What should I do if my engine fails to ignite?

If your engine fails to ignite, remove the safety key from the launch controller’s keyhole and WAIT ONE MINUTE BEFORE APPROACHING THE LAUNCH PAD.

A burned starter means the starter’s tip wasn’t touching the propellant. You can usually tell that the starter has burned because the tip is no longer connected by the bridge wire. Follow the instructions under “How do I properly install a starter in my Estes model rocket engine?”

If the starter is not burned:
1. Check the launch controller’s batteries. Weak batteries will illuminate the continuity light (it may flicker or be dim), but they will not have enough power to initiate the starter.
2. Check the battery contacts in the launch controller. If the batteries rattle when shaking the launch controller, the contacts (springs) have compressed. The continuity light won’t illuminate. Open the controller and spread the contacts out.
3. Check the launch controller’s micro clips. Exhaust residue will build up on the clips preventing continuity. The continuity light won’t illuminate. Clean the micro clips with sandpaper or steel wool.
4. If the micro clips are touching each other, the system has shorted out. The continuity light will illuminate. Separate the clips and launch.
5. If they are touching the blast deflector plate, the system has shorted out. The continuity light will illuminate. Separate and launch.
6. Check the starter. Usually a broken starter is indicated when the continuity light does not illuminate. If the starter wire is broken, replace it with a new one.
7. If the starter wires are touching each other near the tip, the system shorts out. The continuity light will illuminate. Gently separate the wires without breaking the tip apart and reinstall the starter and engine plug.