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» Residential Electrical Wiring: Guide to Home Wiring
» Need Electrical Help? Get a Quick Reply! Ask the Electrician
How to Identify Car Starting Problems
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By Dave Rongey
Summary: Identifying a problem that may pr our car from starting. |
Identifying A Car Starting Problem |
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| Lets take a look at the electrical components that are needed to make a car start:
The Car Electrical Ignition System The Primary Ignition System The Engine Ignition System The Engine Fuel System Additional Factors that affect Engine Start Up |
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EXAMPLE: The Car Electrical System Components of a 1994 Honda Civic.
The Ignition SystemThe ignition system is made up of a few components that make the engine start by igniting the fuel in the engine cylinders. If one of these components is faulty the engine will not start.
* PLEASE NOTE This discussion is limited to this particular car. Your car might be different. Verify the exact wiring for your application requirements.
These tests are best provided by an experienced auto mechanic. Caution should be taken due to moving parts of the engine and the presence of pressurized gas or fuel lines and hoses. Hazard precautions must be taken at all times including personal protection to the eyes and body. Clean rags and a method of fire suppression should be provided.
Wiring Table
Troubleshooting an Engine Starting Problem
Use the Process of Elimination to identify problems.
Key Car Starting Components Identified |
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The Primary Ignition System includes: The battery must have a charge in order to make the engine crank to attempt to start. If the battery is good but the starter motor does not crank the engine then the key switch may be faulty. If this primary ignition is working, and the starter is cranking the engine but the engine does not start, then we need to proceed to the next phase of the ignition process. |
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The Engine Ignition System includes: This phase of the ignition system is where electricity, which is provided by the battery when the ignition switch is turned, is sent to the distributor system which makes the spark plugs spark. If the spark plugs are getting spark then we need to proceed to the next phase and check the fuel system. |
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The Engine Fuel System includes: This phase of the ignition system is where the fuel makes it's way from the gas tank into the engine cylinders. The presence of fuel pressure may be tested up by the engine where the fuel hoses connect to the metal fuel lines with clamps that may be loosened slightly. |
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Additional Factors that affect Engine Start Up includes: Most cars have a timing belt or timing chain which is used to connect two major engine assemblies and if it has broken then this will prevent the engine from starting and may cause other problems with the car engine as well. |
I Hope this information about Car Problems Helps You!
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The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
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Residential Electrical Parts and AccessoriesLight Switches 120volt Outlets Circuit Breakers Electrician Tools Voltage Testers |
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