Running problems

The most unpleasant are sudden car malfunctions that occur without warning. For example, a big surprise may be the impossibility of starting the engine, which happens not only in winter.

The most annoying are sudden car malfunctions that occur without warning. For example, a big surprise may be the inability to start the engine, which happens not only in winter.

Despite the fact that a minute ago there were no problems and no signals of an impending malfunction, our car may not want to start.

However, the car can "inform" the driver about some malfunctions. Sagging in the suspension makes itself felt with knocks, and a leaky muffler - with much louder work. On the other hand, problems with starting the engine can happen suddenly, despite the fact that a minute ago the engine started after the first movements of the starter.

The ignition system or fuel system may be to blame. It is enough that one of them fails, and the car cannot be started. We have very limited repair options in our fleet, but this does not mean that we are doomed to roadside assistance in advance. You can try to troubleshoot with only a basic set of tools at your disposal.

Diagnostics should begin with checking the fuel supply to the engine. Fuel injection units use electric fuel pumps, so after the ignition is turned on you should hear a soft hum for a few seconds, more pronounced from behind the car or trunk, informing us that the pump is working. This means that the pump is working, but we cannot at all be sure that the fuel is reaching the engine.

To check it, you need to loosen the fuel line in the engine compartment or the screw on the injector rail and check if there is fuel there. As soon as you loosen the connection, the pressurized fuel will leak out. Do this carefully and protect the area with a cloth or paper.

However, if you can't hear the pump running, check the fuses first. Finding the right one shouldn't be a problem. When it is running and the pump is still not running, the pump relay may be faulty. Unfortunately, it will be difficult to find it, as well as to check it in the field.

A faulty alarm or immolizer that cannot be reset can also cause pump failure.

If the fuel system is OK and the engine still does not start, check the ignition system. The first step is to check the electrical connections, fuses and spark plugs. For this, however, you need a second person to start the engine.

If we have a spare spark plug in the trunk, it is enough to remove one wire from the engine spark plug and put it on the spare spark plug. Then place the spark plug on the metal part and start the engine. The absence of a spark will indicate that the ignition coil, module, or even the engine computer is damaged.

However, further actions are impossible without the appropriate tools, but a preliminary diagnosis made in this way will certainly help the called specialist, as it will speed up the detection of the defect and reduce the repair bill.