Fixing a Non-Starting Vehicle

It can be frustrating and inconvenient to be stranded with a non-starting vehicle. The following steps will help you troubleshoot the problem if you find yourself in this situation. 

We’ll walk you through our recommended six steps for troubleshooting a non-starting vehicle in this blog post.

If you follow these tips, your vehicle may be back on the road in no time. Additionally, you can always count on our expert technicians at Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre for assistance.

To learn more, read on.

Here are six steps to troubleshoot your vehicle when it won’t start:

1. Be sure to check your Key: Even though it may seem obvious, we have seen this before! Starting a vehicle with an unprogrammed Key will result in the vehicle not starting.
2. Be sure to check any Warning Lights: There may be a Warning Light on your dashboard that indicates a problem with your system.
3. Check the Fuel level and Fuel type: If the Fuel Tank is empty, the vehicle will not start. Also, make sure you have the right Fuel in your car.
4. Be sure to check the Battery: Ensure it is fully charged and properly connected.
5. Check the starting process for your vehicle: Leaving an Automatic vehicle in gear without shifting into park or neutral will prevent the vehicle from starting. A manual Gearbox requires you to depress the Clutch prior to starting most newer vehicles. Additionally, Electric Vehicles won’t start when the Charging Cable is still attached. Consult the manufacturer’s manual if you are unsure.
6. Unusual sounds? Does something look wrong? Take note: These clues could be used to help Cheltenham and Gloucester Autocentre diagnose the issue for you.

Checking your Battery

When your vehicle won’t start, the Battery is usually the first thing to check. There are several ways to identify if the problem lies with the Battery:

1. Headlights and Wipers should be checked: If your Headlights are dim or don’t work, or if your Windscreen Wipers are slow or don’t work at all, you may have a weak or dead Battery.
2. You should check for corrosion: Battery Terminals or Cables with corrosion may not provide a good connection and cause starting problems.
3. You should check the Battery’s voltage: Make sure the Battery voltage is correct by using a Digital Multimeter. Battery readings below 12.4 Volts may indicate a weak or dead Battery that needs to be recharged or replaced.
4. The vehicle may need to be jump-started: If the vehicle won’t start on its own after a jump-start, the Battery may be the problem. We will tell you more about jump-starting your vehicle within this blog.
5. Inspect the Terminals and Cables: Make sure the Battery Terminals and Cables are clean and securely connected. Dirty or loose connections can affect Battery performance.
6. Listen out for the starter: When you turn the Key, a weak or dead Battery may prevent the starter from engaging.

If you experience any of these issues, our expert technicians at Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre recommend checking your Battery. Checking your Battery and performing regular maintenance can help you avoid hassles caused by a non-starting car.

Get your vehicle back on the road after a flat Battery:

Charge the Battery:

1. 1. Check compatibility: Check that the Battery you want to charge is compatible with your Charger. Some Chargers are only compatible with certain types of batteries.
   2. Connect the Charger to the Battery: The positive clip of the Charger must be connected to the positive terminal of the Battery, and the negative clip must be connected to the negative terminal. Clips may be Alligator Clips or Ring Terminals that attach to the Battery Terminals using nuts and bolts.
   3. Turn on the Charger: Charge rates and times can vary depending on the Charger, so read the instructions carefully. In some Chargers, the charging progress and voltage level are displayed on the display.
   4. Let the Battery charge: Make sure the Battery is fully charged before using it. It depends on the Battery’s size and the Charger’s charging rate, and how long it takes to charge a Battery. This may take several hours to complete.
   5. Turn off the Charger and disconnect it: Disconnect the Charger from the Battery once the Battery is fully charged. By removing the clips in reverse order, starting with the Negative Clip, you can avoid short circuits.

Battery Chargers should be used carefully according to the manufacturer’s instructions, as improper use can damage them. We recommend consulting the manual or seeking assistance from our experts at Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre if you have any questions. When handling electrical equipment like a Battery Charger, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

• An easy way to jump-start your car is to use a set of Jump Leads and the Battery of another car. Here’s how:

1. 1. Vehicle positioning: Parking the vehicle with a good Battery near the vehicle with a dead Battery is fine, but don’t touch them together.
   2. Ensure that both vehicles are off and the Parking Brakes are engaged.
   3. Connect the red Jump Leads: Connect one end of the red Jump Leads to the positive terminal of the dead Battery and the other end to the positive terminal of the good Battery.
   4. Connect the black Jump Leads: One end of the black jump lead should be connected to the negative terminal of the good Battery and the other end to a metal surface on the dead Battery vehicle.
   5. Start the good vehicle: Run the vehicle with the good Battery for a few minutes after turning it on.
   6. Start the dead vehicle: The vehicle can be started with the dead Battery. Remove the cables in reverse order (black, then red) if it starts.
   7. If necessary, consult a professional: if the vehicle is not starting, there may be something else wrong. The best course of action in this situation would be to contact a professional, such as Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre. We are always happy to help.

When jump-starting a vehicle, the Cables must be connected correctly and must not touch one another or any metal surfaces. Consequently, sparks can occur, which could damage Batteries or vehicles. 

It is important to follow the correct steps when connecting the Cables in order to avoid any accidents or further damage to the vehicles. If you’re not confident in your ability to Jump-Start your vehicle, it’s best to seek the professional assistance of Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre. Contact our team today.

One Final Thing to Check

A blown Fuse may also contribute to a non-starting vehicle, along with the previously mentioned causes. If a Fuse blows, electricity cannot flow, and the vehicle cannot start. Electrical systems are protected by Fuses.

A blown Fuse can affect several systems in a vehicle, including the Fuel Pump, Starter, and Ignition Switch. In most cars, you’ll find the Fuse panel under the dashboard or in the Engine compartment. Check for blown Fuses by finding the diagram showing the location of each Fuse and its circuit.

A Multimeter or a visual inspection can be used to check the Fuses. In case of a blown Fuse, it’s important to replace it with a new one rated at the same amperage.

The job should be done properly and safely by a professional such as our team at Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre if you are unsure how to replace or check the Fuses. In order for your vehicle’s electrical system to work properly and to start when needed, any blown Fuses must be addressed.

In Summary

Checking a few simple things may help you diagnose and fix a starting problem with your vehicle. The problem may be resolved by checking the Battery, Fuel level, Fuel type, and starting process.

If your Battery is flat, you can Jump-Start your vehicle, but you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take precautions. In addition, blown Fuses can prevent the vehicle from starting, which is another reason to check them.

In case you have exhausted all possible causes for a non-starting vehicle, don’t hesitate to call our team for assistance. Whenever you need us, we will be there to assist you and make sure that your vehicle is safe and functioning properly.

For non-starting vehicles, call Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre today, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.

Call Now 01452 855555