Car won't start?
We've all been there: You're running late for work, so you rush to your car only to find out it won't start. Or your car starts making a noise, and you can't ignore the dashboard light that's shining if your face. Moments like these are frustrating and even more so when you don't understand the problem. But with these tricks and tools, you'll be able to diagnose the issue yourself any may even make it to that morning meeting.
Multimeter
The first thing you want to do is use a multimeter to check your battery. After popping the hood, set the meter to 15-20 volts. Then clamp the red probe to the positive terminal and the black probe to the negative terminal. Check the reading on the multimeter. If it's not showing a reading of at least 12 volts, the battery is dead. If you turn your key and hear a click or rapid clicking, then there might still be a charge but you'll need to warm up the battery. To do so, start by turning the key a few times, but wait four minutes in between attempts. After 2-3 tries, your car should start right up.
Code Reader
When a light on the dashboard comes on, it's an indication that there's a problem with your car. While a faulty sensor may be to blame, you can never know for sure unless you have a code reader. The code reader plugs into your vehicles diagnostic link connector and provides a readout. Once you have the code, search the web for advice on how to fix the corresponding problem or give us a call and let us know what the code is reading. This way you can tell whether or not your car has a bad sensor or you need to get your engine checked.
Call us anytime if you have vehicle issues that need to be addressed or if you have any questions about the code you're seeing. We're happy to answer any questions or schedule an appointment to take a look at your vehicle and get you back on the road.
So, if you find yourself in a situation where your vehicle won't start, and you're still not sure what to do we are here to help. Give us a call anytime at 919-453-0345 for our Wake Forest location or 919-231-6164 for our Raleigh location.