What the noise tells you
- Rapid clicking, dim lights: almost always a flat battery. A jump start usually works. See jump start.
- One click, then nothing: a flat battery, a bad battery connection or a failing starter motor.
- Silence, no lights: a completely dead battery, a loose terminal or the main fuse.
- Cranks slowly: a weak battery, especially on a cold morning.
- Cranks normally but won’t fire: fuel, ignition or a sensor problem. Stop before you flatten the battery.
Checks you can do
- Automatic? Make sure it’s in Park, and press the brake firmly while starting.
- Manual? Press the clutch fully down; many cars won’t start without it.
- Steering lock: turn the wheel gently while turning the key or pressing start.
- Keyless: the fob battery may be flat. Hold the fob right against the start button, or check the handbook for the backup slot.
- Fuel: the gauge can be wrong when it’s nearly empty, especially on a slope.
When to call us
If a jump start doesn’t work, it cranks but won’t fire, or there’s a smell of fuel or burning, call us. We take it home, to your garage or to a dealer. See breakdown recovery.
FAQ
Straight answers
Can you jump start my car instead of recovering it?
Often, yes. If the jump works, there’s no need to load the car. If it doesn’t, we can take it to a garage.
Why won’t my car start but the lights work?
The lights need far less power than the starter motor, so a weak battery can still light the dash. It may also be a starter motor, immobiliser or fuel problem.
Can a car not start because of the key?
Yes. A flat key fob battery or an immobiliser fault can stop the car starting. Try the spare key.