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My Car Won’t Start ChecklistAfter a stressful day of work, school, or even shopping, you get behind the wheel, ready to return home.
However, once you turn your key in the ignition, nothing seems to happen. |
Unfortunately, starting a vehicle is a simple process that may not have a straightforward answer when something goes wrong.
There are many different mechanical components at play, and all of them are
crucial to you leaving your parking spot.
There are many different mechanical components at play, and all of them are
crucial to you leaving your parking spot.
Is it the Battery?
In many instances, it’s a battery that has lost its charge that is keeping you grounded in place. While it may be possible to give it enough of a jump, it’s also a risky process.
When done incorrectly, a jumpstart can fry your car’s electrical system. And if it loses its computer components, it won’t come back.
You know it’s likely the battery if the key turns, but the ignition does not crank. Although it may still spin, it probably will only click until you take the key back out.
When done incorrectly, a jumpstart can fry your car’s electrical system. And if it loses its computer components, it won’t come back.
You know it’s likely the battery if the key turns, but the ignition does not crank. Although it may still spin, it probably will only click until you take the key back out.
Faulty Fuses
As is the case with your home, your car has a fuse box as well. Unfortunately, if a fuse has blown, it is likely going to keep your vehicle dead in the water.
Fuses appear like small light bulbs, with clear color-coded bodies and filaments inside. If the connection becomes broken, then the item needs to get replaced.
If all the necessary fuses remain in good shape, it could be a problem with the fuel pump. When the engine can’t get gas into the motor, combustion can’t occur, and your vehicle isn’t going to be moving anytime soon.
Fuses appear like small light bulbs, with clear color-coded bodies and filaments inside. If the connection becomes broken, then the item needs to get replaced.
If all the necessary fuses remain in good shape, it could be a problem with the fuel pump. When the engine can’t get gas into the motor, combustion can’t occur, and your vehicle isn’t going to be moving anytime soon.
Clogged Fuel Injector Valve
As the name suggests, your fuel injector is what delivers gas into the engine block so that it can get burned and used. Over time, however, this valve can get gunked up, preventing it from performing.
You can remove the cap from the fuel rail and press the topmost surface. If it remains appropriately pressurized, you’ll see a small amount of fuel spray out.
If you see nothing erupt from inside, then you have a faulty pump or electrical component. You’ll probably need a mechanic to replace this for you.
You can remove the cap from the fuel rail and press the topmost surface. If it remains appropriately pressurized, you’ll see a small amount of fuel spray out.
If you see nothing erupt from inside, then you have a faulty pump or electrical component. You’ll probably need a mechanic to replace this for you.
Car Kicks Off Quickly
Nothing feels more disheartening than hearing your vehicle start for a hot second, only to watch it stall out again. When that happens, it almost certainly is the fuel pump, or something closely related to it.
A mechanic will likely have an old technique to confirm this, where they remove the cap from the throttle and use a little starter spray to force the engine to fire. If it kicks off with this method, it means it can’t keep enough fuel in the system to maintain combustion.
Unfortunately, anything related to the fuel system is likely an expensive repair bill. However, driving around with a faulty fuel pump is also dangerous, and it could spout a gasoline leak.
For a faster diagnosis, you can call MrQuickPick Northwest. We provide affordable roadside assistance daily.
A mechanic will likely have an old technique to confirm this, where they remove the cap from the throttle and use a little starter spray to force the engine to fire. If it kicks off with this method, it means it can’t keep enough fuel in the system to maintain combustion.
Unfortunately, anything related to the fuel system is likely an expensive repair bill. However, driving around with a faulty fuel pump is also dangerous, and it could spout a gasoline leak.
For a faster diagnosis, you can call MrQuickPick Northwest. We provide affordable roadside assistance daily.