What to Do and How to Check Your Car When It Refuses to Start

Apr 2016

If you are trying to start your car and it either ignores your call or responds with a roaring engine, then prepare yourself for a bad start to the day. Although nothing is more frustrating than a car that refuses to start, but the best way to deal with this situation is to control your panic and follow these steps to discover the problem.

Check the Fuses

The most common car engine problems occur when the fuses are sparked, improperly plugged, or insulated against the current flow. Check the fuses and take the vehicle to a mechanical expert if the problem cannot be fixed on your own.

Dead or Corroded Battery

Over time, dirt accumulates in the battery and corrodes it, which further breaks the battery and car connections. It is better to check the battery often to avoid this situation, but if the problem has already occurred, then check the battery, remove the corrosions, clean it, and plug it again to restart the car.

Bad Ignition Switch

A bad ignition switch is the easiest to identify. Turn the car key halfway and check the warning lights on the dashboard. If the warning lights turn on, turn the car key completely to start the engine. The warning lights must turn off now. You can identify a bad ignition switch if the warning lights don’t turn off after fully turning the car key. In such a case; turn the headlights on. If the headlights don’t light up completely or are dimly lit, it shows a bad ignition switch.

Bad Starter Connection

A corroded battery may also affect the starter electrical connection of the car. Wear rubber gloves and shoes (if possible) and check the starter connection with the help of a circuit tester. Make sure to stay away from the engine as it may start immediately, as soon as the wires pass current to it.

Spark Related Problems

Plug related issues are very common in fuel dependant machines; including motorcycles, cars, mini-trucks, and electricity generators etc. Usually, when carbon collects on the coil, the plug stops passing the current. Change the plug if a black powder is visible on the coil. For reusing the plug, the carbon on the coil can be easily removed by rubbing it with sandpaper. Also, check the gap between the plug cap and the coil. Finally, check the wires of the plug for breakage or short circuits.
If none of the above problems has occurred, then ask a professional mechanic to check the car. Keep your car covered during rainy days to avoid 90% of the engine problems that result in an unresponsive car.