5 Common Reasons Why a Car May Not Start by Archer Volkswagen in Houston, TX
We rely on our vehicles for some of life's most important journeys, and few things are more frustrating than a car that won't start. Today's automobiles are incredibly advanced works of engineering and more reliable than ever. However, being stranded with a car that won't start still happens. Often, a dead battery is to blame. Fortunately, this is easy to fix, and you can even avoid it by having the battery system inspected by an authorized service center while the vehicle is in for other basic maintenance like oil changes. However, what if your engine cranks over but won't start and run on its own? Clearly, the battery and starter are working, so there must be something else to blame. Below, we discuss five of the more common reasons why an engine cranks over without starting.
If you have any questions about the service, maintenance, or repair of your Volkswagen, we invite you to discover a better dealership service experience at Archer Volkswagen in Houston, TX. Here, you'll find highly trained and experienced technicians that are certified by the factory to take the best possible care of your VW. Schedule an appointment online or simply come see us in person at 10400 Southwest Frwy, Houston, TX 77074.
5. The Engine Needs a Spark to Run
A strong spark is one of three basic things that a gas-powered engine needs to run. You see, an engine operates by igniting a mixture of fuel and air. The resulting explosion is harnessed to generate rotational power that eventually makes its way to the wheels. Without a spark, there is no ignition and the engine doesn't run. Some of the more common reasons that an engine isn't getting a spark include bad ignition coils, worn out spark plugs, and bad timing (which is typically controlled by a central computer on modern vehicles).
4. Is the Engine Getting Enough Air?
The second of the three things an engine needs to run is clean fresh air. Without it, the fuel simply won't ignite no matter how bright the spark. Replacing the engine air filter about once every year or every 15,000 miles is a good way to make sure the engine always has enough air. However, sometimes things like the mass air sensor can go bad and the computer won't know how much air the engine is getting.
3. What About the Fuel Going to Your Engine?
Fuel is the third basic thing an engine requires to run. However, simply having gas in the tank may not mean that enough fuel is getting to the engine. Not only should you be careful of where you get gas and what kind of gas you use, it's a good idea to have the fuel system inspected periodically as part of regularly scheduled maintenance. That way, an authorized technician can make sure that things like the fuel filter, pump, regulator, injectors, and other fuel system components are always ready for the road ahead.
2. There May Be an Electrical Problem
This is related to the spark we mentioned in #5, but electrical problems are common enough that we felt they deserve their own spot higher in this list. Whether the friendly neighborhood squirrel decided to snack on your car's wires, a fuse has blown, or there's a loose electrical connection somewhere, these can all result in your engine cranking over without running under its own power. If you're comfortable with a multimeter, you may be able to start the diagnostics yourself. However, we think you'll agree that when it comes to something as complicated and sophisticated as modern automotive electrical systems, it's just easier to have the experts handle it in an authorized dealership service center.
1. The Car's Main Computer Could Have a Problem
This may not be the most common reason that an engine cranks over without starting, but it can certainly be the most frustrating. A faulty car computer, often called the ECU, can cause all kinds of issues and symptoms that could point in the wrong direction. To best determine if the computer is to blame or if another system is at fault, we recommend leaving the matter to the certified technicians at your local authorized dealer.