Experiencing trouble starting your car or noticing unusual engine revving? These can be frustrating issues for any driver in the 90135 area. While modern vehicles are complex, understanding potential causes can help you diagnose the problem effectively. Often, issues like these can be investigated using an OBD2 scanner to read diagnostic codes. Let’s explore some common reasons behind these problems.
Understanding Rev Limiters: Addressing Revving Issues
One common observation is that a car might not rev beyond a certain RPM when in neutral or park. This is often by design. Many vehicles have a rev limiter specifically for when the engine is not under load. This isn’t a fault; it’s a protective measure. To check if this is the case, safely test your car in first gear. If the engine revs normally to the redline under load, the neutral/park revving limit is likely the intended behavior.
Investigating Starter and Cable Problems: Tackling Starting Issues
If your car is struggling to start, the alternator is unlikely to be the culprit unless it’s completely failed and drained the battery. Since you’ve confirmed good battery voltage, the issue might lie elsewhere. Two potential causes are a failing starter motor or a problem with the positive battery cable. The starter motor itself could have worn brushes or internal issues. More commonly, corrosion within the main positive cable connecting the battery to the starter can restrict the flow of amperage needed for starting. Inspect this cable for any bulges or signs of corrosion along its length, especially at connections. Replacing a corroded cable can often resolve starting problems.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting car starting and revving issues requires a systematic approach. Understanding the rev limiter in neutral/park and checking the starter and positive cable for starting problems are key steps. For a more detailed diagnosis, especially for starting issues, using an OBD2 scanner can provide valuable insights by revealing diagnostic trouble codes.
