What Are The Most Common Engine Starting Problems?

Generally, many car drivers don’t have to think too much about how their car works.  Each morning as they head out the door, all they have to push the start button, and they’re off for the day.  Though, if you’ve owned a car for very long, it won’t come as a surprise that every car wants some type of basic maintenance for the systems that keep it operating reliably, regardless of whether it’s new or old.  

One important system to think about is the starting system. If any of the parts of this system have failed, you will experience starting issues. 

What are the most common engine starting problems?  Here are five issues that could cause starting issues:

• Bad Ignition Switch – This issue is usually indicated by trouble turning the key, flickering dash lights when you turn the key, or if the car doesn’t do anything at all when you turn the key. 
• Failed Starter – A failed starter will often make a loud single click when the key is turned in the ignition. The starter may be trying to move, but can’t really engage with the flywheel to spin the motor.
• Faulty Alternator – The alternator is responsible for creating a spark in the engine as well as charging the car's battery while the car is running. If the alternator fails, the battery takes over powering the accessories and will ultimately be drained of all its charge. 
• Fuel System issues – Fuel system issues, such as a clogged fuel filter, bad fuel pump, or dirty fuel injectors, can cause rough idling, loss of power, or a car that won’t start at all.
• Dead Car Battery – The battery is responsible for providing the initial electricity compulsory to start the car. It will die if accessories are left on without the engine running, if it has become weak and can’t hold a charge, or if the alternator has failed.

If you need to know more about what are the most common engine starting problems, call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about a needed engine repair service and to request an appointment. Our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served car owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

What Happens When A Hybrid Battery Goes Bad?

When considering the purchase of a hybrid vehicle, many persons are cautious.  They may be anxious about the cost of hybrid service, how long does a hybrid battery last, and then what it costs to change it.  The fact is, whether your vehicle is a hybrid, electric, diesel, or traditional gasoline, they all want to be serviced on a regular basis.  Because the hybrid’s engine also runs on gasoline, it requires the same basic maintenance as traditional vehicles, including changing filters, belt replacements, tire alignment, and oil changes.  The hybrid battery’s air filter is the one exemption that may want additional hybrid service.  

Fortunately, hybrid batteries are designed to last between 10 to 15 years (about 120K to 150K driving miles) before they should start to fail.  Even though some batteries may start to go bad around 70K miles, others can go up to 200K miles without any issues.  Thus, it is important to have the battery in your hybrid vehicle inspected frequently at a certified hybrid service center.  Because manufacturers understand that replacing a hybrid battery can be costly, hybrid vehicles typically come with an 8-year, 80K mile guarantee, so a battery replacement should be 100% covered.

Here are some common issues of what happens when a hybrid battery goes bad:

• Fuel efficiency decreases
• The battery meter is more unbalanced
• Acceleration is more sluggish
• Reduced usable cell capacity for recharging
• Range of driving distance is shortened
• Code and computer errors become more frequent

Fortunately, there’re some options for replacing the battery in a hybrid vehicle:

• Install a new battery,
• Install a refurbished battery,
• Recondition current battery (the cells are rebalanced, restoring the battery to over 90% of the original capacity).

Wondering what happens when a hybrid battery goes bad?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive for more information about hybrid service and to request an appointment. Our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding areas.