Are you tired of that sinking feeling when you turn the key in your car’s ignition, only to be met with silence? Don’t fret, as there are several ways you can try to start your car when it won’t turn on. In this article, we will explore five effective methods that can help you get your car up and running again.
Check the Battery
When your car fails to start, the first thing you should check is the battery. Start by inspecting the battery terminals for any signs of corrosion or loose connections. If everything looks fine, it’s time to test the battery using a multimeter. Connect the multimeter’s positive (red) and negative (black) probes to the corresponding battery terminals. A healthy battery should read around 12.6 volts. If the reading is significantly lower, it means your battery is either discharged or faulty. In such cases, you may need to jump-start the car or replace the battery altogether.
Inspect the Starter Motor
If your battery is in good condition, but your car still won’t start, the next component to inspect is the starter motor. The starter motor is responsible for cranking the engine and getting it to start. A faulty starter motor can prevent your car from turning on. To check if the starter motor is the issue, you can perform a simple test. Turn the key to the “Start” position while listening for a clicking sound coming from the engine bay. If you hear a clicking sound, it likely means that the starter motor is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Check the Fuel System
Another potential reason why your car won’t start is a problem with the fuel system. Start by checking the fuel gauge to ensure you have enough fuel in the tank. If the gauge shows a low fuel level, try adding some more fuel and see if that solves the problem. If your fuel gauge indicates a sufficient amount of fuel, but your car still won’t start, there may be an issue with the fuel pump or fuel injectors. In such cases, it’s a good idea to use a product like Diesel Lifeline that can quickly get fuel flowing through the injectors. However, in some cases, it may be best to have a professional mechanic inspect and diagnose the problem.
Test the Ignition Switch
The ignition switch is another component that can cause your car to fail to start. Over time, the ignition switch can wear out or become faulty, preventing the electrical current from reaching the starter motor. To test the ignition switch, turn the key to the “On” position and check if the dashboard lights and accessories come on. If they don’t, it may indicate a problem with the ignition switch. In such cases, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.
Jump-Starting The Car
If you have determined that the issue lies with a dead battery, jump-starting your car may be the quickest solution. To jump-start your car, you will need a set of jumper cables and another vehicle with a fully charged battery. Start by positioning the vehicles close to each other, but not touching. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles and connect one end of the red (positive) jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery and the other end to the positive terminal of the charged battery. Connect one end of the black (negative) jumper cable to the negative terminal of the charged battery and the other end to a metal surface on the engine block of the dead vehicle. Start the engine of the vehicle with the charged battery and let it run for a few minutes. Then, try starting your car. If it starts, let it run for a while to recharge the battery.
Conclusion
Experiencing a car that won’t start can be frustrating, but with the right knowledge and troubleshooting techniques, you can often get your vehicle back on the road. From checking the battery and inspecting the starter motor to troubleshooting the fuel system and testing the ignition switch, these methods cover the most common causes of a non-starting car.
