Another day on the job. You settle into your automobile and turn the key. Nothing. You try again. Nothing. You cannot get your car start. Why? You’re already running late. Mike’s Automotive lists the causes of a “dead” engine below. In many cases, the engine isn’t dead at all. Rather, you’ve got something else going on that is preventing your vehicle from starting.
Battery
If you left your headlights on, didn’t close your driver and passenger doors tightly, or if your battery is older than three years, chances are a dead battery is the reason why your car won’t start. Check the cables to ensure they’re secure and the terminals for corrosion before you jumpstart your vehicle.
Starter
If you hear clicking when you turn the key in the ignition, the battery is okay but your starter isn’t. A clicking noise is a sign that your starter has died, and this is the reason why you can’t start your car. The alternator could also be going bad or dead and, if so, it’s not able to keep your battery charged.
Ignition Switch
Turn on the headlights to see if they work. If they do yet nothing happens when you turn the key in the ignition, your vehicle might have a bad ignition switch. It’s rare for this part to go bad, but it can, especially in older cars. Replacing the ignition switch will fix the problem and get your car started.
Fuel Trouble
No gas no power, but you know that. The problem is you might have a full tank of gas but it isn’t getting to the engine. A dead fuel pump or clogged fuel lines or injectors will starve the engine of gasoline and it won’t be able to start. You might notice sputtering and stalling prior to the dead engine.
Spark Plugs
If everything is a-okay with the fuel system, it could be an ignition problem. The spark plugs have the power to make or break your automobile, so to speak. If they do not fire properly and in the correct order, there will be no detonation or combustion and, consequently, your car won’t start.
Ignition Coil
The ignition coil also supplies sparks to the engine cylinders, and if it is faulty, your car, truck, or utility vehicle might not start. The ignition coil amplifies the car battery’s 12 volts into several thousand. This is the voltage needed to fire up and keep the combustion going in the engine until you turn it off.
Security Locks
Finally, you might not be able to start your car if you’ve activated the antitheft security system inadvertently. Another safety feature is a locked steering wheel. If either of these things believes you are attempting to steal your own automobile, they will prevent the engine from starting.
We can help here at Mike’s Automotive in Del City, OK. We can figure out why your automobile won’t start and fix the problem. Call us today.
