WHAT DO I DO WHEN MY CAR REFUSE TO START; module 1

WHAT DO I DO WHEN MY CAR REFUSE TO START; module 1

For you to troubleshoot a no-start problem on your vehicle, you need to start at the beginning of the line through to the battery. Some tests for a no-start problem are simple, others require a technical personnel in the field. Nonetheless, you need to figure out why the car won't start, so this article can help you with ideas. This article was drafted to help car users know some domestic ways

Electrical No-Start Problems

1      Check Fuses: Few cars have a fuse associated with the starting system, but before you go monkeying around with everything, check your fuses to be sure it's not that simple.

2       Battery Corrosion: Over time your battery connections can become dirty, or corroded. The corrosion on the terminal might create partial or even prevent good contact between the wire and the terminal. Clean the battery terminal and apply cleansing fluid to the terminal head after which you try to start the car again.

3       Dead Battery: This is the most common reason why your car won't start. If you have a battery tester that can measure cranking amps, test your battery to see if it's weak. If you can't test it yourself, you can test the battery indirectly with the use of a jump starter cable. If the car starts then the problem is the battery. Once a good battery is gotten, clean the terminals before connecting the setup.

4       Bad Igntion Switch: If your battery checks out, but the starter is still silent, it may be a faulty ignition switch. Turn the key to the on position (not all the way to start). If the red warning lights on your dash don't light up (and your battery connections are clean), the ignition switch is bad. If they do light up, turn the key to the start position. The dash warning lights should turn off at this key position (most cars). If you're not sure, turn on the headlights. When you try to start the car, the lights should either dim (a lot) or turn off completely. If they do, your ignition switch should be ok. If not, the switch will need replacement.

5       Bad Starter Connection: Corrosion can not only keep your battery from connecting, it can affect any electrical component, especially the ones exposed to the elements like the starter. If you have a helper, you can test the connection by holding a circuit tester lead on the wire that engages the starter. This is the smaller of the two wires connected to the starter. Be sure no part of your body is near the moving parts of the engine - it could still start at any time! Have a friend turn the key and check the current. If you're getting current to the starter but it ain't spinning, it needs replacement.

If your starter spins freely when you turn the key, the problem lies elsewhere. Now you begin to check the other systems that could keep it from firing up.( autorepair.about.com)

Written by Maduka Tony

References

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Autorepair.about.com