The situation when a loved one Daewoo Lanos refuses to start, always takes you by surprise and can ruin your plans for the whole day. Drivers often encounter the fact that the starter is silent or, conversely, turns vigorously, but the engine remains “dead”. Understanding that why Lanos won't start, requires consistent exclusion of possible causes, ranging from the simplest to complex breakdowns.
Before you panic or call a tow truck, it’s worth conducting a quick initial diagnosis. Pay attention to the behavior of the car: does the starter spin, is there a spark, does the fuel pump work when the ignition is turned on. These symptoms are the key to troubleshooting systems fuel supply or ignition.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main components responsible for starting the engine and tell you what to do in an emergency. You'll learn to distinguish between battery problems and sensor failures, and you'll also learn how to test the ignition module without fancy equipment.
Problems with power supply and starter
The most common, but most common cause of startup failure is a discharged battery. If when you turn the key in the ignition you hear clicks or the instrument panel lights go out, it means battery Doesn't hold a charge. During the cold season, the battery capacity decreases, and an old battery may not provide the required starting current.
However, if the starter is completely silent, the problem may lie not only in the battery, but also in poor contact. Oxidized terminals or a broken ground lead to the fact that the electric current simply does not reach starter. Check the reliability of the connection of the wires on the battery and the place where the ground is attached to the body or engine.
⚠️ Attention: If the starter makes a high-pitched squeal and does not turn the engine over, release the key immediately. This is a sign of jamming of the bendix or the engine itself, and further attempts to start may permanently damage the starter.
It is also worth checking the fuses responsible for the engine management system and the fuel pump. B Daewoo Lanos A blown fuel pump fuse is a common reason when the starter turns, but the car does not engage. The location of the fuses can be found in the instructions or on the cover of the mounting block.
To quickly check the electrical condition, use the following algorithm:
- 🔋 Check the voltage at the battery terminals (must be at least 12.5 V).
- 🔌 Clean the battery terminals and check the tightness of the bolts.
- ⚡ Inspect the main fuses under the hood and in the cabin.
- 🔊 Listen to whether the starter solenoid relay clicks.
Fuel supply system diagnostics
If the starter turns the engine confidently, but the Lanos does not start, most likely there is no fuel entering the cylinders. The first thing you need to do is make sure that fuel pump turns on. When you turn the key to the “ignition” position (before starting the starter), a characteristic hum of a running pump should be heard from under the rear seat for 2-3 seconds.
The absence of a pump sound can indicate several problems: the motor itself has burned out, the fuel pump relay has failed, or there is a problem in the wiring. The relay often sticks or burns out, especially in hot weather. Replacing it takes a few minutes and is inexpensive, but can instantly solve the problem.
Another common cause is clogging fuel filter. If the filter has not been changed for a long time, the throughput of the system drops and the fuel pressure is not enough for normal starting. It is also worth checking the fuel pressure regulator, which can bleed gasoline back into the tank, which is why the required pressure is not created in the rail.
☑️ Checking the fuel system
Owners of fuel-injected Lanos should remember about the injectors. If they leak or are clogged, the mixture will be too rich or lean to ignite. Unscrew the spark plugs after several unsuccessful starting attempts: if they are wet and smell of gasoline, it means that fuel is entering the cylinders, but is not burning.
Ignition system malfunctions
When the fuel is OK, attention shifts to the spark. B Daewoo Lanos with a 1.5-liter engine, the ignition module or high-voltage wires often fail. If the spark is weak or disappears under load, the engine will not be able to start.
It is best to check the spark using a special spark gap or by unscrewing the spark plug and pressing it with its thread to the “ground” (the metal part of the engine). Important: Do not hold the candle with your hand to avoid electric shock. If there is no spark at all, check the ignition coil and crankshaft position sensor (CPS).
Spark plugs are a consumable item that requires regular replacement. Carbon deposits, breakdown of the insulator, or incorrectly set gap between the electrodes make starting impossible. For Lanos, spark plugs with a heat rating of 17 (according to NGK) or similar are suitable.
| Component | Problem Symptom | Test method |
|---|---|---|
| Spark plugs | The engine is shaking and won't start | Visual inspection of carbon deposits and clearance |
| Ignition module | No spark in cylinders | Winding resistance measurement |
| Crankshaft sensor | The starter turns, but there is no spark | Checking the signal with an oscilloscope or multimeter |
| High voltage wires | Breakdowns, especially in wet weather | Visual inspection in the dark, resistance measurement |
The secret to checking the ignition module
Often the ignition module on Lanos partially fails. Check to see if there is spark in all four cylinders. If there is a spark in two cylinders, but absent or weak in the other two, the module requires replacement or professional repair.
The role of sensors in engine starting
A modern injection engine cannot operate without correct sensor readings. If ECU (electronic control unit) does not see the signal from the crankshaft position sensor, it simply will not give the command to supply fuel and spark. This is one of the most insidious reasons why Lanos stalls while driving and does not start again.
The coolant temperature sensor also plays an important role. If it “lies” and shows the control unit that the engine is warmed up to 90 degrees, although it is -20 outside, the mixture will be too lean for a cold start. In this case, the engine may catch, but immediately stall.
The idle air control (IAC) is responsible for stable operation at low speeds. If it malfunctions, the car can only be started with the throttle applied. If you release the gas pedal immediately after starting, the engine will stall. Cleaning the IAC and throttle body often helps solve the problem.
The crankshaft position sensor is a critical element. Without its signal, the control unit does not know when to give a spark, so the engine cannot be started, even if all other systems are working.
Mechanical problems and compression
Sometimes the reason lies deeper than electronics and electrics. If the starter turns the engine suspiciously easily and quickly, this may indicate low compression in cylinders. The lack of compression makes ignition of the mixture impossible, since the gases are not compressed to the required pressure.
The reasons for low compression can be serious: burnt-out valves, stuck piston rings, or a breakdown of the cylinder head gasket. In the case of Lanos 1.5, valve burnout is often encountered due to a broken timing belt. If the belt breaks, the pistons hit the valves, and the engine requires a major overhaul.
Checking the timing belt is a mandatory step if the engine suddenly stops starting after a jerk or a characteristic sound. Remove the top belt cover and check that the camshaft pulley rotates when the starter is cranked. If the belt is intact and tensioned, but the engine does not start, you will have to measure the compression with a compression gauge.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to jump start the engine if you suspect a broken timing belt. This is guaranteed to lead to bent valves and costly repairs to the cylinder head.
Specifics of launching in winter
In winter, the list of reasons why Lanos does not start expands. Condensation in the fuel tank can freeze in the fuel pump screen or in the fuel line, cutting off the gasoline supply. Using quality antigel additives and keeping the tank full helps avoid this problem.
Engine oil also affects starting. If thick mineral oil is poured in, it will be difficult for the starter to crank the crankshaft in the cold, and the speed for starting will be insufficient. For winter, it is recommended to use synthetic oils with a viscosity 5W-30 or 5W-40.
The spark plugs may become flooded with gasoline after several unsuccessful starting attempts. In this case, they need to be unscrewed, dried and calcined, or replaced with a new set. Also, in winter, contacts often oxidize, so “wiggling” the sensor connectors sometimes helps to revive the car.
If the spark plugs are filled with gasoline, you can use the “cylinder blowing mode” mode: press the gas pedal all the way and turn the starter for 5-7 seconds. In this mode, the fuel supply is shut off and the cylinders dry out.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Why does Lanos start and immediately stall?
Most often, this indicates a malfunction of the idle air control, unaccounted air leaking through the intake manifold gaskets, or low pressure in the fuel rail. It's also worth checking the throttle position sensor.
What to do if Lanos does not start in cold weather?
Check the battery charge, if necessary, “light it” from another car. Make sure there is no water in the tank. Try turning the ignition on several times to increase the fuel pressure, and only then turn the starter.
Can the alarm block the start?
Yes, if an additional alarm with engine blocking or an immobilizer is installed. Check if the lock indicator is blinking and try to unlock the system with a standard key or key fob.
How often do you need to change the timing belt on a Lanos?
Regulations for replacing the timing belt with Daewoo Lanos is 60,000 km. Untimely replacement can result in breakage and serious damage to the engine.