It's a terrible feeling when you get into your vehicle to go to work, turn the key, and it doesn't start. We can't help with you being late, but maybe we can figure out what's wrong with your vehicle. Here's where to start...when your engine won't start. Check the links for additional info on how to diagnose or replace that part. You turn the key and get absolutely nothing, not even an attempt at turning over. It seems bad but likely isn't. Whether the engine is cranking or not, it's always a good idea to cover the basics first and check the battery.
It may just be fully discharged to the point it can't engage the starter. You can have a look with a multimeter to verify you're at or close to 12.4V. Also have a look at the lights when turning the key. Are the interior lights and the headlights not working, or noticeably dim? That's a big sign the problem is the battery. Also check to make sure the battery cables are solidly connected from your last engine procedure, and make sure they aren't excessively corroded. Corrosion appears as a fluffy greenish-white deposit (or even a glassy layer) and can prevent the battery from receiving or delivering a charge. If the battery is good, grab a spark tester. Some fit onto the spark plug cable, while other designs fit between the cable and plug. Either way, a tester is a great way to verify that the spark plugs are getting power without having to unscrew all of them. If the ignition system is fine, odds are you are looking at a faulty starter motor, a loose connection on the primary wire to the starter, a failed relay, or just the starter solenoid. It could also be something faulty in the ignition switch. Before you go all out, check that it's not something incredibly simple, like a blown fuse, or you're trying to start the engine when not in Park or Neutral. We've all had mornings like that. ENGINE ROTATES BUT WON'T START Turning the key, you hear the starter crank the engine over. It spins and spins, but no start. This one is a little harder than the above, so let's remember that you need air, fuel, and spark for the engine to run, and start with the painfully obvious. Do you have fuel in the tank, and the battery is holding a charge? A quick glance at the fuel gauge and a reading of your handy multimeter will verify both. If the fuel gauge is faulty and showing half a tank, it could be lying to you. Add a few gallons and try another start. Then go under the hood again and check the coil packs and/or spark plug wires and ignition coil, or distributor cap and rotor if your ride is old-school. Look for cracked or burned plastic bits, and that's a good sign you're on the right track. If no luck yet, check out the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors. These will throw a "check engine" code, so you'll have some other helpful signs. We've said it before, but your own code reader is an incredibly handy diagnosis tool. ENGINE HARD TO START WHEN COLD Engines are typically a tiny bit harder to start when cold. But if it's not -40 outside and your engine struggles to life, then odds are this symptom is one of just a few things. Most people rightly suspect the battery, as it could be discharged, or just a low charge that can barely get the starter moving. If your voltage is good, then a hard, cold start suggests checking out the fuel and ignition systems. Affordable and easily replaceable wear items, like spark plugs and fuel filters are the best places to start. While you should definitely check the fuel and spark, this one also has the unusual chance of being an air issue, caused by a faulty air intake temperature (AIT) sensor. A code reader is a lovely diagnostic tool here, but the sensors themselves are much cheaper. Also check your records that there isn't a trend with hard starts in hot or cold weather. With all the various computers, modules, relays, and sensors in modern vehicles, there could be a slight connection issue that is exacerbated by extreme temperatures. ENGINE HARD TO START WHEN HOT Sometimes engines are finicky and have no problem starting and driving. Then, once parked for a few minutes, the car is unable to restart for up to an hour until cooled down. This one is irritating as you have the thought “I just drove it here!" followed by confusion as to what would let the engine do that. Start by checking the cheap stuff, like looking for a filthy and clogged air filter. Then check the condition of the negative battery terminal, looking for corrosion. If nothing is amiss, then signs point to it most likely being a fuel issue, likely the fuel pump or fuel regulator. This could also be an AIT sensor or coolant temperature sensor issue. STILL NOT STARTING? That's not good, but don't give up hope yet. How old is the key? Anti-theft keys with a chip near the teeth can wear out with repeated use. The chip will fail, and the car will detect a key trying to start the vehicle without the security verification. This causes a temporary lockout for a half hour or so, or until a working key is found. This failure usually develops over several weeks. Finally, while it is a little on the unlikely side, check that you aren't experiencing a compression issue. A leak down test could show low compression, exposing a failed head gasket or bent valve. Low or no pressure in all cylinders would also be a reason that an engine won't start, and it's often a sign of serious engine damage, like a broken timing belt/chain, camshaft, or other bottom end parts. Ever solved the mystery of the engine that wouldn't start? Sound off below and let us know what fixed it for you. M&D Foreign Car Parts can find that quality car part for you at a great price. M & D Foreign Car Parts 4616 SpringHill Ave, Mobile, AL 36608 251-344-3577
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![]() Of all the seasons, winter is probably the most troublesome for car owners. Not only because snowfall makes it hard to see the road and control the car against the thick, slippery snow, the cold temperature that winter brings also means extra effort in regards to ensuring that a car stays in top shape come spring time. Many car owners just do not realize but extremely low temperatures and snow sneaking inside the car can cause damage. They are not just factors that one would want to ignore. The damages these may bring are often significant especially when overlooked when the next season comes. So for convenience, it is especially important to execute some of the basic maintenance procedures to make a car spring-ready. Changing of Wiper Blades During winter, the wipers of a car act as scrapers for frozen rain particles and snow. Because of this, the rubber compound on the wiper blades crack or split, especially during prolonged use. As a result, visibility may be reduced during inclement weathers in the spring season. Replacing wiper blades is pretty straightforward. One must be sure to buy the correct wiper blades for their car. Then, the old blades must be removed by lifting the wiper arm away from the car’s windshield. At the underside of the blade is a tab that is depressed to be able to slide the old blade away. Next, the new wiper can be attached by pulling it tight onto the wiper arm. A clicking sound should indicate that it is secured tightly in place. Lastly, the wiper arm is backed onto the windshield and the process is repeated for the other wiper. Washing the Underbody Driving during the winter time will cause accumulation of sand, salt, and other debris that may cause rust and ultimately corrosion when spring comes. So to avoid this, one must remember to wash the car’s undercarriage. To do this, a car jack must be used to raise the vehicle. This makes hosing down the underbody easier and more efficient. Pressure of the hose must be enough to dislodge stuck debris. Hosing down must be done thoroughly until the underbody is sure to be cleaned. Checking Tire Pressure Cold temperatures bring down tire pressure for as much as 1 PSI for every ten degree temperature drop. When spring comes, driving in underinflated tires is not just dangerous, but it also wears the car’s tires more significantly. To avoid this, one must note to check the car’s tire pressure as the season changes. To properly check the pressure, the tires must be left unused for at least three hours after driving. Gauging tire pressure by eyeballing and touching would not suffice. Proper tire pressure gauge must be used to ensure accuracy. Now, different vehicles have different tire pressure requirements so one should check the owner’s manual of the car to know the proper PSI that must be applied. After knowing, necessary adjustments to the tire pressure can be made. These simple procedures are beneficial to ensure longevity of a car. Not only that, it makes car owners feel more safe and secured as they drive by during spring. M & D Foreign Car Parts 4616 SpringHill Ave, Mobile, AL 36608 (251) 344-3577 We are proud to be one of the only locally owned independent car parts store in Mobile County. We started in 1997 with out retail counter and our wholesale car parts delivery. Repair shops and Car Dealer were the bulk of our business. Our retail counter located at 4616 Springhill Ave Mobile, Al 36608 is a great option for fast order and pick-up. Many y of Mobiles auto parts stores and local auto repair shops would call M&D to find hard to find car parts. We have been known in the Mobile auto parts community as having the parts customers need at the right price. Our quality car parts and excellent customer service set us apart from our competitors.
M&D Foreign Car Parts 4616 SpringHill Ave, Mobile, AL 36608 251-344-3577 Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley establishes surrounding area as prime position for sustained growth in the commercial real estate, car supply and repair industry.Mobile, Alabama, and its surrounding region are experiencing unprecedented growth due to a low cost of doing business, diverse commerce base, intermodal transportation options, and quality lifestyle. Businesses and corporations are flocking to the area, bringing with them an increased workforce and a plethora of new economic opportunities. One specific area of note is the positive trend in the market surrounding Brookley field. Economic activity is thriving in this area, and an influx of significant commercial real estate development is expected within the next few years. With the advent of numerous new businesses and the resulting inflow of employees and their families, this is a natural site for the emergence of convenience stores, gas stations, hotels, restaurants, and much more in the near future. M & D Foreign Car Parts
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