Car Not Starting? Get Your Car Diagnosed At Your Home

Check the battery and starter.

Listen

1. 1. A dead battery is often the underlying reason for a car not starting. Listen to the motor's sound when you turn the key in the ignition, and if there is no sound at all, it means that the battery is dead. If you hear a clicking sound, then it means that the starter is trying to work but is not getting enough power.
   2. There is no battery issue if there is a turn in the engine but the car isn't starting.

The Battery Terminals

1. 1. Pop the hood open and check the connections from the engine to the battery. The positive and negative terminals should have clean metal to transmit electricity properly. Ensure that these cables are connected and aren't covered with debris or oxidized. You can use a steel brush to clean the battery terminals that are corroded.
   2. Ensure that the connection is solid and that the cables can't be pulled off the battery.

Testing the battery

1. 1. A voltmeter will help you test the battery's voltage. Turn the voltmeter on and touch the red (positive) lead to the battery's positive terminal and then the negative lead to the negative. The meter should read between 12.4 and 12.7 volts if the battery is fully charged, and if it's not, you should try to jump-start it in the case of a dead battery.
   2. If the battery doesn't charge, you should replace the battery and try starting your car again.

Various Scenarios

• The car is silent when you turn the ignition key: You should check the terminal cable connections on the battery. If there is corrosion, you should immediately clean it or replace it.
• There is a clicking noise, but the car doesn't start: It generally means a dead battery. If you find that the battery is not dead upon checking, you should check the wiring to and from the starter to ensure there is no loose connection.
• The engine cranks but does not start: Your car might be out of fuel, or the fuel might not be reaching the engine. If the issue is not with fuel, the electrical spark is probably not getting through and reaching the spark plugs.
• Car won't start in the rain: If your car has a non-electronic ignition or an electric ignition containing a distributor cap, you should check for dampness inside the cap.