Vehicle Won't Start? A Few Things to Check Before Calling for Help

When a car, truck, motorcycle, ATV, or UTV will not start, the way it fails can be just as useful as the fact that it failed. Before replacing parts, take a moment to notice exactly what the vehicle is doing.

Does it crank?

If the engine does not turn over at all, pay attention to whether the lights are bright, whether you hear a click, and whether anything changes when you try again. Those details help separate a battery or connection problem from a starter, switch, or other electrical issue.

Check the simple things

• Make sure the vehicle is in the correct starting position, such as Park, Neutral, or with the required clutch or brake applied.

• On motorcycles and powersports equipment, check the run/stop switch, side-stand or safety interlocks, and fuel level.

• Look for loose or badly corroded battery connections without disturbing anything you are not comfortable working around.

• Think about what happened immediately before the problem started: cold weather, a dead battery, recent repairs, washing, storage, or a new accessory can all be useful clues.

Avoid guessing with parts

A battery that keeps going dead may not actually be the root problem. The same is true of starters, fuel pumps, sensors, and ignition components. Testing first usually saves time and money compared with replacing parts until the problem disappears.

If you need no-start or electrical diagnostics in Woodward, Oklahoma, SlowPoke Customs can help with motorcycles, UTVs, cars, trucks, and diesel vehicles. Call 580-377-9646 and describe exactly what the vehicle does when you turn the key or press the starter.