The last thing all of us want is to go out to our vehicle only to find out it will not start. The times we are in a rush only make this moment even more catastrophic to our day. Yet here we are, trying to figure out Why Wont our 2008 Chevrolet Impala run? The easy way to put it, is that your engine is missing something crucial that it needs to run properly. Let’s figure out together what crucial factor are you missing and how do we figure out which one it is.
The Basics of an Operational Engine
Every engine needs four things to run properly: fuel, spark, charge, and the correct timing of all of this chaos to make one harmonic movement. Your internal combustion engine is a modern marvel and continues to impress. Your engine has multiple explosions that happen inside, timed down to the millisecond, to propel you down the road to your destination, sounds futuristic when you say it that way. But to simplify it your vehicles battery gives the vehicle the energy it needs for your starter to give your engine “a crank”. Your spark plugs then take the energy given by the vehicle to spark the fuel that is sprayed into your engine, to cause your engine to give the power we need for acceleration.
So which part is your engine missing? Is it cranking or clicking when you turn the key? If it cranks, yet does not fire up then you are missing the fuel source. It could be the spark you are missing as well but at least you can rule out one of the four basic needs of the engine. If you turn the key and the engine clicks but does not crank, then you have a dead battery or a bad starter. Everything you do to troubleshoot your no crank situation will always rule out the incorrect possibility. To replace parts without troubleshooting will only cost you money that you did not have to spend.
Are your Spark plugs and Spark Plug Wires needing replaced? Check out my article on how to replace them easily! Click Here to Read that Article!
How can I tell my engine is missing something it needs?
Well that answer is very easy, your engine will not run. But the easiest way to find out which problem your engine is having is to use a code reader. This diagnostic tool will be invaluable asset in your tool box, ready to be used at the moments notice to save you hundreds of hours of labor, and the biggest headaches. Remember to check your code reader functions because some are not able to read transmission codes and other functions. So if you are looking for a specific problem, make sure your diagnostic tool can find that problem. Need a Code Reader to help you Diagnose your vehicle’s problem? Here is a great code reader that I use, when I am diagnosing a tough problem on a vehicle. (Code Reader on Amazon)
Is the vehicle clicking when you turn the key?
When a vehicle will not crank you have a “No crank, No fire” situation. No need to worry because you already know where to look because of this problem. In most cases when you have a no crank, no fire situation, you have a dead battery. Take the vehicle’s battery to be tested at a local parts store where they do free battery charging and testing. The battery will need to be charged for an hour or two depending on how dead the battery is, before it can be tested. DO NOT PUT A MULTIMETER ON THE TOP OF THE BATTERY!!! This will do nothing besides give you the contact reading of the battery. You need to charge the battery so you can complete a Load test of the battery. This will put an actual load on the battery to see if the battery will keep it’s charge or will it die.
How much will this problem cost me?
If you were to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop to be troubleshooted for your problem, this will cost $140 per hour on average to troubleshoot. Then you still have the cost of the repair with the cost of the part as well. For example, if you are needing your starter replaced the average cost is $550. So that cost would be added to your troubleshooting cost and you would have to pay an easy $690 to $700! That is quite a bit of money for ALOT of people! Do you need help on your vehicle? Check out our membership program on our Youtube channel, where I can help you troubleshoot the problem you are having and not break the bank. That starts at $2! ALOT CHEAPER THAN $140 that an Auto repair shop wants! Let’s get you back on the road, without breaking your bank! Click Here to Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel with Great episodes EVERY WEEK!
How can I save money while still fixing this problem?
The easiest way to save money with this problem is to fix your vehicle yourself. But, I understand not everyone knows how to work on vehicles nor wants to. If you want to save money on this repair, then you will have to work on your own vehicle. Online sources have always been the cheaper option to find the parts needed for your auto repairs. It is always easier to get your parts from the manufacturer instead of the middle man. The auto parts stores are the middle men, they will always cost more than buying online from the manufacturer themselves. So remember this, when trying to source the parts you need for your auto repair to keep the costs low.
Needing to Remove some old engine oil and other fluids from your Garage but you do not know where to take them? Check out my Article on How to Properly Dispose of Old Engine Fluids Here!
In Conclusion
Take one step at a time with your auto repair, the troubleshooting is key. Make the correct diagnosis with your problem, and if you mess up, it’s okay. You are driving a 2008 Chevrolet Impala, it is over 15 years old and needs to be maintained. You got this! Thank you for reading and remember if you have any questions you can ask them on my Youtube Channel if you need help on your project.
