Ford has a pretty fantastic safety slogan: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” And that’s probably the best advice you can give when it comes to car engines. If your engine is working properly and isn’t making strange noises or not starting, don’t mess with it. But what if your engine is broken and you can’t seem to find the source of the problem? In this blog post, we will discuss some common signs that your engine may be locked up and how to fix it. ###
How to Check If Your Engine Is Locked Up
If your engine is not starting, there may be a problem with the ignition system. One common cause of an engine that will not start is a problem with the spark plugs. There are several ways to test the spark plugs: With the car running, use a multimeter set to read volts If your car has a tester on the dash you can use that; without the car running, remove one spark plug at a time and check for spark at each gap while cranking the engine over using an inexpensive magnetized screwdriver; or if you have an instrument scanner, use it to check all twelve cylinders (see “Tools You’ll Need”). If one or more of your spark plugs are bad, you’ll need to replace them.
What To Do If Your Engine Is Locked Up
If your engine is locked up, the best way to know for sure is to remove the spark plugs and touch them to each other. If there is a spark, the engine is probably not locked up. Another test you can do is try to start the engine by turning the key in the ignition. If it starts, your engine is probably not locked up.
Conclusion
If you’re having trouble starting your engine, there are a few things you can do to try and determine the cause. If the problem is intermittent, it might be something as simple as a dirty air filter or clogged fuel injectors. If the issue persists despite your attempts to resolve it, your engine may be locked up and requires professional assistance. In either case, don’t hesitate to seek out help from a mechanic or an auto parts store to get your car running again.