Why is your engine hard to start?
If you have experienced a car engine that is hard to start, you know it can be quite bothersome. While it is usually not a matter of life and death when it occurs, ignoring it can lead to bigger issues in your vehicle, which racks up the price of repairs.
A car engine.
Unfortunately, the root cause of hard starting engines can be in a number of different areas, making the issue a bit harder to pinpoint. The fuel system, electrical system, and even the starter itself are all possible culprits. However, there are some telling signs to look for to see why your car may be experiencing this issue.
What causes a hard starting engine?
Some causes of a hard starting engine include:
A Bad Starter: As the name indicates, the starter is a powerful electric motor that cranks your engine in order to start your car. General usage can wear out this car component. If nothing happens when the key is turned in the ignition or the car turns over slowly while the dash lights dim, this may be the problem. In this case the starter would need to be replaced.
Bad Starter Relay Wiring: The wiring between the battery and starter can become loose or broken which will prevent the starter motor from functioning. The wiring or connections will need to be replaced or repaired.
Weak Battery: The battery is what gives power to the starter motor, allowing the car to operate. If your car battery is weak or dead, the current will not be strong enough to start the car. If this is the problem, a very weak battery may produce a chattering sound when starting. In this case, charging or replacing the battery will solve the problem.
Failing Solenoid: A solenoid is an electromagnet used as a mechanism to engage the car’s starter motor of an internal combustion engine. If the solenoid is failing, the car will be difficult to start. It can be hard to tell whether the problem is with the starter itself or the solenoid, so the car will need to be looked at by a skilled mechanic if this is the case. If it is failing it will need to be replaced.
Failing Ignition Switch: The ignition switch is an important component of the ignition system. Again, general usage can cause the ignition switch to fail over time. The car becoming difficult to start is one of the most common ways to tell if this has occurred. Often when there is an issue with the ignition switch wiring, the ignition switch will be hot to the touch. If this is the problem, the failing ignition switch will eventually break completely and will need to be replaced.
Defective Fuel Pump: The fuel pump is the component of your car that pulls fuel from the tank to the injectors, which bring fuel to the engine. If the engine is not getting enough fuel, it will be hard, if not impossible to start, and eventually not start at all if not repaired.
Fouled Plugs: Spark plugs create the spark which make your car burn fuel. Fouled plugs are one of the most common reasons for a hard starting engine. The more the plugs are used, the harder it becomes for the car to ignite.
Clogged Fuel Filter: The fuel filter blocks out particles from the fuel, and naturally becomes clogged over time. This will prevent the engine from getting enough fuel, making the car hard to start.
Engine hard starting repair in Hamilton
If you have been experiencing an engine that is hard to start, we can help! At Grimmer Motors, our qualified, experienced and skilled mechanics are trained to use the latest in electronic diagnostic equipment to quickly find the source of your engine problems, saving you time and money. We can then provide reliable, high-quality repair solutions in order to get your vehicle running correctly.
We provide reliable engine repair for all vehicles. Contact us today to book your appointment!