Having trouble starting your car? Here’s what you need to do.
Beep beep car door unlocked, key in ignition (lock), push-button start: clicking noise. No power given.
Does this scenario sound familiar to you?
Don’t worry, you are not alone…we have all been in this situation. Particularly, when you are rushing to commute to work, dropping the kids to school or setting off to travel to an important appointment that you cannot be late for. When your car won’t start, it is a frustrating situation and panic can instantly overwhelm us when trying to find a quick-fix solution.
That’s why here at Royal Swiss Auto Services, we can help you to make this process as seamless and stress-free as possible.
So without fear, below we outline for you several steps and actions that you can initially take, to simply diagnose and potentially resolve the trouble of starting your car.
If the problem seems too complicated, your most local/convenient car service center will be readily available to assist you.v
1: Check for certain basic components & amenities in your car
Before diving into more complex troubleshooting, start with the basics such as …
Ensuring your car is in “Park” or “Neutral” (automatic transmission) or “Neutral” (manual transmission).
Similarly, verify that the ignition key or push-button start is in the correct position, typically “On” or “Run.”
Check if the battery connections are correct and the terminals are clean.
2: Pay attention to any clicking sounds in your car
When you turn the key to start the car, pay attention to the sounds your car makes. If you hear rapid clicking sounds, it could indicate a weak battery or some internal improper connections. If it is due to a weak battery, jump-starting the car may be necessary for which you need recovery support.
3: Check the battery and its life
As we already stated, weak or dead batteries are a common cause of ignition/engine starting problems. If the starting issues are related to the battery, then you can use jumper cables to jump-start your car from another vehicle that has an already functioning battery. Alternatively, get help from the recovery service.
If your car does not start with jump starting, you may need to get the battery tested and replaced, especially if it is old or frequently gives you trouble.
4: Pay attention to the fuel level in your car
Despite the fact that it may seem silly, checking the fuel level is important. Many of us might forget to fuel up the car due to a busy schedule, so make sure you have enough
fuel in your tank. Sometimes, a simple reason like a lack of fuel can prevent your car from starting.
5: Try to turn the steering wheel
If your steering wheel is locked, it can prevent the ignition key from turning which may result in the starting issues. Gently turn the wheel while attempting to start the car, and this might resolve the problem in some cases.
6: Check the warning lights in your car
Pay attention to any warning lights that appear on the dashboard. If you have issues starting the car, they can provide valuable clues about the root cause that your car is facing. So pay proper attention to the illuminating warning lights and get it addressed by your service advisor immediately.
7: The issue may be with the fuel pump
If you turn the key and do not hear the fuel pump prime (a brief humming sound), it could indicate a problem with the fuel pump. This issue may require a professional mechanic to diagnose and repair.
8: Car still not starting: Do not hesitate to seek professional help
If you have attempted all of these above steps and your car still won’t start, it is time to find professional assistance from the car service center near you. An experienced technician will thoroughly inspect your vehicle and give you a clear report about what is wrong with your vehicle.
9: Never fail to take the safety tips to prevent similar starting issues with your car in the future
Once the problem with your car is rectified and it gets back on the road, as per the manufacturer’s guidelines, try to ensure that you take up regular maintenance checks for future prevention. Check your battery’s life health often too, and keep the terminals clean.
