- 1). Attach a mutli-meter to the battery and check voltage. A properly functioning car battery should read approximately 12 volts. If the engine cranks slowly or not at all, a weak battery may be at fault. Try jump starting the vehicle, and running it for at least 30 minutes to re-charge it.
- 2). Remove the spark plugs and check for unusual signs of wear. Black tipped plugs indicate possible high operating temperatures or an excessively rich fuel condition. White residue is a sign of pre-ignition or potential head gasket failure, possible "fouling" the spark plugs, causing rough running or in some cases, total failure.
- 3). Check the fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator. If the engine cranks but won't fire, it may not be receiving a steady supply of fuel.
- 4). Read any CEL (check engine light) codes by attaching a code reader to the vehicle diagnostic port. This provides critical information regarding engine components which are faulty.
- 5). Adjust engine timing. The timing belt ensures pistons and valves move together in the correct position. If the belt has worn or skipped a tooth, it will cause the timing to be out of sync, often precipitating incomplete or out of phase combustion. In severe cases it will prevent the engine from starting and may cause internal damage.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up here to get the latest news, updates and special offers delivered directly to your inbox.
You can unsubscribe at any time