It’s that time of year again – the weather is getting colder, the leaves are changing color, and your car won’t start. Your first instinct might be to try to fix it yourself, but before you do that, make sure you know what’s wrong and how to fix it. In this article, we’ll talk about common car problems and how to troubleshoot them.
What could be causing your car not to crank?
There could be a few things that could be causing your car not to crank. The most common issue is a bad battery, which can cause your car not to start. Other issues that could be causing your car not to crank include: a broken ignition key switch, a defective fuel injectors, and a bad starter. If you are having trouble starting your car, it is best to take it to a mechanic to get it checked out.
Testing the Battery
Your car won’t crank because the battery is dead. This can be caused by a variety of things, but the most common culprit is a dead battery. Here are some tips to test your battery:
-Remove the negative cable from the battery.
-Connect a voltmeter to the cables and turn on the engine. If you get a reading of 0 volts then the battery is definitely dead. If you don’t have a voltmeter then you can use a standard light bulb as a voltage indicator. A good rule of thumb is that when you turn on the engine the light should turn on. If it doesn’t then your battery is probably dead.
-If you have a voltmeter then you can also test for current using an ammeter. Connect one lead to each terminal on the battery and connect the other lead to an appropriate ground (usually the chassis). Then turn on the engine and measure the current flow (in amps). A low current indicates that your battery is probably dead.
-If you don’t have a voltmeter or ammeter you can try connecting an jumper wire between each terminal on the battery and see if that makes it start. Be careful not to short out something important!
Checking the Fuel System
A common issue with cars is that the fuel system isn’t working properly. This can cause the car to not crank, or to not start at all. There are a few things you can do to check the fuel system and try to solve the problem.
1. Check for Fuel in the Carburetor
One of the first things you should do is check for fuel in the carburetor. If there is no fuel, then the problem likely lies with the fuel system. You can try starting the car with a spark plugs and see if it starts. If it doesn’t, then you’ll need to replace the carburetor.
2. Check for Fuel Pressure
If there is no fuel in the carburetor, then it’s likely that there isn’t enough pressure in the fuel line. To check for pressure, you’ll need to remove the gas tank and look for a gauge that reads fuel pressure (usually on an HVAC unit or near a fuel pump). If there is no pressure, then you’ll need to install a new gas tank or replace the pump.
Investigating the Ignition Coil
If your car won’t crank, there’s a good chance your ignition coil is fried. This tiny component, just a few inches long, sits near the spark plugs and helps create the electrical sparks that start the engine. Over time, corrosion or a broken wire can cause the coil to stop working. In most cases, simply replacing the coil will solve the problem. However, if the coil is severely damaged or burnt out, it may need to be replaced with a new unit.
Repairing the Cables and Wires
If your car won’t crank, there could be a problem with the cables and wires that run under the car. In some cases, these cables and wires can become brittle and break, causing the car to not start. To check if this is the case, you’ll need to take apart the car and inspect each cable and wire for damage. If any are broken or damaged, you’ll need to replace them.