Regarding car maintenance, only some individuals keep a tool kit in the trunk. If your automobile doesn't turn over, don't give up on it straight immediately. When your vehicle doesn't turn over, we have a list of things you may do to get it going. But none will address the underlying issue. Trying even one might get the vehicle moving.
If your car won't turn over, the problem is probably with the battery, the connections, the alternator, or the starter. It is only sometimes clear if a problem is with the battery or the alternator. Find out who to blame by following these steps!
1. Try using a starting fluid
If your car won't turn over because of a faulty ignition or because the engine is too cold, starting fluid may be able to help. This sprayable liquid contains an ephemeral chemical called "ether." Only when all other possible causes of engine failure have been eliminated should starting fluid be used because it masks underlying mechanical problems. Gardner suggests having your battery, starter, and alternator checked. A dead or frozen battery is a common cause of a car that won't start.
2. Try Swapping Relays
Turn the key to the "run" position without the radio and listen for a buzzing two-second noise. The sound you hear is the gasoline pump pressuring the injection system. If the fuel pump isn't making any noise, the relay or the pump itself is malfunctioning.
You should consult your owner's handbook or the legend on the fuse box lid to learn where the fuel pump relay is located. Lift the relay for the gas tank's fuel pump. Next, switch out the gasoline pump relay with another relay with the same component number. The plug should be inserted directly into the socket. Attempt to crank the engine after that.
3. Try Tapping on the Battery Terminals
If you're stuck with tools, you can only remove rust and corrosion from the battery connections. Even so, you may jiggle or otherwise shake the terminals around to see if it improves contact. If your vehicle doesn't start, try smacking the battery terminals with the heel of your foot to spin them around the battery post. Afterward, you may attempt to start the car.
4. Check if it has a Faulty Fuse
The purpose of a car fuse is to safeguard the vehicle's electrical system. The automobile will not start if the fuse box is defective or if the fuses have been tampered with. A blown fuse or broken wire might prevent current from reaching the starting relay, essential for providing the spark, ignition, and power necessary to drive your car. To find your vehicle's fuse box, consult its owner's handbook first. The next step is to check whether there is a blown fuse or broken wires. If you see it, have a local mechanic come to your location to fix it.
5. Inspect for a possible Bad Alternator
The battery isn't getting recharged owing to a defective alternator if your vehicle starts but dies once you get moving. Your alternator bearings may be the source of a screaming noise emanating from the engine when drains are engaged, such as when the heater or the stereo is turned on. Another red flag is if the engine is revved when the AM radio is tuned to a low number on the dial with no music playing. If the headlights are on, but the engine won't turn over, the fault may be with the starter or another engine component. If your car's battery light or engine warning light comes on, it might mean the car's charging system is malfunctioning. If your car needs a jumpstart yet instantly dies, it may be due to a faulty alternator.
Testing the battery and the starter is a good idea. The fluid level in conventional wet-cell batteries should be checked as part of regular battery maintenance. A traditional load test may provide less information than an electronic battery test. If you don't want to diagnose the problem, a jumpstart (while keeping the engine running) will do.
These solutions are temporary measures while you wait for a repair professional to examine your device. After you've resolved the problem, have a mechanic look it over to determine the root cause of the car's inability to start and the appropriate course of action. Furthermore, before going out on the road, check the car's battery, engine, brakes, and tires again.
Reference:
Cms_App. “What to Do if Your Car Won’t Start.” GEICO Living, 19 Mar. 2021, www.geico.com/living/driving/auto/auto-care/what-to-do-if-your-car-wont-start.
Fiix Mechanics Editorial Staff. 5 Reasons Why Your Car Won’t Start | Fiix. www.fiix.io/car-advice/articles/5-reasons-why-your-car-won't-start.
Handyman, Family. “What to Do if Your Car Won’t Start.” Family Handyman, 15 June 2022, www.familyhandyman.com/article/car-wont-start-tips-what-to-do.
Roshan. “14 Reasons Why Your Car Won’t Start (With Fixes) | RepairSmith.” RepairSmith, 26 Sept. 2022, www.repairsmith.com/blog/car-wont-start.
Witkowski, Alex. 7 Reasons Why Your Car Won’t Start. www.erieinsurance.com/blog/7-reasons-car-wont-start.
Zoleta, Venus. Car Won&Rsquo;T Start? Troubleshooting Tips for Each Car Breakdown Symptom. 30 May 2022, www.moneymax.ph/car-insurance/articles/car-wont-start-troubleshooting.
