Restarting Your Engine When it Stalls

There are several scenarios to look at involving engines and when they refuse to start. As frustrating as it may be at the time, most problems can be solved relatively easily. Some of the most common cases include: trouble starting when cold, trouble starting when hot, engine won't rotate when you try to start it, engine rotates but won't start, and engine starts but then stops immediately. With a little time and patience, troubleshooting your engine will become second nature.

When you try to start your engine and it won't rotate, there are a few key elements to look at. The first is the battery, make sure that the connections are not loose or corroded. If the connections are clean and tight, check the battery to see if it needs charged or replaced. Make sure the shifter is all the way in park on vehicles with a automatic transmission. The neutral safety switch will prevent the ignition from supplying power to the starter when the vehicle is not in park. If the engine still refuses to start it will be necessary to check for faulty or disconnected wiring in the starting circuit. If the wires check out good and you have power to the starter, then the problem is most likely the starter. It is easiest to just replace to starter and solenoid with a new or rebuilt unit. Be sure to check the flywheel for any broken teeth when replacing the starter.

The engine turns over but will not start. First, check to see if there is any fuel in the fuel tank. If the engine turns over slowly , make sure the battery is fully charged. Make sure the connections to the battery are tight and clean. Once you have established there is fuel in the tank and a charged battery, it's time to look at the fuel system. Check for leaking fuel injectors, pressure regulator, fuel pump, etc. The ignition system may be damp or faulty. Spark plugs may need replaced, or faulty wiring in the ignition system will prevent the engine from starting as well. If the problem proves to be other than fuel or spark the next step is to examine the timing belt to see if it is stripped or broken.