Why Won't My Car Start After Overheating?

Having to deal with car problems can become overwhelming. If you have suspension problems, like shockers or absorbers becoming worn out or brakes being somewhat squeaky, these are on the normal scale and can be fixed with a timely auto shop visit.

However, if your engine begins overheating, and after one of such episodes, the vehicle won’t start, that’s a genuine concern and requires pretty concrete actions. So, if you aren’t sure what to do, read on to find out more about this problem.

What Causes The Engine To Overheat?

The engine usually overheats because there is something wrong with the cooling system. But whenever it happens, the heat generated by combustion is so intense that it can melt and warp the engine block itself, causing massive damage.

So, to prevent further problems, turn off the air conditioner, roll down the windows and then pull over to the side of the road as soon as you can safely and shut off the engine.

Let us go over four potential reasons that may cause an engine to overheat:

• Damaged radiator. The radiator itself is where the coolant cools down. So, if the radiator becomes faulty, the fluid may become too warm. This is because the radiator fan could have burned out, or the radiator itself may have sustained physical damage from an accident.
• Damaged water pump. A coolant is a mixture of water and antifreeze (which keeps the water from freezing in low temperatures). A water pump circulates the coolant through the engine, absorbing the extra heat. A problem with the water pump means that the coolant flow may be impaired.
• Low or contaminated coolant. Of course, even if the water pump works, that will not be enough if the coolant itself is contaminated. The build-up of foreign bodies may cause worse heat absorption, just as when the level is too low.
• Faulty thermostat. The thermostat controls the coolant flow. When your engine starts, the thermostat valve stays closed, and the fluid doesn’t circulate. Once the engine reaches operating temperature, the valve will open for the coolant to flow, but a faulty thermostat might remain closed even when the engine is hot.

Failure To Start After Overheating

Now that you know what causes engine overheating, it’s time to deal with starting the engine. If, after an overheating episode, you can’t seem to turn the engine on, there are four common possible reasons. 

• Damaged fuel system. A damaged fuel system is the most common reason an overheated engine may not start. A faulty system can cause the motor to get hot and produce heat and vapor, which creates difficulty for the fuel to circulate in the engine. 
• Blown head gasket. A blown head gasket could also be a significant cause of overheating. They are made from steel and expand slowly. However, if made from aluminum, they can easily do the opposite under high temperatures and cause total engine failure, forcing you to go for a replacement.
• Melted electric sensors. Many electronic sensors in the car give signals for the electronic unit to function correctly. When the engine overheats, these sensors can get melted or warp and prevent the car from starting. 
• Damaged car battery. The car won’t start if the battery is in bad shape, so you should check the battery terminals and cables to ensure it works properly. If it’s become corroded or otherwise damaged, the only solution is complete replacement. 

Despite the causes, it’s advisable to call a repair service or your mechanic to help address the problem. If it happened on the road, you might also have to enlist the services of a tow truck driver to get your car to the auto shop.

Summary

As you can see, there’re particular reasons why your car engine overheats, and you’re unable to start the vehicle due to that. Some of the problems can be solved with a simple DIY replacement. Still, damaged fuel systems, melted electric sensors, or radiators in lousy condition are some things that are best left to a professional. 

So, don’t feel bad about delegating the repairs to a qualified mechanic unless you're confident in your abilities. Other than that, try to always stay on top of your maintenance to prevent any problems with the engine.

Related Resources

• Research a Vehicle
• Cars for Sale
• Sell My Car
• Car Ratings
• Automotive News
• Shopping Guides
• New Car Previews
• Expert Car Reviews