Is your car engine suddenly acting up while driving? Don’t panic! This guide compiles the 8 most common engine problems, along with their causes and solutions, to help you quickly troubleshoot them.
I. Engine Fails to Start
Possible Causes:
Dead battery / loose connections;
Ignition system failure (spark plugs, ignition coil damage);
Fuel system problems (fuel pump failure, fuel depletion);
Starter motor failure.
Solutions:
Check battery charge, try jump-starting;
Check spark plugs and ignition coil, replace if necessary;
Confirm sufficient fuel, check fuel pump operation;
If the starter motor is unresponsive, professional repair is needed.
II. Engine Shaking or Unstable Idling
Possible Causes:
Aging/carbon buildup on spark plugs;
Air intake system leak / clogged air filter;
Fuel injection system failure (clogged injectors);
Severe engine carbon buildup.
Solutions:
Replace spark plugs or clean carbon deposits;
Check the air intake system, replace the air filter;
Clean the fuel injectors or fuel system;
Regularly use fuel additives to clean carbon deposits.
III. Engine Malfunction Indicator Light On
Possible Causes:
Oxygen sensor failure;
Fuel system problems (clogged injectors, insufficient fuel pressure);
Ignition system problems (spark plugs, ignition coil failure);
Exhaust system problems (catalytic converter failure).
Solutions:
Use a diagnostic tool to read the fault code and determine the specific problem;
Check the corresponding components based on the fault code, replace if necessary.
IV. Engine Stalls
Possible Causes:
Fuel system problems (fuel pump failure, clogged injectors);
Ignition system problems (spark plugs, ignition coil failure);
Air intake system problems (airflow sensor failure).
Solutions:
Check the fuel and ignition systems, replace components if necessary;
Check the airflow sensor, replace if necessary. V. Insufficient Engine Power
Possible Causes:
Clogged air filter;
Clogged fuel filter / insufficient fuel pump pressure;
Clogged exhaust system (catalytic converter malfunction);
Engine carbon buildup / ignition system problems.
Solutions:
Replace the air filter;
Check the fuel filter and fuel pump, replace if necessary;
Check the exhaust system, clean or replace the catalytic converter;
Clean engine carbon buildup or check the ignition system.
VI. Abnormal Engine Noise
Possible Causes:
Loose/worn belts (timing belt, alternator belt);
Wear of internal engine parts (pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft);
Excessive valve clearance / hydraulic lifter malfunction.
Solutions:
Check and replace loose belts;
If the noise comes from inside the engine, professional inspection is required;
Adjust valve clearance or replace hydraulic lifters.
VII. Abnormally High Engine Fuel Consumption
Possible Causes:
Oxygen sensor malfunction;
Clogged air filter;
Fuel system problems (leaking fuel injectors);
Severe engine carbon buildup.
Solutions:
Check and replace the oxygen sensor;
Replace the air filter;
Check the fuel system, clean/replace fuel injectors;
Clean engine carbon buildup.
VIII. Difficulty Starting the Engine
Possible Causes:
Insufficient battery power;
Insufficient fuel pressure (fuel pump malfunction);
Ignition system problems (worn spark plugs).
Solutions:
Check battery power, charge/replace if necessary;
Check the fuel pump and fuel pressure, replace if necessary;
Check the spark plugs, replace if necessary.
If you need to replace your engine, or are interested in our engines, please contact us!
