Car will not start - what to check first
Run through five quick checks before you call for a tow. Often the car is fine and only needs a jump, a fuse, or a key the transponder recognizes.
What you'll learn
- How to tell a dead battery from a failing starter
- Clicking when you turn the key? Check the battery first
- Stuck shift interlock? Why it blocks start, and the bypass
- Why transponder keys fail and what to try first
Step by step
- Turn the key to ON and watch the dash: do any lights come on?
- Hold the brake down hard, then turn the key or press start
- Rapid clicking means the battery is low, so try a jump.
- One click or total silence? Suspect the starter or ignition
- Make sure the key fob’s battery is good. If you have a spare fob, try that.
- If the transmission isn’t all the way in Park, move the shifter into place and try again.
If all five steps fail and the car still won’t start, it’s time for a tow. The independent operator we match you with can often check things on site first, and sometimes it’s a 5-minute fix.
Rather have a pro handle it?
Need a tow or roadside help anywhere in San Diego County? Call any hour of the day or night, and someone will pick up.
Keep learning.
Jump-start a dead battery safely
Jumper cables seem easy until they’re connected the wrong way. Get it right and you skip the sparks, the fried electronics, and a tow you never needed.
How to change a flat tire
Start by checking that your spot is safe, firm and level. If it isn’t, keep your seatbelt on unless you see fire or smoke, and call for help.
What to do when stuck in sand or mud
Ocean Beach, Fiesta Island, and the Carrizo Badlands swallow vehicles every week. Your first job is to keep the situation from getting worse.