Common engine problem, sign and diagnostics.
Problem Symptom Reason Fixing (Diagnostic)
high engine temperature, malfunctioning cooling system, low checking the coolant level and condition,
Overheating:
warning lights on the coolant levels, or a faulty inspecting the radiator and hoses for leaks or
dashboard and steam thermostat, damaged water pump, damage, and testing the thermostat and water
coming from the engine clogged radiator pump.
compartment
engine doesn't crank or Dead battery, Faulty starter motor, Regular maintenance of the battery, starter
starting by key
Engine not
start. Ignition system problem, Fuel motor, and ignition system
system problem, Wiring problem,
Faulty key or key fob, Bad
alternator
Engine struggles to Clogged air filter, dirty fuel Replace the air filter every 12,000-15,000
Lack of Power
accelerate, loss of power, injectors, worn spark plugs miles and spark plugs every 30,000 miles or
poor fuel economy as recommended by the manufacturer and
Regularly clean or replace fuel injectors to
prevent clogs
Engine idles roughly or Dirty air filter, clogged fuel Regularly clean or replace fuel injectors to
Rough Idling
stalls at idle. Run slowly injectors, faulty sensors, damaged prevent clogs, Replace faulty sensors and
while disconnected from spark plugs spark plugs every 30,000 miles
load or out of the gear.
Excessive smoke coming Burning oil, coolant leaks, clogged Regularly check oil and coolant levels and top
Exhaust Smoke
Excessive
from the exhaust pipe air filter, damaged engine off as needed, replace worn gaskets and seals
components and Get regular engine tune-ups and
inspections
Higher gas consumption, Clogged air filter, dirty fuel Regularly clean or replace fuel injectors to
engine struggles to injectors, low tire pressure, poor prevent clogs, Check tire pressure regularly
Poor Fuel
Economy
accelerate, loss of power driving habits and maintain proper inflation and Practice
good driving habits, such as avoiding sudden
acceleration and braking
Engine shutting off malfunctioning ignition system, Prevention methods include regular
suddenly, difficulty fuel delivery issues, or a clogged air maintenance, such as replacing fuel filters and
Engine Stalling
starting the engine, or filter. ensuring a properly functioning ignition
decreased engine system.
performance.
a loud knocking sound low-quality fuel, worn engine using high-quality fuel, regular maintenance,
coming from the engine, bearings, or excessive carbon such as replacing worn engine bearings, and
Knocking
decreased engine buildup avoiding excessive idling.
performance, and
increased fuel
consumption
visible oil spots or puddles a faulty valve cover gasket, oil pan inspecting the engine for leaks, replacing
under the vehicle, low oil gasket, or oil seals. faulty gaskets or seals, and monitoring oil
Oil Leaks:
levels, or a burning oil levels and condition.
smell.
rough idle, poor faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or checking for codes stored in the engine
Misfires
performance, and fuel injectors. control module (ECM), checking the spark
increased emissions. plugs and ignition coils, and performing a
compression test.
loud noises, increased clogged catalytic converter, inspecting the exhaust system for damage or
emissions, and poor engine damaged exhaust pipes, or a faulty leaks, testing the oxygen sensor and related
Exhaust
Issues:
System
performance. oxygen sensor. components, and checking for codes stored in
the ECM.
poor engine performance, faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or checking for codes stored in the ECM,
misfires, and increased a malfunctioning distributor inspecting the spark plugs and ignition coils,
Ignition
Issues:
System
emissions. and testing the distributor and related
components.
poor engine performance, clogged fuel filters, malfunctioning testing fuel pressure and flow rate, inspecting
System
misfires, and increased fuel injectors, or a faulty fuel pump. the fuel injectors and related components, and
Issues
Fuel
emissions. checking for fuel system leaks
Belt engine noise, poor bent valves and damaged pistons inspecting the timing belt and related
Failure: performance, and engine components, such as the tensioner and
Timing
stalling pulleys, and checking for timing belt wear,
damage, or misalignment.
warning lights on the wiring issues, sensor failure, or checking for codes stored in the ECM, testing
Sensors:
dashboard ECM malfunctions the sensor readings, and inspecting the wiring
Failed
and connector pins.
poor engine performance, worn piston rings, leaky valves, or a performing a compression test on each
Compression:
misfires, and low power. blown head gasket. cylinder, inspecting the cylinder head and
valves, and checking for signs of oil burning
Low
or coolant consumption.
by poor engine faulty battery, alternator, or starter. testing the battery voltage and amperage,
performance, hard starting, inspecting the alternator output, and testing
Electrical
Issues:
and warning lights on the the starter and related components.
dashboard.
