The car that won’t start or the engine won’t start while driving is a real nuisance, but you don’t have to panic right away. It is very likely that the effect is caused by an insignificant defect. To find the reason, however, you need a good knowledge of vehicle operation. In this article, you will read all about the causes of the car crash and understand what to do in this situation.
The engine does not start – problems with the fuel supply
If the car won’t start or stops, the first suspicion falls on the fuel system. If the car makes a noise but refuses to drive, the fuel tank may be empty. If the gauge shows the presence of fuel, the tank float is probably blocked. You can check this by adding some fuel to the tank and trying to start the car again. It may take some patience as the completely empty fuel system must first be vented.
If the tank empties unusually fast, check for the smell of petroleum. It is likely that the fuel line is damaged and leaks gas. Or the cause could be the fuel pump malfunction.
The car does not start repeatedly – belt drive failure
Transmission malfunction often has fatal consequences. If the drive belt or chain is damaged, the engine will stop and no longer start. Often in this case the engine has suffered severe damage and expensive repair is required. To check this, the belt or chain cover must be removed. If the components are detached, the cause is identified. Repair, in this case, will not only concern the replacement of the belt, but the engine must also be completely disassembled.
Ignition does not take place – power failure
The most common cause of problems with starting the engine is the failure of the electrical power system. Electric current is produced in the generator located inside the battery and reaches the spark plugs in the engine via the ignition coil and distributor. Current always creates a circuit. If it is interrupted, the power is no longer there. The return of current to the generator always takes place through the bodywork, it means that the generator, as well as the battery, must have an earth connection, that is, be connected to the bodywork with cables.
In the space between the cables and the body, rust often forms. If the problem is not noticed in time, starting the car becomes more and more difficult, until the engine stops running. The solution is very simple: the ground cable must be removed, sanded and lubricated with grease for the poles. Fasten the cable again and the problem is solved.
The ignition coil converts the 24 Volt current supplied by the generator into the 10,000 Volt ignition current. The cable is positioned between the coil and the ignition distributor. In older cars, the distribution cable may come loose. This is the most obvious cause of ignition problems – if the cable reconnects, the car will be able to drive. If the cable is in place but sparks, the insulation is damaged, it has probably been reddened by a rodent. An emergency measure, in this case, is to wrap the ignition cable with electrical tape.
If the car starts now, check for damage caused by rodents. Gnawed coolant hose can cause serious engine damage.
The problem with the power supply may be the starter. This element consists of an electric motor and an electromagnetic relay. Over time the starter may wear out or the contact connection may corrode. The starter failure makes itself heard with a buzz. The electromagnet cannot completely disconnect the starter drive while the electric motor is still running. With a little luck, this defect can be fixed. Most often the only option, in this case, is a replacement.
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