Intro
Let's face it, we've all been there, you've got places to be, you get in your Lincoln, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nothing! Your Lincoln won't fire up! This a very irritating situation to find yourself in, however, don't fret, we've got the answers. There are lots and lots of explanations why your Lincoln can't start, and for this article, to save you time we'll cover the most common explanations along with provide you with useful solutions to get your vehicle back on the road faster than two shakes of a lamb's tail!
Understanding the Problem
Before we get stuck into the causes and repair options it's essential to first have an understanding of the issue. When you realize to yourself “My Lincoln won't start”, this could be due to an array of issues being wrong with your car. Possibly the engine is not cranking at all, possibly it is cranking partially but then not starting, or maybe it's making a clicking sound when you attempt to start the engine, however, ultimately absolutely nothing happens. Each of these situations can be a sign of different problems with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Lincoln Won't Start
There are many reasons why a Lincoln will not start. These issues usually consist of a dead or weak vehicle battery, a broken alternator, starter motor issues, and fuel system failures, in addition to electrical or wiring problems. Each one of these issues can show up as various symptoms and require separate solutions to troubleshoot and repair, so we can get your car back on the road ASAP.
Symptoms of a Lincoln That Won't Start
Having the ability to recognize and diagnose these symptoms, will assist you in finding the root cause of the issue. For instance, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking sound however your Lincoln still will not start, it is often a sign that there is a problem with the fuel or ignition system of your car.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Lincoln Won't Start
The first step to finding a solution to the issue is figuring out the root cause of that issue, so let's look into the most common causes as to why your Lincoln fails to start.
Lincoln Battery Issues
In the vast majority of cases, the most common reason why your Lincoln will not start is often the result of your battery, it's either dead or weak, and you need to recharge the battery or replace it. The car's battery provides the power needed to start the engine, and power all the electrical parts in your Lincoln. Symptoms of a weak or dead battery problem in a Lincoln can be things like the car being slow to crank the engine, weak or dim headlights, or a lit-up battery warning light on the dashboard
Lincoln Alternator Problems
The alternator is for charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A defective alternator can certainly stop your Lincoln from starting as it won't have the ability to charge up the battery, from the engine, so it will be drained fairly quickly till it's totally dead and you don't realize it until you get into your beloved Lincoln and it refuses to start. Symptoms that your Lincoln's alternator is faulty include a lit-up battery or alternator warning light on the dashboard, poorly lit headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding sound from the engine while it's running.
Lincoln Starter Motor Failures
When you start your Lincoln, the starter motor handles turning the engine over (cranking it). If the starter motor is faulty in some manner then the engine won’t crank, and your Lincoln won't start. You can tell if your starter motor has a problem or not often by listening for a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition or a grinding sound throughout the start-up, or your car starts up but only intermittently, then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Lincoln Fuel System Complications
We’re not talking about when you simply run out of gas here, but your car’s fuel system itself having complications. Your Lincoln uses a combustion engine, and therefore to start and run, it requires a mix of enough fuel and air. If your Lincoln problems are because of a faulty fuel system, this could be a clogged fuel filter or a damaged fuel pump relay, which could indicate the engine might not be getting the fuel it requires to get the car started.
Lincoln Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Modern Lincoln cars rely greatly on electronics, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially break. Even in an older Lincoln, you can have regular issues such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a broken ignition switch, a broken sensor, and more. These can be a few of the numerous electrical reasons that your vehicle won't get started. Indications of a wiring or electrical problem can differ greatly but can typically include the engine not cranking, or your Lincoln can start but just intermittently, or numerous alert lights lit up on the dashboard. To correctly identify and repair these kinds of problems, you will need the skills of a skilled car mechanic locally or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
Once you have found out what the cause of your Lincoln troubles is. The next step is obviously to attempt to fix it. Here are some pointers for the common problems we've covered previously.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Lincoln
If it’s a battery issue you suspect is the problem, then the first thing you should do is check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and securely connected. If you discover that the terminals are in fact corroded you can attempt cleaning them with a mix of baking soda and water. If the battery is just old or weak, you will have to replace it, otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the car, it will likely run out of life once again in the not-so-distant future. You can make use of a multimeter as a way to test the life of the battery to find out if it’s worth saving or if it needs to be changed for a new one. You can ask a reliable car mechanic online or locally to provide guidance on this.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Lincoln
If you’re thinking that the alternator is the cause of your car's starting problems, you can test it to see for yourself. If you can get the vehicle to start up temporarily (you may need to jump-start the car for that), but once it’s going, let the vehicle run, and while it's running, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. It's likely because of a problem with the alternator if you notice that your Lincoln dies fairly quickly when you disconnect the positive terminal. You should be aware however that this method can be dangerous, and may harm the sensitive electronic components in your Lincoln, so it's always best to seek advice from a reliable car mechanic locally or online, prior to ever attempting this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Lincoln
Listen for a clicking noise when you turn the ignition key if you suspect the starter motor is the cause of your Lincoln not starting. In this case, the solution is to have the starter motor replaced by a professional mechanic.
How to Resolve Fuel System Problems in a Lincoln
If you suspect the issue to be because of a fuel system problem, listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting up the car. You should be able to hear a humming noise for a few seconds. It may be there is a problem with the fuel pump if you are not able to hear this sound. If you discover your Lincoln is tough to start, it stalls, or it has weak acceleration, it might be due to a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely need a professional car mechanic in order to effectively fix.
How to Fix Electrical or Wiring Issues in a Lincoln
If you suspect it's an electrical wiring or electrical system problem, first examine the fuses related to the ignition system, and change any that have actually blown. If your Lincoln starts after this, then it was an effective, simple, and cheap fix! Nevertheless, if the car doesn't start, even intermittently it could be an issue with the ignition switch itself. It could be a faulty sensor if various warning lights are noticeable on your dashboard. These problems can be extremely intricate and a professional car mechanic is likely needed to identify and repair it.
Preventive Steps
As my dad always said “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are the best ways to make sure you avoid any Lincoln starting problems again!
Regular Upkeep of Your Lincoln:
Routine maintenance of your Lincoln is of the utmost importance to avoiding future problems. This includes things like regular oil changes, inspecting your car battery, cleaning up the terminals, changing the fuel filter as advised/required, and having your Lincoln checked by a professional car mechanic routinely. You can consult a mechanic in your area or online if you are uncertain or confused about the routine maintenance tasks needed for your specific automobile.
Drive Your Lincoln Frequently:
If you happen to leave your Lincoln in your garage for long periods of time without driving it, the battery will waste out of charge as it's not getting any charge from the engine being in use. Try to drive your Lincoln regularly to keep the battery from draining. If you remember you have not driven your vehicle in a while, take it for a spin to make sure there is still a charge in the battery. Worth noting: letting the battery totally drain, is also damaging for the longevity of the battery, try not to do this.
Take Notice Of Warning Signs:
If you observe anything out of the ordinary like unusual noises, a difference in how it drives and the performance, or warning lights lit up on the dash, do not ignore them. These are usually early signs of a problem and are best resolved ASAP before they end up being bigger problems down the line. Speak with a car mechanic locally or online about these issues and get advice on if they need to be addressed.
When to Ask a Lincoln Mechanic Online
If you're either limited on time, would like a specialist Lincoln mechanic on hand to guide and advise you, or have tried to fix it yourself, but in spite of your best efforts your Lincoln won't start, then chatting with a Lincoln mechanic online can be a great choice.
Advantages of Online Mechanic Services
Online mechanic services, like ours in the bottom right of this page, offer a number of benefits. You can get professional Lincoln mechanic suggestions 24×7 and without leaving your home, which is especially beneficial if your automobile can't start and is stuck in the driveway. It can also help you save money as online mechanic consultations are more affordable than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get the answer quickly, which is fantastic if you're in a rush, need a second opinion, or just like having a professional Lincoln mechanic on hand.
How Services Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Assist You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with certified expert mechanics who can supply instantaneous aid, guidance, and recommendations. You're able to describe the issues you are having with your car, ask a Lincoln mechanic unlimited questions, and even upload photos and videos so you are able to show the mechanic what you mean. You can speak to them by means of online chat or by call, whichever you prefer. The Lincoln mechanic will help you identify the problem, advise you on the best course of action for your specific circumstance, and even guide you through easy maintenance and repairs every step of the way.
Conclusion
In summary, when your Lincoln won't start, it will likely be a complete bummer and a huge hassle. However, having a firm grasp of what may be triggering the issues, having the ability to troubleshoot them, and knowing what steps are required in each case, and where to get help if needed, will be a huge help. Bear in mind that routine upkeep is key to preventing all kinds of vehicle problems.
If this piece was informative but your car problems remain, remember to ask a car mechanic using our online service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Lincoln will not start?
First off, do not panic. Try to identify any signs that could suggest an issue, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The reason for the issue is likely one of the main causes discussed in this guide. If you can't find the issue yourself, you will require the help of a Lincoln mechanic locally or online.
How to tell if my Lincoln won't start because of the battery?
Indications of a battery issue in a Lincoln consist of the engine being slow to crank, dim headlights, and lit battery warning lights on dash. You can also check the battery terminals to see if they are clean, not corroded, and securely connected. It may be best to simply replace it if the battery is weak or old.
How can I prevent my Lincoln not starting issues?
In order to make certain this annoyance never takes place again, routine maintenance is crucial. This consists of things like oil changes, examining the battery and cleaning it's terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended / needed, and having your Lincoln checked by a mechanic regularly. It's also a great idea to drive the car routinely so the battery remains charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Lincoln will not start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can provide instant professional Lincoln mechanic assistance and advice, without you needing to leave your home. If your Lincoln won't start and is stuck in the driveway, this is particularly beneficial.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Lincoln will not start?
We link you with licensed specialist Lincoln mechanics who can provide advice on your particular scenario. You can tell them about your vehicle problems, ask unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can correctly explain and show the problem. The mechanic will have the ability to assist, troubleshoot, identify the problem, suggest the very best course of action and guide you along the way.
