I thought it would be good for us to have a thread on how to diagnose a non starting engine. Feel free to add your tips and suggestions to this thread.
1) Is the starter motor turning over. If you just hear a clicking but no whirr then the starter motor is probably the issue. Sometime the solenoid will stick, a swift blow to the starter motor will sometimes free it up. The starter motor is pushed onto the flywheel when engaged. If the starter is spinning up freely without turning over the engine then the relay that pushes it into place has probably siezed up.
2) Is there fuel in the tank and battery power? If the lights dim when the starter is used then the battery is probably almost flat. The fuel gauge is not always accurate so be sure to rock the car and check the tank for fuel this way. Being on a steep incline sometime prevents the fuel from reaching the pickup.
1) Is the starter motor turning over. If you just hear a clicking but no whirr then the starter motor is probably the issue. Sometime the solenoid will stick, a swift blow to the starter motor will sometimes free it up. The starter motor is pushed onto the flywheel when engaged. If the starter is spinning up freely without turning over the engine then the relay that pushes it into place has probably siezed up.
2) Is there fuel in the tank and battery power? If the lights dim when the starter is used then the battery is probably almost flat. The fuel gauge is not always accurate so be sure to rock the car and check the tank for fuel this way. Being on a steep incline sometime prevents the fuel from reaching the pickup.