Guides
Car Won't Start? Check These Five Things Before You Call
Before you call anyone, two minutes of checking can tell you a lot. Here's what to look at, in order.
1. What exactly happens when you turn the key?
Nothing at all, one click, rapid clicking, or cranking with no start. Write it down. It's the single most useful thing you can tell us.
2. Are the dash lights bright?
Bright lights and no crank points to the starter or a security issue. Dim lights or none means the battery.
3. Is it in Park?
Sounds silly. Shift to Neutral and try again — worn neutral safety switches are common.
4. Are the battery terminals tight and clean?
Wiggle them. Corrosion or a loose clamp causes exactly this.
5. Can you hear the fuel pump?
Turn the key to On (not Start) with the radio off. A two-second hum from the rear means the pump is priming. Silence on a crank-no-start points at fuel.
Then call us
Text the answers to those five questions with your year, make, and model, and we'll usually know what to bring before we leave. Most no-starts are fixed in one visit.
Related services
We do this in your driveway
- Starting & Electrical
Jump Start & No-Start Diagnosis
Won't crank, won't start, or clicks? We figure out why on the spot instead of just jumping it.
- Starting & Electrical
Car Battery Replacement
We test, deliver, and install the right battery — then register it and check the charging system.
- Starting & Electrical
Starter Replacement
Single click and no crank with a good battery usually means a starter. We replace it where the car sits.
- Fuel & Exhaust
Fuel Pump Replacement
Cranks but won't start, or stalls under load? We test fuel pressure and replace failed pumps on site.
Ready when you are.
Text or call with your vehicle and what's going on. We'll confirm a window and bring the parts.