This has happened to everyone at one time or another. The questions is, why? Do I need a jump start? Dead battery? Bad starter? Stuck key? Maybe….

What should you do if you hop in your car, push the ignition and… nothing? A “no start” can be caused by a number of different things, from a simple loose connection to a bad starter.

As a mechanic, I begin with the battery and work my way down to other issues that could be causing the problem. I can use sophisticated equipment to diagnose the problem. But like a doctor, the best and most valuable information I can get to diagnose a no-start is by asking you questions.

If your car doesn’t start, know the answers to these questions:

  • Do the lights come on?
  • Does the horn work?
  • How about the radio or video display?
  • Did the car start and then stop?
  • Did the car turn over and then chug before dying?
  • Was there any sound at all when you turned the ignition on?
  • Did you hear, smell or see anything, including dash lights?
  • Has this happened in the past and if so, when?
  • What recent work has been done on your car?