Fuel Problems - Engine Cranks - Car Won’t Start! Auto Repair Tips

There may be little as frustrating as a car that won’t start.  Even worse is an engine that cranks but STILL won’t start!  Before you head off to the auto repair shop, let’s take a look at what one of the problems could be.  An informed car owner is much better prepared to deal with a mechanic or auto repair shop when you understand where your problems lie.

To start, your engine requires sufficient fuel pressure, an accurately timed spark and normal compression.  If your car or truck engine cranks, but will not start, you are likely having trouble in one of these areas.

NO FUEL – Engine Cranks, No Fuel Getting Through

A faulty or bad fuel pump could be the culprit.  Your fuel pump should engage for a moment when the key is turned on to start the car.  If you do not hear a light buzz sound when the ignition key is turned, fuel is likely not making it to the engine. You should also look under the car to inspect your fuel lines. Fuel lines that are plugged up or pinched off can stop fuel from properly circulating through the system. 

Another culprit could be your fuel pump relay. When the ignition is turned on, the fuel pump relay gets energized by PCM, routing power to the fuel pump.

Wiring could be another issue.  There is a hard to reach connector on top of the fuel tank that should be checked.  Open wiring anywhere within the fuel pump’s wiring circuit can cause a no fuel to your engine issue.

Although it may sound simple, make sure there is actually fuel in the tank.  It is not uncommon for the fuel gauge to malfunction or even stop working entirely.  Contaminated gas, or bad gas, can also cause problems.  If this sort of auto problem arises just after filling your tank, you may want to consider that the gas is the problem.

A clogged or plugged fuel filter is another problem with a fairly simple remedy. Replacing the fuel filter may take care of the problem, but if rust is in your fuel tank, you may also have to get the whole fuel tank cleaned or replaced.

The fuel pressure regulator controls the fuel pressure into the injectors.  This is crucial in starting the car because it maintains the proper balance of air and fuel.  If you have a leaky fuel pressure regulator, you may need to have an auto repair shop or mechanic replace it. 

If you have no power to the fuel injectors at all when the ignition key is turned on, you need to determine why.  The PCM grounds one side of the injector circuit in order to pulse the injectors.  A bad PCM driver circuit, malfunctioning fuel injector relay, no signal reaching the PCM from your cam position sensor or crank position sensor, or even a blown fuse can be to blame.

If none of the above seems to be the problem, you may be experiencing a major vacuum leak. This could be due to an open EGR valve. This can also be caused by a disconnected PCV valve or vacuum hose, either of which may create a significant vacuum leak, allowing a high volume of air to suck into your engine. Vacuum leaks disrupt the air and fuel mixture, causing the engine to idle roughly if it runs or making it hard to start at all. 

Next time we’ll take a look at the other reasons your car or truck may crank but still not start.  As a Columbia, SC auto repair shop owner I want to inform drivers (and potential customers) about what their car troubles are and why they happen.  If you have car questions or need to schedule an auto repair or maintenance appointment in the greater Columbia, SC area, Sanford’s is happy to make you their newest loyal customer!

When the Car Won’t Start – By a Pro Mechanic in Columbia SC

 

When the car won’t start, it could be due to a number of things.  The first thing you should do is start to narrow down where your problem may lie.  It doesn’t necessarily take an auto repair professional to get your issue diagnosed or taken care of. 

The Basics

Before you head off to an auto repair shop, you should first understand as much as you can about your problem.  In the most basic description, your car starts because the key turns, creating voltage flow from the battery through the ignition switch, a safety switch, and then to the solenoid or starter relay.  The solenoid or starter relay then routes more power from the battery to the starter, which in turn cranks the engine.  At this point the starter motor spins and pushes the starter drive gear, engaging the flywheel and cranking the engine.

NO-CRANK, NO-START – What is going on?

When the car responds with no crank and no start, there are many common culprits that you will want to check.  To start, a low battery charge or bad battery cables or connections could be to blame.  You should check the battery’s voltage and recharge it or jumpstart the car if the voltage is too low.  You should also inspect the battery cables and connections on both ends.  If there is excessive corrosion on the battery terminals you should clean it off and re-attach the connections securely. 

The next thing to check is the starter relay and solenoid.  Check the voltage, inspect the connections and tighten any necessary wiring issues.  If a relay shows a charge but fails to “click” when you turn the key, you should replace the starter relay. 

If none of these are at fault, the starter itself may have gone bad.  Most auto parts retailers will test the starter, but you will have to remove it first.  If you are mechanically inclined, you may opt to jump the battery voltage directly to the starter to determine if it will spin. 

Another issue you may be dealing with is damaged or broken teeth on the flywheel or a bad starter drive.  To check on this one, you will have to have the starter out of the car.  Inspect the drive gear for damages, as well as the flywheel teeth. 

Yet another thing you may need to check is the ignition switch.  If voltage is not reaching the solenoid or starter relay when the key is turned, look for an open P/N switch, brake switch or clutch pedal switch.  This can help in determining if the ignition switch needs to be replaced.  If you have an open P/N switch, Brake Pedal switch, or clutch pedal switch, you will need to bypass the switch with a jumper wire to check if the engine will crank.  You could also use a test light or voltmeter to determine if there is voltage passing through the switch when the key is turned on. 

If you still haven’t found your problem, check that the engine has not seized entirely.  An engine can be checked using a socket and long handle; see if the engine is able to be turned by hand.  If it cannot, your engine is locked and you have a much larger issue on your hands.  Internal engine damage or bearing failure could be to blame in this case.  If the engine has not seized, you may still suffer from engine hydrolock.  This is caused by a leaking head gasket that allows coolant to seep out.  Remove your spark plugs to check for leaked coolant.  If the engine will not crank with the spark plugs out, you may have a closer look at the possibility that the engine is hydrolocked.

While a vast number of auto problems can be to blame for a car that won’t start, this should help you in determining some of the most frequent issues auto owners face.  As an auto repair professional, I know that getting necessary repairs can be a big unexpected expense.  We hope this information will help you in finding your trouble and avoiding any unnecessary auto repair bills.

Transmission Repair Tips from a Columbia SC Mechanic

Transmission repair – The phrase itself can induce stress and sometimes panic.  

Transmission repairs can be one of the most expensive repairs an auto owner encounters. Often the car or truck owner’s concern is that they will be presented with repairs to authorize that they do not understand or fear they may be overcharged due to their lack of knowledge on the subject.

We believe customers should be completely comfortable with every repair and have complete trust in our advice and our work. We want to take some of the mystery and concern out of transmission troubles by providing a fundamental look at your transmission.  With some basic information you can better understand what your mechanic is talking about and what your transmission repairs may involve.

Transmission problems can ground a car fast. They may involve the inability to drive in certain gears, or even any gear. Transmission problems that have not grounded you yet likely will soon. Transmission trouble never heals itself.  Many times the decline from the first signs of trouble to out of commission can occur rather quickly.

A transmission has many parts and components, much more than can be explained here. These are the basics you will need to help understand and be able to discuss your transmission problem with a mechanic.

Transmission fluid is critical to every transmission. This red fluid is the transmission’s life blood.  Transmission fluid leaks may occur in many locations and can potentially create bigger problems in the future. If your transmission is leaking, or there have been reddish fluid stains under the vehicle, you should seek a professional auto repair shop or certified mechanic to locate and correct the issue before you have a bigger, even costlier issue.

The transmission filter is also vital.  It must be clear of debris, allowing adequate flow of clean transmission fluid. A blocked filter can create multiple problems with your transmission’s operation.  Replacing a filter is much simpler than having to replace or even rebuild the transmission.  Diagnosing smaller problems early can save you from greater damage that will be sure to come.

The transmission gears are another very complex system. Main gears and planetary gears must all have full function to allow the transmission to function properly.  There are many aspects to properly functioning gears. They should be in good condition, without cracks, dings, or chips which may cause the gears to slip or not engage entirely.  This is when we usually find an auto grounded or unable to operate in one or more gears. Any problem found within the transmission system’s gears will require a professional.

The bell housing is yet another component of the transmission. The bell housing is located differently, depending on if you have a front-wheel or rear-wheel drive vehicle.  This metal cone shaped casing must be in good condition, allowing the mechanisms it protects to work correctly. The bell housing should be free of cracks, damage or other issues that may be detrimental to proper operation of the transmission or its components.

Transmission repairs and rebuilds are very costly but, once completed, should not have repeat trouble for many years.  Never leave your auto with anyone you do not have full confidence in.  Always check out the mechanic or shop you plan to use because transmission repairs require precision, special types of tools and a specialized knowledge and understanding.