Engine Repair: What to do If your Engine won’t start

If your car won’t start and you think you’re headed for an engine repair or possibly a complete engine rebuild, there are basically two possible symptoms to look for.

Here are some suggestions on what to do:

Listen to your car -- The first symptom is – silence, and the second symptom is -- repeated “coughing” without ignition.  Before you call a tow truck or spend a lot of money on engine repair or an engine rebuild, determine which symptom your car has.

If all you hear is silence, then…

• Call up that friend who has jumper cables. Why? Most likely, you’ve got a dead battery. The starter needs electricity.  If the battery is dead, the starter has no energy source. Maybe you left your headlights or an interior light on overnight. So get your friend to jump into your car.  After it starts, drive it around for about 20 minutes to recharge the battery. This simple trick may prevent unnecessary auto repair.  If this doesn’t work, try checking the main electrical fuses under the hood.

  (NOTE: It’s a good idea, after jump-starting your car to take it directly to your auto technician and have the battery tested.)

On the other hand, if you hear coughing or similar unfamiliar sounds then…

• Seek professional help. Have your car towed to a reliable auto service center.  With older cars, typically pumping the accelerator or spraying some carburetor starter fluid into the engine could get you going.  However, with modern fuel-injected engines, that trick is pretty much obsolete. There are a ton of possible malfunctions behind a sputtering starter: fuel pump, ignition coil, or poor or faulty electrical connections.  Let your trusted mechanic perform a professional service on your car to diagnose the problem.

In any case…

• Don’t fret! Cars usually start when they are serviced on a regular basis.  This prevents costly engine repair or an engine rebuild.  Ask for advice from your trained auto mechanic for simple preventative maintenance, and your vehicle will be back to normal in no time.

Need advice on engine repair or an extensive engine rebuild? Ask our vehicle maintenance experts.  Contact the ASE-Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive shop by calling (308) 381-2295 or go online at https://www.garysautoinc.com/ for more information.  Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.