If your car cranks when you turn the key but the engine fails to start, a primary reason could be that fuel isn't getting to the engine.
Understanding the Core Issue
When your car cranks, it means the starter motor is turning the engine over. This indicates the electrical system has enough power and the engine is attempting to begin its combustion cycle. However, for combustion to occur and the engine to start, it needs fuel (and air, and spark).
A Potential Culprit: Dirty Fuel Injectors
According to the reference, one specific reason fuel might not be reaching the engine is dirty fuel injectors.
How Fuel Injectors Get Clogged
Over time, the small nozzles on your fuel injectors can become blocked. This clogging can be caused by:
- Rust: Often from moisture in the fuel system.
- Corrosion: Chemical reactions within the fuel system materials.
- Debris: Particles and contaminants present in the fuel itself.
When these nozzles are clogged, they cannot properly spray the fuel into the combustion chamber, preventing the engine from igniting and starting, even though it is cranking.
