Basic Troubleshooting Tips for Common Starting Problems in Cars

Cars have complex architecture which includes electrical, electronic and mechanical functions resulting into a smooth and happy ride. If you are driving on the highway or planning for a long road trip, if you are facing starting problem, then there can be tens of reasons. The reasons can be as simple as insufficient gas to chronic disorder with the car engine.

For basic and general car starting problems, you can troubleshoot yourself using basic techniques and tools. However, if the car has major problem then you need car repairing specialist for solving the issues. In this article we have tried to highlight the major car issues and tips for troubleshooting it without specialist help.

Car Battery Voltage

In majority of the cases, the car stops responding and makes cranking sounds during ignition because of the low voltage or car battery problem. In order to check whether your car engine is getting enough of car battery voltage, you will need a voltmeter.

Process to check car battery voltage

• Set the voltage to a higher range, i.e. above 20 volts on the DC scale
• Attach the positive and negative points of voltmeter with the positive and negative points of the car battery
• Turn on the car headlight
• Now read the voltmeter and check if your car is getting at least 12.4 V, i.e. 75% of the car battery.

Solution

If the car battery is not able to release enough voltage, then you need to get immediate assistance from professional car battery repairing station for recharging the battery.

Cable and Wire Damage

The second most common reason why the cars suddenly give starting problems is because of the damaged cables. Broken cables or damaged wiring can cause improper car functions like starting problems, in-active car horn, dim lighting etc.

Process to check damaged cable or wiring

• The first place to check the damaged wiring or cable is at the car battery slot. If your find corrosion or any kind of fluid oozing out of the battery because of which the cables are damaged then you need to contact the car battery service station.

*Note – the fluid can be highly concentrated acid which is used in the car batteries so do not touch it with naked hands. Use safety gloves before inspecting the area.

• In order to remove the corrosion from the battery, you can use a solution mix with baking soda with warm water.
• Disconnect the cables or terminals from the car battery and apply the solution using any soft brush.
• Once the battery is corrosion free and fluid is not oozing out, remove the battery carefully from the slot.

Solution

If the cables are not fully damaged then reconnect it with the terminals and place it back in the slot, if damaged then get assistance from car battery professionals.

Car Overheating

The third most common reason why the car does not start is because of overheating. The overheating can cause due to long drive, insufficient coolant in the radiator, or driving speed. However, in all such cases, the car cooling system, fans and coolants play vital role in bringing down the temperature.

Process to check car over heating

• Let the car engine cool down for some time and then gradually open the coolant tank.
• Check the level, if it is empty then you will need a coolant handy to add it with some water in the tank.
• Try to start the engine and keep it on for a while until the fan starts rotating. If the fan is not rotating even if the engine gets hot then you need to check the fan belt or fan electrical system.

Solution

It is always recommended to maintain sufficient coolant level in the radiator before starting for a long drive. By adding the coolant, the problem should be solved. If the problem persists then get your engine fan, belt and electrical system checked by professional car mechanics.

Wet Spark Plugs

You have just washed your car or received it from a car spa then you must be facing the wet spark plug issue. In case your car spark plugs are wet then you need not remove it to dry. There are clear flood modes in most of the recent cars using which you will be able to solve the problem.

Process to check the wet spark plugs

• Open the car bonnet to check if there is water around the spark plugs.
• Use the clear flood mode and try to start the car engine. After few try, the car ignition should start.
• Before moving ahead, keep the car throttle to floor and keep the engine on full throttle
• As the car computer will not inject any fuel, the plugs will get dried in few seconds

Solution

Keep the engine plugs clean and dry all the time. Follow the procedure to dry them instantly. Most of the cars start after this procedure. If the problem persists then get your car immediately checked at the service station.

We hope the tips and techniques are useful when you are facing car starting problems. In majority of cases, if the car is properly serviced and even then there is starting problem then needs to car battery replacement, fault in the electrical system, or the components in the ignition system is preventing it from starting. If the problem occurs frequently then get the car checked at the earliest. If you need any assistance, call Swift Battery Specialist at +65 8858 9959 anytime.