Why won’t my car start after replacing alternator
It’s always annoying when the car stops while driving or just turns off. The fact that the car doesn’t start is not really a cause for panic. It’s probably just a small defect. But to find the right cause, you need a thorough knowledge of how the car works. In this article we will explain everything that can make a car malfunction and what works in cases where the car doesn’t start.
What does the car have to do?
An internal combustion engine car needs six things to drive. These are the following:
The car won’t start because…
Fuel: Gasoline, diesel or gas
Steering mechanism: to control the movement of moving parts
Energy: electric current to activate the starter motor
Air: to prepare the mixture
Oil: to lubricate the moving parts
Water: for engine cooling
Even if one of these systems fails, the engine will also fail. Depending on the system, the engine can be repaired immediately or only after a very expensive repair.
Engine no longer starts – fuel system failure
If the car won’t start or stop, the first suspect is usually the fuel supply. If the engine does not start, even if the choke tries, the car may run out of fuel. If the fuel gauge still shows a residual amount, the fuel level sensor may have been left in the tank. You can check this by adding a little fuel and trying to start again. This requires some patience because a completely empty fuel system must first bleed out.
If the tank empties strangely fast, check the smell of the fuel. It is possible that the fuel hose has a leak. Finally, it is also possible that the fuel pump no longer works.
The car often breaks down – a problem with the transmission system
The car does not start cold A failure of the power train often has serious consequences. If the timing belt or chain breaks, the engine will stop immediately and not start again. In this case, the interior of the engine is often seriously damaged and very expensive to repair. You can check this by looking at the timing belt or chain case. If the transmission elements are loose, the cause has been found. A repair does not involve replacing the belt or chain. The motor must be completely dismantled.
Trolley compression does not start – Power failure
The car won’t start the spark plugs.
If the car does not start, the most common cause is a power failure. Electricity is generated in an electric generator, stored in the battery and transferred via the ignition coil and the spark plug distributor in the engine compartment. Electrical energy must always flow into the circuits. In the event of a circuit interruption, the electrical energy is no longer transferred and is returned to the electrical generator by the body. Therefore, the electrical generator and the battery must always be grounded, i.e. connected to the body.
Corrosion can occur between this power cable and the body. If this is not detected, the car’s ignition will deteriorate until it stops working at some point. The solution to this problem is very simple. Unscrew the ground wires, polish them until they are clean and cover them with grease. Then screw them back in and the problem disappears.
The engine won’t start The ignition coil converts the 24 volt current supplied by the generator into a powerful 10,000 volt ignition current. From the coil, the cable goes to the distributor. This cable can be removed in older vehicles. This would be the simplest reason if the car did not start again. Just put the cable in the right position and that’s it. But if the cable is in place and sparks appear during the start, the insulation layer is damaged and a rodent bite could be the cause. As a temporary measure, the ignition cable should be wrapped with insulating tape.
After starting the car, the entire engine compartment should be checked for further rodent bites. Damage to the coolant hose can cause total engine damage.
The car won’t start with a charged battery. The starter motor can also be a problem. It consists of an electric motor and an electromagnetic clutch release device. The starter motor can wear out over time and the contacts can become corroded. A damaged stator is indicated by high noise. In this case, the electromagnet no longer completely disconnects the stator drive while the electric motor continues to turn it. With a little luck, this defect can be repaired. However, usually only the defective part can be replaced.
The starter motor, only in high-quality cars, doesn’t make any noise when starting. In case of a generator failure, the battery doesn’t get recharged anymore, which is usually indicated by constantly illuminated lights on the dashboard. If it is ignored for too long, the ignition coil will no longer be energized. In this case, first charge the battery and then check the alternator. Most generator defects are usually very slight; either the drive belt is broken or the carbon brushes are worn. Both types of damage can be repaired for money and in a few steps.
The car doesn’t start suddenly anymore – air supply failure
Although it is theoretically possible, it is very rare for an engine to fail due to an air supply problem. If a foreign object gets stuck in the intake system or the air filter is completely dirty, the engine no longer receives the amount of oxygen needed to condition the mixture. This failure is usually indicated by increased fuel consumption and engine heating. In this case, simply change the air filter and check the intake system to restore operation.
Car does not start – Water and oil supply failure
If the coolant or grease supply fails, serious damage to the motor may result. The known piston attack is a consequence of the lack of one of these substances. If this problem occurs, the car can no longer be maintained with household remedies, but requires a thorough engine overhaul. Therefore: As soon as the engine control light or the warning light for cooling water or oil pressure comes on, turn off the engine immediately!
The car will not start. The stator is turned. How to proceed when the engine does not start?
With this list you can easily identify the reason for leaving the car:
Has the car stopped on the road?
– We ran out of fuel.
– Broken ignition contacts.
– Engine failure
So you’re not gonna start the car?
The starter motor rotates: the engine control is fine, the fuel tank is empty or the ignition cable is loose.
– Fuel gauge control
– If the fuel gauge is empty: Fill the fuel tank
– If the fuel gauge is sufficient: Check the ignition cable
– Loose ignition cable: reconnect it.
– The ignition cable produces sparks when starting: damaged insulation, wrap it in duct tape and replace it as soon as possible.
– If the ignition cable is OK, fill the fuel tank.
– If the car does not start despite the fuel, push it in.
– If the car can be pushed, check the alternator, the ground cable and the ignition coil.
– If the car cannot be pushed, check the ignition contacts.
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Starter not working: Engine damage, engine blocked
The car won’t take off in the cold.
– The car doesn’t react, not even the bulb is on: the battery is completely discharged. Start the engine with an external power source.
(In this case, the battery usually needs to be replaced)
– The choke works with an external power supply, but the car won’t start: check the fuel, air and ignition cables.
– The starter motor doesn’t turn: choke defective or engine damage. Try to tow the car (Note: Diesel vehicles cannot be towed in cold weather!)
– Car doesn’t start despite towing and locking the wheels: engine damage, high repair demand
If all these measures do not work, there is only one possibility before going to the workshop: check all fuses, especially in diesel vehicles. The fuse in the glow plugs can blow. If it’s OK here too, the car should be taken to the garage.