My car won't start: 5 points to check

You're in full swing, but when you get out of the car, the car won't start? In most cases, your battery is to blame, but keep in mind that this is not always the case. In this article, we will talk about the first checks that need to be carried out in order to find out if your machine is really out of order!

🚗 Is my battery low?

Your battery might just run out. If so, don't worry, just start the car and your alternator will take over recharging the battery while you drive. If you have a problem with the ignition, the battery indicator will light up normally.

There are two solutions available to you to start your vehicle. You can :

• Use a battery booster
• Find another car with a strong enough battery to try the jumper method.

If you have a car with a manual transmission, know that you can also restart it by pressing it with the second ignition on. When your car accelerates to about 10 km / h, quickly release the clutch and very quickly press the accelerator pedal. It works even better if your car is uphill.

Is the battery charged enough but cannot provide the power needed to start your car's engine? The problem is undoubtedly coming from the terminals (metal terminals located above your battery case that are too oxidized). In this case, all you have to do is:

• Disconnect the - terminal and then the + terminal by loosening the terminals;
• Clean these pods with a wire brush or sandpaper;
• Grease the pods to prevent further oxidation;
• Connect your terminals and try restarting.

If you have a voltmeter, you can check your car's battery to make sure it is working properly.

🔍 Is my engine flooded?

You don't need a flood to shut off the engine. An engine is said to be flooded when there is too much fuel in one or more of the engine's cylinders. There are several possible reasons:

• Several unsuccessful starts resulted in too much fuel injection. Take your time: wait about thirty minutes for the gasoline to evaporate and try starting again!
• Do you run on gasoline? It is possible that one of the spark plugs stops working and prevents the spark needed for combustion. In this case, all spark plugs must be replaced.

🔧 Does my car have a starter problem?

The headlights come on and the radio is on, but you still won't start? Probably the problem is the starter. This part is a small motor that uses electricity from a battery to start your motor. There are two types of failures.

Jammed starter connectors, or “coals”

Do you know what the so-called hammer method is, an indispensable tool for starter failure? Well, using this tool, all you have to do is give your starter a few small hammer blows and its coals will come off.

But keep in mind that the results will be temporary: the coals will be collected quickly, and you will definitely have to go through the "start replacement" field.

Your starter motor is overloaded or does not connect to the flywheel

In this case, you have no choice but to call a mechanic to diagnose and replace the starter.

🚘 Is my immobilizer disabled?

Is your car less than 20 years old? Therefore, it most likely has an immobilizer system to reduce the risk of theft. Your key has a built-in transponder so that it can communicate with your vehicle.

Since no signal from the dashboard can tell you about this malfunction, try starting the car with a second key or replace the battery in the key. If your car still won't start, you must call a manufacturer-approved garage or center to reprogram your key.

⚙️ Are my glow plugs faulty?

If you are driving on diesel fuel, the problem may be with the glow plugs. Unlike gasoline models, diesel models are equipped with glow plugs to facilitate combustion of fuel in the engine cylinders.

If you notice the symptoms below, don't wait and replace the glow plugs:

• Difficulty starting in the morning;
• Excessive consumption of fuel;
• Loss of power.

The easiest way to avoid starting problems at the most inopportune moment is to have regular maintenance. Remember to do at least one oil change every 10 km, and don't forget revision... You can use our quote calculator to calculate the exact cost of your emptying or overhaul of your car.