1. Starter motor
   Cylinder
2. Piston
   Air intake manifold

If there is a problem in the starter motor, it can often drain battery power during the startup process. That would cause the interior lights to dim. Replace it before it becomes something more serious!

1. Flipped a lid
   Thrown a rod
2. Bust-a-move
   None of the above

While pistons sit tightly in their own cylinder, they are still connected to the crankshaft. This connection is achieved through the connecting rod and if one of these breaks, it can cause some problems. Mechanics call it "throwing a rod."

1. Spark plugs
   Diesel filter
2. Alternator
   Magneto

Today, cars that run on diesel are just as efficient at their gas counterparts. Of course, a diesel engine can have its own set of unique problems. If this light flashes, it is best to get the diesel filter checked out. You certainly don't want dirty fuel entering the engine.

1. You put in the wrong fuel
   The engine is burning oil
2. Your engine needs coolant
   None of the above

If you notice black smoke coming from your vehicle's exhaust, this indicates your engine is burning too much oil. A black sooty tailpipe will confirm that as well. It's best to consult with a professional to find the cause of the problem.

1. The engine is running too rich
   The engine is on fire
2. The radiator needs coolant
   Your brakes are failing

An engine that is running too rich is getting too much gasoline. During the combustion process, not all the fuel is being burned. That will lead to some blue smoke under the hood. Not only are you wasting money on excess gas that is not being used, but your car is not running at optimal performance.

1. Stop the vehicle and pull to the side of the road
   Don't worry; it's nothing
2. Put in gas
   None of the above

The engine warning light can indicate a small problem or it could indicate a big problem. It's better to get it checked out as soon as possible. What you do not want to do is to drive your car with that light burning. It came on for a reason, and that means you should get it checked out.

1. Air filter
   Fuel pump
2. Fan belt
   Piston pin bush

A car needs fuel to start; it's part of the ignition process. If a fuel pump has failed, it will not be pushing fuel into the ignition system and the car won't start.

1. The engine is too cold, turn on the heater
   Starter motor
2. A gudgeon pin is broken
   None of the above

The main cause of the engine not turning over is a problem with your starter motor. A gentle tap can sometimes help it to turn over again, but if you are unsure, call someone who is knowledgeable to have a look.

1. The battery is loose
   Your tires need air
2. The honeycomb mesh in the catalytic converter has come loose
   The oil pump is jammed

Part of the cleaning system on the catalytic converter is a honeycomb cluster. This often breaks free from the converter's housing and will rattle. Replace the converter to fix this problem.

1. A battery terminal is loose
   Cracked cylinder head
2. Oil filter is dirty
   None of the above

A severe cracked in the cylinder head gasket can produce plenty of white smoke from your car's engine and exhaust. This should be addressed immediately, so take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible before it causes more damage.

1. Distributor cap
   Catalytic converter
2. Drive belt
   None of the above

A smell of rotten eggs is generally a sign that your catalytic converter is failing. It cannot convert the exhaust gases into sulfur dioxide. This should be checked right away since, in all likelihood, your car is not adhering to emissions standards.

1. Fuel injector
   Pistons
2. Air intake housing
   Engine valve

If the fuel injector is clogged, it could be causing the uneven idling problem. Why? Well, a clogged fuel injector means that fuel is not getting into the engine effectively, and that is causing it to run poorly.

1. Coolant levels
   Oil levels
2. If there is a leak in the gas tank
   Crank pulley

Failure to investigate why the temperature light on your dashboard has started flashing could cause your engine to overheat, which can harm it. As soon as you see this light, pull over at your nearest gas station and ensure the radiator is filled to its proper level. You should also check to make sure that it doesn't have a leak.

1. Noise coming from the engine
   The engine won't start at all
2. Blue smoke coming from the tailpipe
   A whirring sound

The most common reason for an engine to seize is simply a lack of care and maintenance. You need to check the oil in your vehicle often to make sure there is enough to keep the engine lubricated. Failure to do so will see the engine seize and your car won't start. It will also cost plenty of money to fix, so it's best to keep up with regular maintenance checks.

1. Coolant levels in the radiator
   Battery terminals are connected
2. Brake fluid levels
   The water pump

An engine that is totally dead and won't turn over could have a number of causes. The first thing to check, however, is that the terminals are connected to the battery. You won't believe how easily these can come off. If they are fine, you should then check to see if the battery is still good, and go from there.

1. You need a new carburetor.
   Check the ignition chamber.
2. The magneto is faulty.
   None of the above

Build up of carbon in the ingition chamber can cause a car to run, even though it has been switched off and the key removed. No, it's not the previous owner's ghost. It's a relatively easy fix, especially on old cars.

1. If you have gas
   Oil level
2. Power steering fluid
   Coolant level

Failure to check the oil level in your engine when you see this light could be catastrophic. Oil is the engine's lubricant. Without it, metal will grind on metal, and your engine could seize up.

1. You need to regas the air conditioning system.
   A loose gas cap
2. Faulty crankshaft
   None of the above

In many modern cars, a loose gas cap will not only cause you to lose gas through evaporation, but it often can cause the check engine light to flash on your dashboard. If this happens, check that the gas cap is fitted correctly.

1. Radiator, water pump
   Fan, oil sump
2. Fuel filter, radiator
   Water pump, crankshaft

In a water-cooled engine, two of the most important parts in regulating the temperature within the engine are the radiator and the water pump. The radiator stores the water and coolant to be used when needed, and the water pump moves it from this storage area into the engine where it helps cool the power unit down.

1. Rocker arm
   Rotor
2. Thermostat
   Tappet

It's a relatively small piece of your cars cooling system, but don't underestimate the thermostat. It controls when coolant is released from the radiator into the engine to cool it down. If this is faulty, an engine can overheat very quickly.

1. A faulty spark plug
   The oil filter is blocked.
2. The engine has flooded.
   None of the above

A flooded engine simply will not start. This is because the gas/air mixture is too rich. There is too much gasoline for combustion to take place. Wait 20 minutes and try again, but do not press the accelerator when starting the car.

1. You are using the wrong motor oil.
   Your car is running out of gas.
2. A head gasket no longer makes a seal.
   Water is leaking from the radiator.

When a car starts belching white smoke out of the exhaust, the first thing to check is the head gasket. Often, worn or broken head gaskets no longer make a proper seal and should be replaced. Check the engine block as well; it could be cracked.

1. Emission problems
   Running out of gas
2. Low oil levels
   None of the above

All cars today have systems in place that regulate vehicle emissions. This could indicate a problem with either the sensors or the catalytic converter itself. A faulty catalytic converter is a serious problem that needs to get checked right away.

1. Run optimally
   Seize
2. Splutter
   Run on one less cylinder

It is crucial that you check the oil level in your car at least once every week, especially in older cars. Don't rely on the dashboard warning light to tell you to check your oil; do it yourself. If the engine has no lubricant, it will seize.

1. Brake fluid levels
   The water/coolant level in the radiator
2. Power steering fluid levels
   It's probably from another car.

A leaking radiator is a massive problem. If not fixed, coolant levels will drop, your engine will overheat and could seize. A quick fix is to use a radiator sealant, but ultimately, it will need to be replaced.

1. Fan
   Cam belt
2. Spark plugs
   Glow plugs

The easiest thing to check in this situation is your the spark plugs. These can get fouled up easily, particularly ones that have been in the car for a long time. This means they will not fire properly and can certainly lead to your engine misfiring. It's a good idea to clean them regularly, particularly in older cars.

1. High tension leads breaking down
   Faulty battery
2. Solenoid problem
   A blocked oil filter

Faulty high tension leads can also cause starting and idling problems. So, if your car is harder to start or idles very roughly, a high tension lead breaking down could be the reason. Always keep them free from any dampness by spraying WD-40 on the connectors.

1. Glow plugs
   Oil filter
2. Radiator
   Engine block

A diesel engine has no spark plugs since fuel is ignited through the heat caused by compression in the cylinder. It does have glow plugs, however, and they help start the engine. Effectively heaters, the glow plugs help to warm the engine, making the fuel combust easier, especially in cold weather. If a diesel-powered car is starting hard, it could be the glow plugs that are faulty and they should be checked first.

1. It has been contaminated by coolant or water.
   It is old and needs to be replaced.
2. It has mixed with gasoline.
   None of the above

If coolant or water has somehow gotten into your engine, it will turn the oil a milky white and produce foam, nowhere near the normal brown/black color it should be. This means you probably have a leak in the coolant system.

1. Cam belt
   ECM unit
2. Air blower
   Battery

If this light shows on your dashboard, it generally means your battery is not taking a charge. If this happens, the battery will eventually run out of power, and your car won't start. Check to see if the battery has a dead cell. If it does, the battery needs to be replaced.

1. Alternator
   Tappet
2. Cylinder block
   Camshaft spacer ring

The alternator is an essential part of a car's engine. One of its most important roles is to help charge the battery while the vehicle is in motion. If the alternator does not do this, the battery will quickly go flat.

1. Oil filter
   Glow plugs
2. Harmonic balancer
   Rocker cover

This light will come on when you start your engine, particularly in cold weather. If it stays on, it indicates that a glow plug, which helps to start and warm a diesel engine, is faulty.

1. Brown
   Green
2. Blue
   Red

A tell-tale sign that your vehicle is leaking oil is the patches of fluid it will leave on the ground below it. If it is brown and has an oil-like smell, then it is oil. The older the oil in the vehicle, the darker it will become, so even a black fluid might be oil.

1. Worn fan belt or other belts
   A loose alternator
2. A broken magneto
   The camshaft phase variator needs to be replaced.

A wearing belt, which is generally easy to spot as it would have frayed, is a relatively simple fix. That will solve your squeaking problem. Never leave the belt that is squeaking on too long because if it snaps, it may cause more serious problems.

1. Oil pressure
   Spark
2. A clean air filter
   An engine temperature of 75 degrees Celsius

In a gasoline-powered engine, lots of things need to click into place for the engine to start. But without a spark, which is provided through the spark plug, the air/fuel mixture cannot ignite, and combustion cannot take place. Without combustion, a vehicle won't start.