Why do I have to turn the key several times before starting the car?
You either have a very clogged fuel filter, or are in need of a new fuel pump. Fuel pressure should be checked, and should be no lower than about 55psi while running or key on. By turning the key several times, you are priming the fuel system up enough to start the vehicle, so you definitely have a fuel issue.
How does a key turn work on a starter motor?
The key turn completes a small circuit that tells the battery to release power to the starter solenoid. The solenoid ramps up the power given to it and that power causes the starter motor to turn very quickly.
What happens when you let the car start?
However, as soon as you let go of the key, the engine turns off. If you hold the key in the start position the car continues to run indefinitely (no problems, except a tired arm/hand from holding the key.) We managed to drive it home this way. Car alway starts without any difficulty.
How does battery drain when turning key to ” start “?
Instantly upon turning key to Start, fully charged battery drained to less than 4 volts – either of two batteries. Instantly! With everything off and all fuses and circuit breakers removed, get +9.5 volts between negative pole of battery and ground at alternator mounting frame. Same with either small wire disconnected from battery post on solenoid.
What happens when you turn the key on a car?
The higher rate of electricity gives the starter motor more “oomph” to turn the engine over. The process of starting the car begins at the ignition switch in the driver’s cockpit. The key turn completes a small circuit that tells the battery to release power to the starter solenoid.
What do you hear when you turn the key on a starter?
On starters with the solenoid on top (GM, most others) the solenoid grounds through the starter brushes, so when the brushes make bad contact you get the “silent treatment” when you turn the key. The small wire going to the starter solenoid should get 12 volts or so when the key is turned to “start”.
However, as soon as you let go of the key, the engine turns off. If you hold the key in the start position the car continues to run indefinitely (no problems, except a tired arm/hand from holding the key.) We managed to drive it home this way. Car alway starts without any difficulty.
How to diagnose no start, turn key and nothing happens?
Spark (Only gas engines need a spark, diesel engines need high compression and glow plugs in cold weather to start) Compression (without compression the engine will not run, or not have any power) To read my article where I really lay out the FastC method of diagnosing any no start condition read here.
Why does it take so long to start a 300K engine?
Sure why not. On high mileage engines (200k to 300k) the pistons ring can wear causing low compression which increases crank time and causes hard starting. This is because the compression ratio is low and it takes time for the engine to gain enough speed cranking by the starter to ignite the fuel air mixture.
What causes a car to have a hard start?
This guide will help by starting with simple fixes and conclude with the more difficult. What goes wrong? Normal wear and usage can cause a hard start condition due to lack of fuel pressure, poor intake air management, false readings to the car’s computer or weak spark.
What causes a motorcycle to not start up?
The most common time that you will encounter fuel problems is when you try to start your motorcycle for the first time after being stored for a long period of time. After a while, the gas can break down if it was not properly stabilized and will lose enough octane so that it will not combust.
You either have a very clogged fuel filter, or are in need of a new fuel pump. Fuel pressure should be checked, and should be no lower than about 55psi while running or key on. By turning the key several times, you are priming the fuel system up enough to start the vehicle, so you definitely have a fuel issue.
Sure why not. On high mileage engines (200k to 300k) the pistons ring can wear causing low compression which increases crank time and causes hard starting. This is because the compression ratio is low and it takes time for the engine to gain enough speed cranking by the starter to ignite the fuel air mixture.
This guide will help by starting with simple fixes and conclude with the more difficult. What goes wrong? Normal wear and usage can cause a hard start condition due to lack of fuel pressure, poor intake air management, false readings to the car’s computer or weak spark.
What causes an intake back fire in an engine?
This will help locate the system that is having a problem and needs repair. An intake back-fire explosion can be caused by the fuel air mixture being to lean when the engine is demanding power. Every internal combustion engine runs on a mixture of 14 to 1 which is fourteen parts air to one part fuel.
What should I do if my car takes 2 tries to start?
Turn the key to the “on” position, but don’t start it. Wait for 10 seconds first. You might be able to hear the fuel pump engage and disengage if you listen closely. If you can hear it, wait for it to disengage before you start the engine.
Why does my car not start on the first attempt?
Car won’t start on first attempt, takes several tries the… The vehicle will turn over but will not start until after two or three attempts. When the key is in the ignition and turned all the way to the right and I let go of it it still stays there and attempts to keep starting without me holding the key.
Why do I turn the ignition on and off so many times?
Other times I just turn the ignition on and off about 5 or 6 times and it starts. I can detect a pattern to this problem as it seems to come and go. vehicle. If the engine does not crank, then you may have a starter problem. If the engine does not crank, and position, then this is most likely a problem in the Passlock system.
Turn the key to the “on” position, but don’t start it. Wait for 10 seconds first. You might be able to hear the fuel pump engage and disengage if you listen closely. If you can hear it, wait for it to disengage before you start the engine.
Car won’t start on first attempt, takes several tries the… The vehicle will turn over but will not start until after two or three attempts. When the key is in the ignition and turned all the way to the right and I let go of it it still stays there and attempts to keep starting without me holding the key.
Why do I have to turn the ignition back and forth?
This is what sends the security data to the Body Control Module (BCM) to allow the car to start. This part failing is very common on this car. If there is no security warning, then this is a possible ignition switch problem. This would explain turning the ignition back and forth several times. This action will usually cause a bad switch to correct
Why does my Car start after bumping the key?
It has to move to make contact, and I’m thinking when you’re bumping the key over, the sudden voltage then lack of voltage is “wiggling” the solenoid loose again. Try tapping on it when a wrench or small hammer next time.
How many tries does it take to start a car?
Then one day it took about 12 tries, and started fluctuating between 3 and 12 tries for a long time. But, one time during that time period, it took me 50+ tries, then went back to 3-12 for a long time. As of today, 4 out of the last 5 times I started my car, it took well over 20 tries, if not 50.
How does a starter work on a car?
The starter depends on a solenoid which pulls the starter shaft with a gear to engage a larger gear on the engine. This rotates the engine until it starts running on its own. The starter won’t actually turn until that shaft is engaged. If the solenoid is going bad and is cold, it might not work (variety of reasons).
Can a battery cause a starter to turn?
If the relay is a direct power version actuated by rod and a key turn, you’d need to find the wiring which is associated with this, pull the plug, then jump the correct two wires together to see if it would cause the starter to turn. By no means would I consider the battery to be the issue. Thanks for the help and consideration!
What should I do if my ignition key won’t turn?
Average rating from 41 customers who received a Ignition key does not turn Inspection. It can be frustrating when you insert your key into your car’s ignition and it refuses to turn. Your mind races with all the possibilities of what could be going wrong, but luckily, most ignition key issues are not only common, but also quick to fix.
Why does the keyswitch not turn the starter?
They keyswitch may not be sending the signal to tell the battery to send juice to the starter, the battery may not be able to send enough power to the solenoid to turn the starter, the solenoid may not be ramping up the power given to it, or the starter may not be functioning and able to turn.
What happens if you put the wrong key in the cylinder?
Factor 3: Incorrect key. Sometimes it’s a simple mistake, and the wrong key is inserted into the cylinder. This happens most often when someone has more than one car key on their key ring. Many keys look similar, especially if they are from the same make. So double check the correct key is being used to try to start the vehicle.
What to do if your car starter keeps cranking?
Appears the starter pinion does not retract once the engine starts. I had a similar problem a few weeks back on my car. Replaced the starter and all was well. You can whack it with a hammer, but it’s not a solution and dangerous to be under the car while the engine runs.
Why does my car key not come out?
The key not coming out is usually a low voltage problem of key cylinder problem. The fact that is cranks slow may be because the engine has been damaged due to overheating as the belt was broke and water pump not turning for a 10 mile trip. The engine must have overheated very badly.
Why do I have to crank my car twice before it starts?
when you stop cranking momentarily, the fuel pump catches up, raising the pressure in the line. The next time you crank, fuel is available to start the engine. try switching the key to ON for a few seconds, then starting the car. If it starts right up, you can bet the problem is low fuel pressure.
Why does my Car start when I turn it over?
If the car turns over slowly and the voltage drops below about 10.6 or so, you probably have a weak battery or poor connections at the battery. Repeat the test with the meter on the battery terminals themselves to verify no voltage drop at the cable ends. If the car turns over slowly and the voltage stays high, you probably have a bad starter.
Why does my car turn over every time I start it?
If it’s faulty or stuck, then when you shut the car down, fuel may be bleeding back to the tank via the return line. The next time you start the car, turn the key to the ON position and wait a moment.
when you stop cranking momentarily, the fuel pump catches up, raising the pressure in the line. The next time you crank, fuel is available to start the engine. try switching the key to ON for a few seconds, then starting the car. If it starts right up, you can bet the problem is low fuel pressure.
How much does it cost to get a new turn key?
You will have to pay for a new key or pray that you have a spare chip key. It can cost upwards of $500-700 dollars to have a new chip key programmed, plus waiting for the dealership to open, and to get towed there.
Why does my car not start when I Turn on the ignition?
The car will not start when the ignition is turned all the way over. The battery is fine and I think it is a switch problem. Sometimes I can leave it alone for a few hours and it will fire right up. Other times I just turn the ignition on and off about 5 or 6 times and it starts.
How many tries does it take for a car to start?
The vehicle will turn over but will not start until after two or three attempts. When the key is in the ignition and turned all the way to the right and I let go of it it still stays there and attempts to keep starting without me holding the key. Once it does start after the third or fourth attempt it stays running and seems to be okay after that.
Instantly upon turning key to Start, fully charged battery drained to less than 4 volts – either of two batteries. Instantly! With everything off and all fuses and circuit breakers removed, get +9.5 volts between negative pole of battery and ground at alternator mounting frame. Same with either small wire disconnected from battery post on solenoid.
If the car turns over slowly and the voltage drops below about 10.6 or so, you probably have a weak battery or poor connections at the battery. Repeat the test with the meter on the battery terminals themselves to verify no voltage drop at the cable ends. If the car turns over slowly and the voltage stays high, you probably have a bad starter.
How to troubleshoot a GM 3.1L no start?
Important Tips And Suggestions. No Start Condition Basics. No Start 1: Checking For Spark. No Start 2: Checking For Fuel. No Start 3: Anti-Theft System Checks. No Start 4: Checking Engine Mechanical Condition. No Start Summary. Related Test Articles.
What kind of ignition system does a GM 3.1L have?
The ignition system is the one responsible for creating and delivering spark. Without spark, the engine will crank but not start. The ignition system of the GM 3.1L, 3.4L equipped vehicles covered by this article use a distributor-less ignition system. More specifically, it uses a coil pack type ignition system. Bad ignition control module (ICM).
This is what sends the security data to the Body Control Module (BCM) to allow the car to start. This part failing is very common on this car. If there is no security warning, then this is a possible ignition switch problem. This would explain turning the ignition back and forth several times. This action will usually cause a bad switch to correct