Some common engine faults

It is beyond the scope of the articles here to go into detail about how the engine works and what the various parts of it are. For the theory test you won't need to know a great detail about the car engine and how it functions, the parts and how it does it's job. And as a driving theory test questions site, it is therefore above and beyond the level of detail needed here.

However for those that are interested in the mechanics of engines and such like, then you might enjoy reading an encyclopaedia entry on how an engine actually works and getting more familiar with the parts in the system.

It is useful to know what might be causing an engine problem; here are some of the more commonly encountered faults:

Engine not starting at all: possibilities include having no fuel left or dampness in the circuits

Starter motor is dead: indicates a flat battery most likely

You hear clicks from the starter: the starter motor may be jammed and so this might need to be replaced

A strange high pitched sound from the engine: could be related to the fan belt or alternator, which might need to be adjusted or replaced.

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