From Bear River Auto Tech: Grant's Tips - Car Won't Start? - When to DIY Diagnose and When to Bring it in.

There it is, that sinking feeling when you get in your car, sit down, turn the ignition and…nothing! Most likely you cried out in disbelief, uttered a few choice words, and then tried to start the car again; this time by power of sheer will. Still nothing.

Now you have two choices. You can either fix the problem yourself or you can take your car to a mechanic. Here we are going to give you both scenarios. The first scenario is figuring out how to fix the problem on your own. The second scenario is knowing when the problem you are facing is beyond the capabilities of the average person and requires professional help.

Step 1 – Check all things electrical. First, check the battery (unless your car uses fuses – if so, check the fuses first!). Make sure the battery terminals are free from corrosion and the cables connected to the battery aren’t damaged. Check to see if the battery is dead. Try jump starting the car or use a battery tester if you have one. Check all the wiring. Corosion can affect more than just your battery terminals. Make sure the rest of your wiring is clear and undamaged. If the battery is fine you now are ready to move on to step 2.

Step 2 – If the battery is good and you still get no noise when trying to start the car, it could be the switch for the ignition that’s bad. The test for this is simple. Move your key to the position before trying to start it. In this position the warning lights should light up. No lights – your ignition switch is probably shot. If the switch needs replacement either consult YouTube or your mechanic. It’s not major, but you might decide it’s not worth the time. Consult your manual before doing anything. You don’t want to accidentally void a warranty you might have in place.

Step 3 – Faulty Fuel Functions. If the battery, wiring, and ignition are good, you might have troubles related to your fuel. The fuel pump and relay are a good place to start. Make sure all the wiring to these is free from damage and corrosion. If you have the ability to test the circuit, do so. If not, you might want to consult your mechanic. If the wiring is fine, take a look at the fuel filter. Experts recommend replacing the fuel filter every 12,000 miles, but when it doubt, change it out.

Step 4 – Call your mechanic. The previous steps are very rudimentary and are intended to keep you from having to spend money needlessly on easy fixes you can do yourself. That said, we can all agree that there is a difference between knowing when to apply first aid at home and when to call the doctor; only you will know the difference. Make sure your mechanic is highly skilled, treats the customer right, and will get you back on the road in a timely fashion.

If you have questions about your car or truck call your friendly, honest Automobile Mechanic in Auburn, CA - Bear River Auto Tech: 530-268-6363

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