Car won't start: what can you check yourself?

What happens when you turn the key?

A car that won't start can react in different ways. Sometimes you hear nothing at all. In other cases, you may hear a click, the starter motor may turn, or the engine may start briefly before cutting out again. This reaction provides an initial indication, but does not automatically point to one specific cause.

First, pay attention to the circumstances. Does the interior lighting still work? Do the warning lights on the dashboard come on? Can you hear the starter motor turning? Also note whether the problem appeared suddenly or was preceded by slow starting, flickering lights or other electrical faults. This information can help a workshop with the diagnosis later.

A car that won't start is not always in a safe position when the problem occurs. If possible, move the vehicle out of traffic, apply the parking brake and make sure you have sufficient visibility. Do not lie underneath the car and do not touch any moving or hot components.

What checks can you carry out yourself?

First check whether the battery appears to have sufficient voltage. Dim interior lighting, a slowly turning starter motor or a series of rapid clicks may indicate a flat or weak battery, but could also point to a problem with a connection or the starting system. Only inspect the battery terminals and cables visually. Loose, heavily corroded or damaged connections require attention.

Next, check whether the car is actually in the correct position for starting. In an automatic, the selector must be in park or neutral. Only try the normal starting procedure and use the spare key if you have it with you. If the car does not respond to the key or remote control, the immobiliser may also be involved.

Look for visible signs around the vehicle. A smell of fuel, smoke, a leak, damaged wiring or an unusual noise is not a reason to keep trying to start the car. Switch the vehicle off, keep your distance from a potentially dangerous situation and arrange assistance.

Does the engine start but cut out again immediately? Continuing to try to start it is usually not the best way to find the problem. Note what you see on the dashboard and whether the engine briefly fires. An illuminated engine warning light or another warning may provide additional information, but the message must be read out to assess the cause properly.

When is a diagnosis needed?

Checking the car yourself is mainly intended to assess the situation safely and gather useful information. It does not replace a diagnosis when the car won't start, the problem keeps returning or several electrical functions fail at the same time. Even if a battery temporarily appears to solve the problem, there may still be an issue with the charging system, starter motor, wiring or another component.

With American vehicles, it is important not to focus on just one component. A starting problem may be related to the battery, connections, immobiliser, sensors or engine management. The right inspection therefore starts with the complaint and the circumstances, followed by targeted testing and diagnostic reading. Replacing parts without taking these steps can make the problem unnecessarily complicated.

What information helps the workshop?

Before making an appointment, note exactly what happens. State whether you hear a click, whether the starter motor turns, whether the engine fires and how the dashboard lighting responds. Also indicate when the problem occurs, for example only during a cold start, after the vehicle has been parked for a longer period or after intensive use.

Also provide the make, model, year and engine variant if you know these details. Mention any previous work, a recently replaced battery or an earlier fault message. Photos of a dashboard warning can be useful. This allows the workshop in Ursem to determine more precisely which technical checks are needed for your American car.

If your vehicle needs maintenance more often or is used for towing and heavy loads, discuss this during your workshop visit. The conditions in which the vehicle is used may determine which components require extra attention. You can also read more about maintenance of American vehicles and the work it may involve.

Stay safe when the car will not start

Do not keep trying to start the car endlessly, and do not use jump leads or charging equipment unless you are sure how to do so safely. Stop immediately if you notice smoke, a smell of fuel, a leak, damaged cables or a risk to yourself or other road users. If a vehicle will not start but is safely positioned, you can have it examined before taking further action.

Would you like to have the reason why your American car won't start assessed? Schedule a technical inspection

When you get in touch, provide the symptoms you observed and the vehicle details available to you. For problems related to the drivetrain, starting or other technical systems, the page about the drivetrain may also help you determine the right next question. Components showing signs of wear can also be assessed during an inspection of wear parts.