If the motor shaft does not rotate or rotates slowly
Vehicles with automatic transmission
Make sure the control lever is in the N or P position.
Check that the clamps at the battery poles are secure and clean.
Turn on interior lighting. If it does not light or glows weakly or goes out when the starter is turned on, then the battery is dead.
Vehicles without a catalyst
You can try to start the engine using a foreign battery, or if the car has a manual transmission, starting can be done by pushing.
Vehicles with catalytic converter
The engine can be started using an external battery, but not towing or pushing the car. The catalyst may overheat and then there is a risk of fire.
If the engine cranks at normal speed but the engine does not start
1 - ignition coil; 2 - spark plugs; 3 - distributor.
Check fuel level.
Check all butt joints at the ignition coil (1) at the distributor (3) and spark plugs (2) must have a secure fit.
If the engine is warm or smells of unburnt fuel, the engine has probably received too much fuel.
Vehicles without a catalyst
If the engine still does not start, remove the spark plugs and dry them. Engine «scroll» about 20 seconds with the starter and screw in the spark plugs again.
If the engine still does not start, it must be adjusted or repaired. Contact a specialist workshop.
Starting the engine by towing
WARNING: If the vehicle has an automatic transmission and catalytic converter, the engine must not be started by pushing the vehicle.
Set the ignition key to the ON position and engage 2nd gear.
With the clutch pedal fully depressed, wait until the towing vehicle gradually moves your vehicle up to a speed of about 15 km/h. Remember that the brake pedal must be pressed harder when the engine is off.
At a speed of 15 km/h, hold the accelerator pedal approximately halfway down and slowly release the clutch to allow the engine to start.
When the engine starts, give the driver of the towing vehicle a sign to stop.
Simultaneously press the gas pedal.
Starting the engine from the second car («smoking»)
During this operation, the following must be taken into account:
The cross section of the starting wire must be at least 16 mm2 (diameter about 5mm). The determining factor in this case is always a car with a discharged battery. The cross section of the wire is usually indicated on its packaging. When buying a new starter cable, you should choose a wire with insulated terminals with a cross section of 25 mm2, since it is also suitable for engines with a smaller displacement.
Both batteries must be 12V.
A discharged battery can freeze even at -10°C.
Be sure to defrost such a battery before connecting the starter cable.
A discharged battery must be properly installed in the vehicle.
Position both vehicles so far apart that there is no metal-to-metal contact between them. Otherwise, voltage may already arise when connecting the positive terminals.
Apply the handbrake on both vehicles Place the gear levers in neutral position.
Switch off all current consumers.
Power car engine (A) should run at idle.
Starter cables must be connected in the following order:
- clamp the red cable on the positive terminal of the discharged battery;
- clamp the other end of the red cable on the positive terminal of the battery that supplies voltage;
- clamp the black cable on the negative terminal of the battery that gives off voltage;
- connect the other end of the black cable to a well-cleaned place, for example, to the engine body of a car being started. This will help avoid losses in «mass».
WARNING: An explosion may occur when the cable is connected to the negative terminal of an empty battery.
Check again the fastening of the terminals on the battery terminals. Make sure that the cables do not come into contact with rotating parts such as the radiator fan.
WARNING: Cable terminals must not touch each other and must not come into contact with ground (body or chassis).
Start the car engine with a discharged battery and leave it on. When starting, turn on the starter for no more than 15 seconds, because at high current the cable and terminals heat up. For this reason, pauses for cooling should be made, lasting at least 1 minute.
Set the engine of the starting vehicle to idle. As a result, it will be possible to avoid possible damage to the generator when starting with peak voltages. If the idle speed decreases, you can slightly add gas.
Keep open flames away from the battery when starting up as flammable gases are emitted from the battery.
After starting, disconnect the cables in reverse order.
WARNING: If the above connection recommendations are not followed, there is a risk of electrolyte burns. In addition, there is a risk of injury from a battery explosion and damage to the electrical systems of both vehicles.
Bleeding the fuel system
If the fuel tank was completely empty and the engine stopped after refueling, the engine may not start. Then it is necessary to pump the systems with a hand pump until an ever-increasing resistance is felt. For engines with an injection system, turn on the ignition several times for 5-10 seconds and turn off the ignition.
If the engine is too hot
If the engine coolant temperature gauge shows that the engine is overheated, if you detect a decrease in power, or a knock is clearly audible (detonation), it means that the engine is too hot.
Stop the vehicle, let the engine idle, apply the handbrake. Turn off the air conditioner
If coolant is leaking from the radiator or coolant reservoir or steam is coming out, stop the engine, open the hood and wait until the steam escapes. If no vapor or liquid comes out, keep the engine running and check if the cooling fan is running. If not, then stop the engine and turn off the ignition.
Check the tightness of the radiator hoses of the radiator and the bottom of the car. It is allowed if water drips from the air conditioner after operation.
When the engine is running, be careful to keep hands and clothing away from the moving fan and V-belts.
If no coolant is leaking, check the coolant expansion tank. If it is empty, pour water into the reservoir approximately half way when the engine is running.
CAUTION: Never attempt to remove the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are hot.
After the engine has cooled to normal temperature, check the fluid level in the reservoir again. If necessary, fill the reservoir up to half. A severe loss of coolant means that there is a leak in the cooling system.