Car Won’t Start? Here’s What To Do


Filed under: Car Repair

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What do you do when you turn the key in the ignition, and nothing happens? Most people have encountered this situation at some point or another. It can be a frustrating moment to have car problems, but there is no reason to panic.

Before You Jump Start the CarCar Won't Start - Car Repair

The most common method to start a dead car is to use jumper cables to see if that will fix the problem. Before you hook up the cables, look to see if the “security” light is illuminated. When this light is flashing, it is an indication that the problem is not with your starter or the battery. Instead, the security system isn’t letting the car start for some reason.

There isn’t a universal way to start a car when the security light is on. The best thing that you can do is consult your owner’s manual or talk with an experienced car repair shop. It is often easier to let a professional handle it for you, instead of trying to deal with the hassle of trying to figure it out on your own.

Is it a Dead Battery?

In many situations, the battery is the cause of the car not starting. Once you have verified that it isn’t a security problem, then you can start diagnosing the battery. Try turning on the accessories in the car, such as the interior lights. If the lights don’t turn on, then there is a good chance that your battery is having problems.

The next step is to use jumper cables to give the battery a kick start. You will need to have another car close enough to connect the jumper cables. Connect the cables and start the other car, then try turning on your car again to see if it fixed the problem.

In some situations, if the car won’t turn over and the battery is fine, then the starter or the ignition switch might be the problem. If the engine turns over but it won’t start, then you need to start diagnosing other problems, such as the crankshaft sensor, camshaft sensor, or the fuel pressure. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to work with a car repair expert.

If your car won’t start or you have other car repair questions, call our team at European Autowerks at (951) 225-1131.