How to diagnose an impound auction car

You went to the auction and bought a car, most auctions won't start a car even if there are keys for it. They are sold as is, where is and now it's yours. I will show you how to diagnose it and narrow down the problems.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jumper cables
• Common fluids, oil antifreeze, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid
• mechanics tools, wrenches, socket sets, screwdrivers, etc.

1. 
    
   Check a dipstick by wiping it off, installing it and removing it then reading it.

   Check all the fluids you can access easily, starting with engine oil level and condition. Engine coolant level next and if it is low then add fluids and look for leaks. This is the best way is to add and look underneath for drips, if you are on gravel or rocks then throw a sheet of cardboard under and look for drips. A sheet of cardboard makes an excellent poor mans creeper.

2. 
    
   Clean your cables and posts on your battery

   All the fluids are fine, next goal is to crank the engine over and get it to start. If you don't have a key then you have to have one made either at a dealerships or by a locksmith. Most batteries are shot or dead so a jumper box or jumper cables will need to be used to crank it over. Most car batteries will go dead after 21 days of not being started, this is normal. I always try to charge the original battery before buying a replacement. Use a trickle charge and charge it for 12 to 24 hrs. Make sure there is water in the battery and it isn't frozen. Use distilled water to refill battery. Clean the battery cables and posts.

3. 
    
   A spark plug can tell you why it isn't working by deposits.

   Engine now cranks, but will it start? Check for spark first, if there isn't spark you should check all the fuses. It could be a sensor that isn't operating and you will have to use a scan tool to see if all the sensors are operating properly. Some security systems shut off ignition systems so look to see if there is a security system added.

4. 
    
   Testing the fuel system with a gauge

   You have spark. Next you should check for fuel pressure and if the fuel is contaminated, you can refer to my other articles for those tests. Most cars are abandoned because they ran out of fuel. I always add a couple of gallons of fresh fuel and try it again. If it was out of fuel it may be because the gauge doesn't work.
   http://www.aa1car.com/library/returnless_efi.htm

5. If the ignition system works and the fuel pressure is ok then it most likely has a mechanical problem such as a jumped timing chain or belt.
   A compression test or a cylinder leakage test will verify a mechanical problem, all cylinders should be within 10% of each other. Check the cylinders dry and then again with a shot of oil added (for worn rings)
   Most no starts are bad sensors or fuel problems.

6. Now it starts and runs, but does it drive? Make sure the transmission is filled while idling in park and the transmission is warmed up to operating temperature. If the transmission doesn't move the car you may have to take it to a qualified technician if the repair is more than you know about.

Tips & Warnings

• Treat your local technician to doughnuts on a regular basis and you will have a connected friend to go to for advise (or tools), he might even get the repair if the project gets over your head.
• Make sure you have any fuel leaks, gasoline is a fire hazard
• Watch out for moving parts, take the keys out of the ignition if you are working on the engine

Resources

• Testing returnless fuel systems
• Testing alcohol content in fuel
• Testing fuel pressure