The more you use your car, the more likely you are to run into mechanical problems at some stage. However, you definitely don't want them right now, as you're on your way to an important meeting! If you simply can't get your car to start, what are some of the initial tests you can do quite quickly, in order to (hopefully) get you on your way?
Start in the Right Place
Rather than just jump in and try to troubleshoot randomly, start at the beginning and work backwards. Everything starts with the battery, as this is where the initial power comes from to set everything in motion, so begin there.
Battery Condition
Open the bonnet and have a look at the battery. With normal usage, a certain amount of corrosion may build up around the terminals, or the connections themselves could become dirty. Clean all of this away carefully and make sure everything is tight.
Battery Power
If everything looks okay, check to see if there's any power coming from the battery by using a standard battery tester. If there is very little or no power, then you need to replace it, but you can jumpstart this time by asking a friendly neighbour to help you.
Ignition Switch
If the battery seems to be fine, it could be that the ignition switch is faulty. Have a look at the dashboard and when you turn the key to its 'on' position, is the red warning light illuminated? If not, the ignition switch may need to be changed. If it does light up, then turn the key to where it should start the car. If you notice that the lights on the dashboard dim, then this likely means the ignition switch is all right.
Starter Motor
Have somebody look under the bonnet when you turn the key, specifically at the starter motor. Is it spinning as it attempts to start the engine? If not, it could be that it's not receiving current, or the starter itself could be bad.
Fuel Injectors
Next, have a look at the electrical connections that are attached to the fuel injection system under the bonnet. These are typically next to the cylinder head on the top of the engine and on the side, where air enters the system. Each connection should be checked for a tight fit.
What to Do Next
Hopefully, one of these tests will have solved your problem, to get you on your way. If not, it's likely that you will need assistance from your friendly mechanic to dig further.
Share13 January 2017
If you drive a lot for business, you probably put a lot of kilometres on your vehicle. Whether you are driving from client to client in the same city or driving across the country, your vehicle needs to be well prepared for the journey. You don't want to miss out on a great opportunity because your car has broken down on the way to the meeting. Hi, my name is Carla, and I've been stranded on the side of the road, desperately trying to reach a client to reschedule. After that experience, however, I decided that I needed to pay more attention to auto service, and recently I decided to create this blog to help others in similar situations. Thanks for reading! I hope my tips help you!
