputters out, then it could be a sign of a much larger mechanical issue.

If the tips outlined above do not fix the problem and your car still will not start, then you need to take it to a professional mechanic like AutoMedics to have it properly diagnosed.