Are you ready to go on vacation or to go to work, and you realize that your Tacoma does not start? Don’t worry, we will look into its cause and possible solutions in this guide.
The starting system of a vehicle is the result of a chain of several links. When one of them refuses to play its role, the whole system is brought to a standstill.
In order to anticipate these dreaded breakdowns, WheelsJoint will enlighten you on the probable and main causes of this auto problem, which is common in vehicles over 2 years old. You will then realize that certain failures can easily be spotted and countered
Electrical system failure
You may not know it, but a vehicle needs electricity to run, especially to start. Without electric current, the starter, the ignition coil and the spark plugs cannot therefore be started.
Problems related to ignition and the electrical system are at the top of the breakdowns most frequently reported by drivers. In 70% of cases, it is the battery.
Check battery
The first thing to check in the event of a breakdown is therefore the charge level of its battery, in order to gauge whether your vehicle has the energy required to start.
Indeed, the battery can be completely emptied or have too little charge to be able to start the vehicle. To find out if your battery is the cause of the failure, nothing could be simpler: turn on your headlights. If they don’t turn on or their lighting is very dim, it indicates that your battery is dead.
The solution will be to recharge your car’s battery with jump cables using another vehicle (temporary situation) or to change your car’s battery.
Check battery terminal connectors
The second item to check in the event of a fault is the battery connectors. Lugs can also be involved if, for example, they are loose or oxidized due to time. Electrical wiring and the alternator should also be checked to make sure the battery is charging properly while you are driving.
Check starter
Finally, the third car part that may be the cause of your failure is the starter. The longevity of the latter depends solely on its use. The main cause of a faulty starter is poor electrical contact.
Note: The batteries do not withstand extreme temperatures . When it is cold, the performance of your vehicle tends to be reduced. It is recommended that you pay particular attention to the proper functioning of your battery in winter, especially since it will be under greater strain due to the frequent use of headlights, heating or windshield wipers. When it is very hot, the conductivity of metals can also be compromised.
Check fuses
In rare cases, a blown fuse could also be the culprit in vehicle breakdown, check all fuses essential for starting in the fuse box located under the hood, for example, the fuse for fuel injectors and ignition coil (Inj).
Fuel related failure
The second major cause of breakdown is of course the lack of fuel. You must therefore check your fuel or diesel level to be sure that the failure does not simply come from here.
Note also that the problem can come from the quality of the fuel (additive added for example, presence of water or bad fuel). Regular maintenance of the fuel tank is essential to avoid this type of problem.
Your vehicle may also stop starting because of the auto parts that supply the engine with fuel, for example, the fuel pump or the inlet pipe. If the problem comes from these auto parts, it will be necessary to replace them.
Mechanical failure
This is more serious than the two previous types of causes, and also less common.
Spark plugs
The spark plugs can be loose or dirty. If they are quite old, it is also common for the engine to take a long time to start. If the spark plugs are dirty or too worn out, the spark needed to start the engine will not be able to be supplied, which is why your vehicle will not start. If you can, replace them with new spark plugs.
Insufficient air supply
A car that breaks down due to an insufficient air supply is rather rare, but it is still possible. If a foreign body has entered a suction wing, or if the air filter is dirty, the engine can no longer receive the oxygen necessary for the preparation of the air / fuel mixture.
This problem is often accompanied by overconsumption of fuel and a hot engine. To remedy this, you need to change the air filter and examine the suction wing.
Failure due to poor maintenance
Has your engine warning light been flashing for weeks? Never change the engine oil? It is possible that your engine no longer works because of this and therefore your car cannot start.
This is because if the coolant supply or the grease supply fails, due to an error or a lack of water or oil supply, the engine can suffer considerable damage.
The most well-known consequence of a lack of supply of these materials is piston seizure. In this case, your car will not run again with home remedies, and a complete engine overhaul will be required.
As soon as the engine warning light, the cooling water or oil pressure hazard warning lights come on, turn off the engine and contact a professional to carry out some checks.
My headlights come on but noting inside the cab will work replaced Batt
This was very useful to me. Thanks