How to Fix a Car That Won’t Start | 10 DIY Steps by Expert

The car always gets technical issues without invitation. You must learn how to fix a car that won’t start because you can’t arrange mechanics everywhere. You don’t need any book to learn; I will discuss every issue and its solution in this blog post. If you face any technical or mechanical issues in your car, you should go through all the following points. Because first thing you have to do is identify which part is making trouble for it, then you will be able to fix it.

These are the point that I am going to discuss in detail:

• Diagnose the problem – is it a fuel or ignition issue? 
• Check your fuel system – inspect the fuel cap, fuel filter, and fuel pump for any issues
• Test the battery – make sure the battery is charged and working properly
• Check the spark plug – replace it if necessary
• Examining the Fuel Pump 
• Inspect the air filter – replace it if necessary
• Check the radiator – test for any coolant leaks
• Inspect the starter – replace it if necessary
• Checking the Alternator and Belts
• Test the engine – turn the key to the “on” position and see if the engine cranks and starts.

How to Fix a Car That Won’t Start

Diagnose the problem – is it a fuel or ignition issue?

Before applying any experiment, check for a fuel or ignition issue. You need to find a problem.

Yes, it can be possible that your car stops working because your fuel is ended. Thus, in that case, you don’t want to do something. Just refill it.

Or there is another issue which is the ignition issue which can be because of the wire sparkling.

Check the spark plug.

If you have found that sparking is the reason behind the trouble, then fix or adjust it. If it can’t be fixed, then replace it.

Check the ignition system.

Then have a look at another part of your car ignition system. If you note any misalignment in the distributor cap, rotor, ignition wires, and spark plug, then fix it.

Check your fuel system.

Next, examine your fuel system and check if there is any issue. 

It can be because:

• The fuel cap needs to be fixed properly. 
• The fuel tank filler tube does not have a fuel cap.
• If your fuel cap gets damaged.
• If you notice any issue, then fix or replace it.

Test the battery

After checking this minor issue, next, check your battery. Because cars mainly stop because of the battery not working well.

So, check if your battery is not charged or not working well. Then it’s the main reason behind your car sickness.

If you found no battery issues, move toward the next part. 

Examining the Fuel Pump

Next, you have to check the fuel pump. You can have a sense of not working if you notice the following symptoms: 

• If your car engine is running poorly.
• If your car engine is an extra overheating engine.
• In case your car needs to sustain speed.
• If your car decreased its fuel efficiency.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your car, fix it.

Inspect the air filter.

Yes, an air filter can be a reason your car won’t start. All you have to do is give it a quick look and check whether it is working well or not.

I will tell you the easier way to see its condition. 

If it looks white, it works well, and there is no need to put in effort.

If it looks dull and nasty, then it’s the reason. Thus, you have to clean it with anything near to you. 

Check the radiator

The radiator can make an issue if it gets hot, as it could not be.

For this purpose, all you have to do is take off the radiator cap and let it rest/cool for a while.

After some time, it will start working well. Thus, your car will get started. If you have not noticed any default, move toward the next part.

Inspect the starter

Next, you should check your starter for an issue with it. But the question arises how will you know that it is not working as it should be?

No need to worry. I will give you a list of symptoms if you notice any. Then it will be proven that it’s making an issue.

• Your car engine didn’t start when you gave the key to your car.
• When you start your car, you notice clanking, grinding, and whirring sounds.
• You face intermittent problems while starting your car.
• You notice smoke coming out from the car’s hood.

Checking the Alternator and Belts

You can check your alternator belt to see if it is causing problems in your car.

Here is a symptom if you notice any of them, then fix or replace your alternator belt.

• If you notice a light from the battery warning.
• If you notice a light flicker or dimmer, then it should be.
• If you notice any squealing or chirping sound from your car. 
• If your car battery gets dead.

Test the engine

If there is no issue with the above parts, your engine is the last part. Turn your engine on and check whether it’s the main issue.

If it is not working well, make adjustments or replace it.

My Opinion

While traveling, many of us face a car issue. If we know and learn how to fix it, we will do it independently instead of waiting for any mechanic. If you face this issue, you first have to come out of your car and then examine every part of your car to know which part is not working well.

Once you get to understand the problem-making part, you will be able to fix it. It would help if you taught me all points; thus, you can fix it without anyone’s help. Hope you have learned how to fix a car that won’t start.