It’s a real headache when your car won’t start in the middle of the road. Car troubles could upset your plans, and unanticipated expenses can drain your bank account. If your car won’t start, the problem might be as manageable or as complex as you think.
What should you do if an unexpected situation happens? You can either fix it on your own or seek assistance.
At Cutter Buick GMC’s servicing department, you can rely on diagnosing and repairing your car’s troubles and getting it working again in no time. If you opt to perform the task yourself, you must carefully read the directions in your owner’s handbook and take all essential safety measures.
Remembering what happened when you start the engine can help suggest what’s wrong beneath the hood. Below are some of the most typical issues associated with a car breakdown and how to fix them.
No Noise Coming Out
When you crank the engine key and hear nothing, it could be a dead battery or a loose connection. Inspect the battery terminal cable connections for corrosion. Examine the connectivity at the battery terminal for corrosion. If it is rusty, thrust a screwdriver between the terminal post and the connector. Then spin it to secure it.
Turn the engine on again. If your car starts, it indicates that the cables need to be cleaned or changed. Try twisting and turning the cable connectors with your hand to see if they are in the correct shape.
When you’re able to do that, a loose connection is the culprit. Remove the connectivity connections and clean them using a rag. Reconnect the cables and tighten the clamps using a tool then try starting your car again.
In case of emergency, always have a jumper cord in your trunk. You will need the vehicle’s spare battery or a portable jump starter to recharge yours. However, if you don’t know how to use a jumper cord to start a car, see your owner’s handbook or contact your trusted technician.
Grinding Sound
When you switch on the ignition and you notice a grinding sound. It suggests that the flywheel has broken teeth. Turn the starter key multiple times to get the starter to engage the flywheel and start your vehicle. When you know the flywheel is damaged, bring your car to a professional such as Cutter Buick GMC immediately.
Clicking Sound
When your engine produces a clicking sound but won’t start, it might be due to a worn-out battery or a faulty starting connection.
You must turn on the dome light and the ignition key. If the dome light barely illuminates and then goes out, your battery has been depleted and requires a restart. In this instance, you can use a technique called key cycling to warm up the battery.
Start the engine about ten times after turning the key to the position and repeat. Wait around minutes before starting the engine again. You will know when your battery is in better condition when the light illuminates brightly and remains lit when you attempt to start the engine.
Examine the starter for any loose wire connections. Sometimes the wirings become trapped and should be opened up with the tire iron of your car jack.
Rapid Cranking
Your timing belt has most likely broken. When this happens, the pistons accelerate faster than usual because part of the valves stays open. The engine will not start unless the pistons and valves are perfectly synchronized.
So, stop cranking immediately. This problem that you cannot solve on your own. If your car is insured, contact a towing agency or auto insurance provider for roadside assistance. You must take your vehicle to your trusted mechanic to get it checked and fixed.
Avoid this happening again, and replace your timing belt before it wears and costs you more in the long run.
Faulty Ignition Cylinder
If you can’t start the key in the ignition, your car definitely won’t start. The clogged ignition cylinder or the steering system itself might be the reason. The ignition cylinder has to be removed to know if it can run by itself. If not, replace the ignition cylinder and have its keys and new cylinder programmed into the vehicle’s security system. If the ignition cylinder is not the problem, the steering column must be changed, which will surely need a new ignition cylinder. It’s a time-consuming task that requires the help of a professional, and a steering column repair or replacement can be pricey.
Broken Timing Belt
The timing belt links the crankshaft and camshaft. It synchronizes the timing of all engine cycles. The rubber belt is susceptible to wear and fails if soaked in oil. It can extend and skip a gear or two and timing belt problems can be disastrous in some engines.
So, you need to eliminate its front engine cover and check for any damages. In the case of a broken timing belt, use a borescope to examine pistons and valves to see whether they’ve been bent or affected. The timing belt must be attached correctly, and major top-end work may also be necessary.
In Conclusion
You can see above that there are possible causes for your car not starting. However, whether the issue resulted from a dead battery, ignition cylinder, or a broken timing belt, the majority of the symptoms are very similar. Some of these can even be a more serious underlying problems that only professionals can detect and perform appropriate procedures to fix it.
Car Won’t Start? Bring Your Car to Cutter Buick GMC in Waipahu, HI
So, when it comes to resolving your car’s problems, go to the specialists like Cutter Buick GMC. Our service technicians are highly trained and experienced. Plus, we use only the best parts and fluids to ensure superior results. Schedule an appointment today. We’re your best option for your car preventative maintenance in Waipahu, HI.
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