|
Symptom
|
Diagnosis |
Remedy
|
|
Starter turns engine slowly; lights dim or
don't work
|
Weak or flat battery.
|
Push start a manual gearbox
car or use jump leads. Check vehicles handbook first to see
if this is possible.
Recharge battery.
Get garage to check the battery and charging system.
|
|
Starter doesn't operate; no sound from engine,
lights and windscreen wipers don't work.
|
Completely dead
battery or faulty battery connections. |
Check and clean the battery
connectors at the terminals, also earth lead from the battery
to the car body.
If this does not work you will have to call your garage or
motoring organisation.
|
|
Loud clicking noise when ignition key is turned
to start position. Starter does not operate but lights and
windscreen wipers work.
|
Starter motor problem,
possibly a stuck gear in the starter. |
Try rocking the car back and
forth in top gear with handbrake off to free the gear.
If you can locate the starter motor, sometimes a sharp tap
on it with a spanner does the trick.
If nothing happens push start a manual gearbox car or call
for help if the car has automatic transmission.
|
|
No sound from engine; lights and windscreen
wipers work O.K.
|
Faulty ignition
switch, wiring, solenoid or starter motor. |
Try jiggling ignition key whilst
turning it.
If you can locate solenoid (by battery) check if there are
any loose connections, if so tighten them.
If this doesn't work push start a manual gearbox car or call
for help if the car has automatic transmission.
|
|
Starter motor turns engine strongly, but engine
doesn't start.
|
No fuel in tank.
Moisture in the ignition system
Disconnected or loose wires in the ignition system.
Petrol hose broken or disconnected
|
Don't rely on fuel
gauge. Remove petrol cap and rock car you should be able to
hear a sloshing sound if there is any petrol in the tank.
Disconnect the spark plug leads one at a time to avoid confusing
their positions. Wipe with dry cloth or paper towel. Wipe
top of each spark plug before refitting lead.
Wipe moisture from top of ignition coil.
Remove distributor cap (fixed with either spring clips or
screws) and wipe both the inside and outside of the cap.
If possible, spray the whole ignition system with a moisture
repellent aerosol e.g. WD40.
Check leads from the ignition coil to the distributor and
from the distributor to the spark plugs.
Check all petrol hoses.
|
Starter motor turns engine strongly; strong smell of petrol
after repeated attempts at starting.
|
Engine flooded
with petrol. |
Wait 15 minutes for excess petrol
to evaporate, then try again without using manual choke.
Depress the accelerator pedal slowly to the floor and keep
it there. Don't pump the pedal, you will flood the carburettor
again.
|
|
If
the above remedies will not solve your starting trouble,
contact your Auto Technician for advice.
|