car wont start
PC: Car Care Click

It’s almost monsoon season in Pakistan and with the rainwater on the streets, and garage gushing out on the roads, it will definitely become challenging to drive.

Not just that, asides rainwater, several factors influence our car’s lifespan. This includes how well you maintain it, service it, how many KMs you drive, weather, accidents, and much more.

Imagine the frustration you go through when you are running late for a super important business meeting, a family dinner, or to catch a flight, and the car doesn’t start. There could be many reasons for these behaviors.

It could be engine failure, battery issues, blockage in the pipes, electrical wires burnt, etc. But, there are a few things you should try before you decided to start your car again.

1. Cycle The Key 

If you hear a click sound, then you should switch on the dome light and try to turn on the engine. If you see the light go out, this is a sign that your car’s battery has died or is nearly dead. To reheat the battery, try essential cycling. However, if the dome lights don’t go out and stay on, you should try trick number two.

2. Tap Battery Terminals

eroded battery terminal
PC: Mechanic Base

Unfortunately, there is no possible way to clean eroded battery terminals to make them look as good as new. But, what you can do is that you can tap the terminals enough to make it seem a bit better than how it was.

3. Shift The Shifter

If you don’t hear a click when you turn the key, with your foot on the brake, try to move the shift lever into N or neutral position. Once you’ve done that, try to start your engine. If this doesn’t start the car, move the shifting gear into P or Park, and try again. By doing this, you reestablish electrical contact inside the transmission box.

4. Swap Relays

Turn the radio off if it’s on. Once that is done, turn the key into the ‘Run’ position and then listen if you can hear a buzzing sound, which would last just 2-3 seconds. If you don’t listen to it, the fuel pump may have some issues, and it may not be working. Find the location of the pump using your owner’s manual and swap it with a new one.

5. Unflood A Flooded Engine

hit the pedal
PC: BuyBrakes

If there is a strange gas smell, this means that the engine is possibly flooded. In such a case, you should press the accelerator pedal to the floor and hold it there while you crack the engine.  This will help unflood it and get the fuel pumping regularly again.

If these tips don’t work out for you, be sure to visit a mechanic without wasting more time, as every minute can be costing you lots of money.

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