Understanding How Engines Work: My Automotive Blog

When faced with the problem of your car not starting, you should start by checking the electrical systems, fuel systems and spark plugs. If there is no problem with any of those components, you can move on to check for the problems outlined in this article. 

Problems with the starter

The starter is a component near the transmission that contains a solenoid that engages the starter gear with the flywheel to turn the engine over and start the car. There are several problems with the starter that can cause the car to not start. The starter may not be getting power if there is a problem with the neutral safety switch or if the burglar alarm malfunctions. This is because the electric current runs through the burglar alarm circuit before reaching the starter and any problems will result in the circuit not closing. Loose bolts on the starter can also cause it to wiggle around and not turn the engine over.

Problems with the injector

A malfunctioning injector will mean that the right mixture of gas and air is not being fed into the engine. This will cause problems with firing in the engine. These problems are more common when the engine is warm. 

Problems with the cold start valve

The cold start valve works much like the fuel injector and injects fuel into the intake when the engine is cold. Problems like leakage and loose connections can cause the cold start valve to malfunction and fail to start the engine when the temperature is low. However, a malfunction in the valve can keep a car from starting in warm weather as well.

Problems with a chipped ring gear or flywheel

The starter's gear is connected to the gear teeth on the flywheel or ring gear. These teeth can get worn out or chipped which will result in the starter spinning without turning the engine over. If you hear loud scrapes or screeches when trying to start the car, you may have a problem with a chipped ring gear or flywheel

Problems with the computer systems

Your car's ECY or MAF controls the engine and electronics in the car. A lot of these electronics are involved in starting the car. If there is any fault in the computer system, the components in your car will be receiving faulty programming and this may stop the car from starting. You will need to have the problem diagnosed professionally. 

Some of these faults may be fixed at home, but professional help from a car repair shop, such as Southside Auto Repair, is always advised.