Hi there. There are a number of issues that will make a car hard to start. Everything from the electrical system to the fuel system to the actual starter itself can be the problem. Finding the root cause of a hard starting engine can take some investigation. Ignoring a hard starting issue can further damage the vehicle, which will often result in a more expensive repair. You might want to have a mobile mechanic complete a car is hard to start inspection so they can pinpoint the source of the issues you’re having and recommend the right repairs be completed.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
The root of the problem is likely a dead battery. The rapid clicking noise you`re hearing is likely the last of the battery`s charge. Notice if your car lights are dim when you try to turn the ignition—dim lights will be another indicator that the problem is in the battery.
The most common reasons a Chevrolet Impala won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
Why won`t my car start but I have power? If you attempt to start up your car but the engine won`t turn over and the dashboard lights up, then you most likely have an issue with your battery. You could have a damaged or corroded battery terminal, which is stopping the engine from starting up when you fully turn the key.
Connected to the battery is the alternator, which works to generate power for your vehicle`s electrical components. When you have a brand-new battery but still can`t start the car, the alternator might be the issue. Cold and damp climates may increase wear on an alternator, causing it to fail.
Usually a rapid clicking noise is a good indication that your starter motor isn`t getting enough electrical current to engage – basically your solenoid is trying to engage but can`t make the connection.
If your vehicle won`t start, it`s usually caused by a dying or dead battery, loose or corroded connection cables, a bad alternator or an issue with the starter. It can be hard to determine if you`re dealing with a battery or an alternator problem.
It might be a battery or alternator problem.
If the source of the clicking is electrical, the starter (a small motor energized by the battery that gets the engine running) doesn`t have enough juice to stay powered. So instead, it rapidly turns on and off and produces a clicking noise!
Common Signs of a Bad Starter
The engine won`t turn over. The most common signal that your starter has a problem is if nothing happens when you turn the key or push to start. Unusual noises, such as clinking, grinding and whirring. If you ignore these sounds, it can eventually lead to damage to the engine flywheel.
Low oil pressure might be the cause of those ticking sounds. When vital engine components don`t get adequate lubrication, it might cause other problems, and the engine starts to make these noises. A broken valve train component, such as lifters or cam followers, can also cause ticking, tapping, or clicking sounds.
What if your car won`t jump-start? First, try running the other engine for five more minutes before trying again to start yours. If your car still doesn`t start, you may need a new battery — or it could be a sign of a more serious problem.
Whirring sound: This might mean that the solenoid is worn out and unable to engage the flywheel. The sound you hear is the armature in the starter spining on its own but unable to crank the engine to start.
Bad Sensors
Sensors that fail to send information to the computer may cause the engine to run less efficiently, and they can sometimes be the cause of an engine that won`t start. One common culprit for this problem is the crankshaft position sensor, which measures the position and speed of the crankshaft.
If nothing happens when you turn the ignition key to the “Start” position, it means that the starter motor doesn`t turn over the engine. Most commonly this could be caused by a low battery; read above How to check the battery.
An effective method to determine whether it`s your battery or alternator that`s gone bad is to connect jumper cables from a running vehicle`s battery to yours. After a few moments, try starting your vehicle. Once it`s started, remove the jumper cables — if your engine stalls, your alternator has probably gone bad.
In most cases when you hear a repeating clicking sound as you brake, it is likely coming from one of three sources. First, it could be a wheel bearing that is wearing out. Second, it might be a warped brake rotor or a sign that brake pads are wearing out and need to be replaced.
Misaligned Valves But lack of maintenance and other issues can cause misalignment, which makes it difficult for the valves to open and shut, resulting in an engine clicking sound. Alternatively, faulty CV joints can also cause engine ticks under the valve cover.
Jump starting a car can damage your battery too, as the alternator is pumping in current at a higher rate than the battery can handle. This causes the battery to heat up, bending the battery plates, leading to the shedding of active material (lead dioxide) and causing a build up of debris in the bottom of the battery.
If you`ve replaced your battery but the engine still won`t start, it could actually be an engine problem. A seized engine won`t turn over, and that often resembles a bad starter or dead battery. If you suspect that your problem stems from an engine issue, it could take hours to diagnose and repair.