As a part of owning a vehicle, you may face some common issues quite often. We are familiar with a situation where your car lost power while driving and wont start, and it is bound to confuse you if you do not have knowledge about it. It may be related to many things going inside the car. Mainly fueling issues. Some are also related to the ignition or spark and timing issues.
The good thing about this issue is that it is not as difficult to diagnose and repair as you think. With common pointers, you can easily solve this problem. Find out more in this article.
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Car Lost Power While Driving And Wont Start, What To Do?
There could be problems with the components like ignition coils, spark plugs, or related to various sensors of the car. Some of the common causes and their solutions are as follows-
1. Rule Out The Basics First!
This may sound absurd, however, this happens to numerous individuals. Drivers regularly neglect to refuel their vehicles and run their vehicle on empty in the street. Another reason for this is the point at which the fuel sending unit isn’t giving the right data to the ECU. For example, it shows you that you have a half tank of fuel remaining, however, the tank is unfilled.
So in case, you face the issue where your car won’t start or dies down while driving, then first check your fuel levels in the car!
2. Engine Ignition And Timing Issues
In some vehicles, including GM and Volkswagen, ignition coil packs are known to fall flat. It would occur in wet climate conditions or subsequent to washing the motor. Presently, most vehicles have separate start loops for every chamber but still, they fail. Also, sensors like the crankshaft sensor or the teeth ring may wear out causing all timing issues.
In these cases, the car will give low power, will misfire, and die out on you without any warning.
How To Fix Ignition Issues?
In the case of faulty wiring, the mechanic will suggest checking if valves are bent or not. By replacing a timing belt (or chain) and resetting the timing might fix the problem. Now, most cars come with separate ignition coils, one for each cylinder. Although they fail very commonly, they can be easily replaced.
Cleaning or replacing the spark plugs can also improve the situation very much. These are common tuning items of the car.
3. Bad Fuel Delivery System
Fuel pumps fail too often. A fuel pump may just stop working, leading to the car lost power while driving and wont start. Run a few tests like the fuel pressure test to rule out the issue. It is not that difficult to find out. If the fuel pump doesn’t run, you might also have to check the electrical circuit. This includes connectors and the fuel pump relay. With any fuel-related problem, consider taking your car to qualified technicians with proper tools.
What Are Solutions For Fueling Issues?
Fuel pump relay or fuse or main relay failures are common in some vehicles. So start by checking those and replace the fuse is blown. Check the electrical circuit, the connector, and the fuel pump relay. If the fuel pump is bad, then it is recommended to get it replaced by a qualified mechanic. Gasoline is flammable and dangerous, so it is better left for a qualified person.
4. Loose Electrical Connectors
Fuses or main relay or the connectors are main failure points and are very common to occur in some vehicles. In many cars, a failed ECU Relay could also cause a car to die out not to start. An overheated fuse in the battery box can cause the vehicle to die and not start. Read more: How to check a fuse in a car.
In some cars, modules are installed underneath, near the spare tire and when water or corrosion enters the module, it can cause it not to work.
How To Clean Bad Electrical Connectors
If the car doesn’t run or dies down immediately, then your mechanic will have to check the electrical circuit, including all the connectors, fuses, and relay. For any electric-related problem, consider taking your car to the dealer, as they have qualified technicians with proper tools.
5. Low Compression In The Engine
An engine may be weak and as a result, lose the compression in the cylinders. It can cause a situation when the car lost power while driving and wont start again. It can be after a severe overheating or due to a timing belt or chain skips.
A weak engine will not produce enough compression for the combustion to happen, leading to a no-start issue. This issue will manifest itself with weak engine power delivery and misfiring.
Options For Engine Repair
These days, the engine is very complex, and repairing them can be very expensive. Replacing an engine with a used unit will be cheaper in comparison. You can easily find a used motor with a well-developed network of auto recyclers. They will help you locate a used engine.
How To Prevent Engine No Start Issues?
The simplest answer would be to stick to the normal maintenance schedule of your car. You will be surprised but you can avoid almost 90% of the common car issues by following the proper maintenance schedule of your car. Also, make sure that you get good quality fuel whenever possible. Using good quality spark plugs and coils will also improve overall engine health.
How Much Will Did Cost To Fix Engine No Start Issue?
If the issue is related to the fuel pump, then fuel pump-related issues can be solved within the range of 300-700$ depending on the car. Electrical and ignition issues can be repaired for under 500$. A full tune-up of the car will cost 200$. An engine replacement can cost up to 1000$.
Conclusion
So if your car lost power while driving and wont start, then it could be a common maintenance issue. Make sure that you follow your service schedule to prevent these kinds of issues in the first place. If you still have any questions, then comment down below.