Car will not start - what to check first
Before calling for a tow, check five things first. Most of the time the car is fine and you just need a boost, a fuse, or a key that talks to the transponder.
What you'll learn
- The difference between dead-battery symptoms and starter symptoms
- Why a clicking noise usually means battery, not starter
- When a stuck shift interlock prevents start (and how to bypass)
- Why transponder keys fail and what to try first
Step by step
- Check the dashboard. Do any lights come on when you turn the key to ON?
- Try turning the key (or pushing start) with the brake held firmly.
- If you hear rapid clicking, the battery is low. Try a jump.
- If you hear one click or silence, the starter or ignition may be bad.
- Check that the key fob has battery (swap with a spare if you have one).
- If the transmission is not fully in Park, move the shifter and try again.
If you have tried all five and the car still will not start, you need a tow. We can often do a quick diagnosis on the scene before deciding to tow - sometimes it is a 5-minute fix.
Rather have a pro handle it?
Towing and roadside service across the New Orleans metro. One local line, taking calls 24/7.
Keep learning.
Jump-start a dead battery safely
Jumper cables are simple until you hook them wrong. Do it right and you'll avoid sparks, ruined electronics, and a tow you didn't need.
Change a flat tire on the side of the road
The difference between a 20-minute shoulder stop and an hour on the phone with a tow company is knowing where the spare and jack live before you need them.
What to do when your car floods out or gets stuck in mud
New Orleans's drainage pumps can't outrun an ordinary summer storm, and half the city sits at or below sea level. First step: stop making it worse.