Car, Truck or SUV No Start Problems

Recently many of our customers have been asking what auto parts they need to fix their car, truck or SUV when it doesn’t start. The answer may not always be that you need to replace any auto parts at all. Although there may be many reasons for a vehicle that cause it to not start, some can be easily fix and others may require simple patience. Below are a few reasons that may cause your vehicle to not start.

The 3.8L Oldsmobile engine may have a no-start or stalling problem due to dirt, ice or snow. This engine is equipped with a Hall Effect crank sensor located on the lower part of the engine next to the harmonic balancer. When road dirt, ice or snow gets stuck they can either break the sensor or cause an interruption of the generated signal. When the sensor doesn't send the correct signal to the computer it causes a stalling or no start problem.

The Volvo 240 might not start because of a clogged flame trap. The flame trap is the positive crankcase ventilation system that allows blow-by gases from the engine to be introduced into the intake system. This system vents the gas to prevent engine seal leaks and lowers emissions. Difficult starting can be accompanied by a MIL (check engine light) with an oxygen sensor code. The code is set to the clogged flame arrester problem. Check the flame trap screen for clogging and replace as necessary.

The 3.9-liter Dodge Dakota could experience hard starts due to a fuel injector problem. The problem is that the fuel injectors leak, causing extra fuel to be dumped into the cylinder. This contaminates the oil and empties the fuel rail. When the ignition key is turned on, the lack of fuel in the rail causes a hard start or extended cranking time. The fix for this problem is to replace the fuel injectors and seals and to change the oil. Observe caution when working with the fuel system, and follow all safety procedures.

Although in some cases new auto parts may be required to fix some vehicles that do not start, it is not one common part that causes this problem. Much of the analysis depends on the make of the vehicle.