What to Do if Your Car Won’t Start

If Your Car Won’t Start, Take Steps Based on Your Observations

Maybe you’ve been there, or perhaps you’ll find yourself there soon. You turn the key, and uh-oh, your car won’t start. Now what? First, don’t panic. Second, respond based on what you see and/or hear. Third, get your auto repaired at Rush Automotive in Bastrop, Texas. We offer a full range of services from the front bumper to the rear for all makes and models.

This and That

Although you need to let one of our ASE-certified technicians check out your vehicle when there’s a problem, we can offer you a few pointers about how to handle the situation temporarily if your auto won’t start. We’ll follow the standard troubleshooting model: if you observe “this,” try “that.” For instance, if you hear a grind as you try to start the car, you might have teeth missing (broken) from the flywheel. Try turning the switch on and off multiple times. Eventually, the remaining teeth are likely to catch, cranking the car so that you can reach our shop. If you notice a spinning sound and rapid cranking, stop trying to start the vehicle. You’ll need to get a tow. The timing belt is likely broken. Should you find that the auto won’t start even though the cranking sound is normal, your car may be flooded. Depress the gas pedal to the floor and start the car. This expels the excess gasoline that’s in the cylinders and wetting the spark plugs. This symptom may also result from the blown fuse that completes the circuit to the fuel pump or ignition. Your owner’s manual will show you the relative positions of the fuses, and the blown fuse itself will display a visible break in its internal metal strip. Simply unplug the fuse and replace it with an identical one. An excessively slow crank or becoming slower as you try likely points to an undercharged battery. Likewise, a click-click-click is an almost certain sign of a dying battery. A “jump” will probably help you start the car, but you’ll need to have it checked and/or replaced to ensure it starts the next time. If you observe neither lights nor sounds when you attempt to start your automobile, check your battery connections. Finally, you may find that the dashboard lights illuminate, but the vehicle won’t start. Check to be sure the auto is indeed in “park.” If you suspect a dead battery in your key fob (which is actually a small transponder), consult your owner’s manual to see if you can start the car using an alternative method to get to a purchase point for another battery. If these steps don’t work, you may have a bad ignition or faulty wiring. You’ll need to have your vehicle towed.

Reliable Auto Repair Near You

Whether you manage to start your car in a pinch or have to call for a tow, relax knowing that Rush Automotive can help you. Our mechanics are great at troubleshooting those irritating problems that keep your vehicle from cranking. What’s more, we back our work with a generous 24-month/24,000-mile warranty.