Start up problems
time filters however, get clogged up with dirt and can block the fuel lines to the point of not starting at all. With most cars, you will find one filter by the tank and another in front near the engine.
Broken fuel lines on the other hand can cause problems. Fuel injection systems use pressurised fuel. When there is not enough pressure because of a leak, you may have problems starting your car. Always maintain a tightly sealed fuel tank as well or you will get bad fuel economy.
Modern cars with fuel injection have High Pressure pumps that are inside the tank. They sometimes fail. If you always run your car on empty you may experience this problem quite often because the fuel acts as a coolant for the electric fuel pump inside the tank.
Low fuel means that it will be exposed and will overheat. It is wise to keep the low fuel light off. Older cars with diaphragm pumps can also have issues. They may fail after a long time due to internal wear and tear or camshaft wear and tear.
The same older cars also have what you call an ignition coil. It transforms low voltage into high voltage required to create electric spark in the spark plugs to start the process of ignition. These little things can be a menace and when they go bad the car may not start. Modern cars have individual coil packs for each cylinder and do not usually go bad all at once.
Bad plugs may also give issues if they are clogged up with carbon. Always change and service your car according to your manufacturer’s recommendations. Check that your plugs are not oiling up and are firing as they should.
Sometimes we give our cars a wash every now and then, remember, distributors do not like water. They do not get along at all.
If you happen to let water slip in to the distributor, your car will not start until it’s completely dry. If you are lucky it will start but misfire until it’s completely dry. Keep the plug wells free of water as well.
These are some of the pointers to look at when your car suddenly decides to play tricks and not start. Happy motoring.
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