5 Reasons Your Car Engine Will Roar But Won’t Start
There’s nothing more frustrating than a car that won’t start. You’ve probably tried turning the key in the ignition system over and over, but nothing starts. The engine will start, but it won’t start.
There could be many reasons for this, but it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s something wrong with the engine. A mechanic can always tell you what it is, but you can also figure it out yourself by understanding the different causes to look out for.
5 Most Common Causes of Your Car Starting But Not Starting Your Engine
In most cases, the reasons why your car will start but won’t start are very easy and inexpensive to fix. Depending on the root cause, ignoring the problem for too long could cause more serious problems with your engine that could cost thousands of dollars to fix. Don’t let it get to that point. Here are the 5 most common reasons why your car will start but won’t start.
1) Fuel issues
Believe it or not, many people have this problem because they don’t have enough fuel in the tank. This could simply be because the tank is not full or the wrong type of fuel is being used.
If the fuel is contaminated and not properly filtered, your engine may start but not start well. So, always use the right type of fuel and fill your tank less than a quarter full. The problem may be related to a blown fuse or relay. For example, if the fuel pump relay is not working, you can leave the engine running all day, but fuel will not get to the engine.
If the problem is related to a blown fuse or relay that is preventing the fuel injectors from injecting the proper amount of fuel into the combustion chamber, simply replacing that fuse or relay will fix the problem. If the fuse blows again, you may need to track down an electrical problem.
2) Battery Problems
If the engine spins too slowly, there may be a problem with the battery. The battery may be low or the battery connector may be corroded. The connection may be too loose.
When these problems occur, the engine may start but not start. Fortunately, fixing this kind of problem is not very expensive. In the worst case scenario, you will have to buy a new battery, which will cost around $150.
3) Computer Sensor Failure
Most modern vehicles are equipped with sensors that send information to the engine. Two of the most important sensors for your engine are the camshaft position sensor and the crankshaft position sensor. These sensors tell the ECU where the engine’s major rotating parts are located so the ECU knows when to open the injectors and use the spark plugs to ignite the fuel mixture. If any of these sensors don’t work, the engine won’t be able to start. It’s also possible that the throttle position sensor is faulty, preventing the formation of a spark in the combustion cylinder.
If one or more sensors are faulty, the Check Engine Light will come on and you’ll likely see a helpful code indicating which sensor caused the problem. Check for codes with a code scanner to determine the scope of the problem.
4) Starter
If the starter motor is bad or has failed, it won’t be able to generate the amperage required to turn on the ignition system and fuel injectors. Initially the engine will start but may make a lot of strange noises.
So if you find this to be the cause, replace the starter immediately. A starter costs around $500 for most cars, which is much cheaper than replacing the engine.
5) Security System
In vehicles with advanced aftermarket security systems or immobilizers, a defect in this system can actually cause the ignition system to not work properly. If you have checked all other possible causes and determined that none exist, contact the company that installed your car alarm to make sure it is functioning properly.