Engine won't start

That is an extremely broad subject you have on your hands. you could have up to 50 odd issues leading to it not starting.

to troubleshoot this you need to know an engine needs oxygen, fuel and spark to burn alongside compression. but if its compression your out of luck.

the barebones simplistic options are below

first to check is spark. simply get a spark plug socket and locate your spark plugs, tear one off and get someone to try turning it over while holding the spark plug plugged into the lead against the motor nearest to the hole you just took it out of while being able to see it. if you see little blue flashes you are getting spark.

second issue can be fuel if it has spark, simply smell the hole you just pulled the plug out of. chances are you are going to smell exactly what you usually smell while refuelling. if there is no or a weak fume smell its likely fuel. if it is getting ample fuel the smell should have you just about reeling away from the car from the strength. if you do not wish to smell then find your LONG kitchen lighter and light it up then get someone to turn it over a few cranks with the lighter over the spark plug hole holding it to one side. it should give you a quick brief burst of fire as the petrol burns off. do not look over the top of the hole as the burst of fire can easily reach 3-4 feet away from the engine.

third issue is oxygen. remove the air filter and check for extremely serious buildup of grime. if removed and engine still does not fire then it has become an electrical issue not a mechanical issue and that is best left to pro auto electricians.


what exactly was the car performing like immediately before the car stopped starting? was it shuddering? sluggish? pulsating?