By FZ Abschleppdienst, Korntal-Münchingen. Last updated:
In short
Usually the battery is flat, especially in cold weather or if the car has not been used for a long time. A jump start will help. If the engine still won't start, the fault is often the starter motor, the fuel supply or the electronics. Then the vehicle needs to go to a garage.
What your car is telling you
Pay attention to what happens when you try to start it:
- Nothing happens, everything stays dark: battery completely flat or a loose battery terminal
- A click, but the engine doesn't turn over: battery too weak or starter motor faulty
- The engine turns over but doesn't start: often fuel or ignition
- The car doesn't recognise the key: flat key battery or immobiliser
Jump start: the right order
If you have jump leads and a donor vehicle, connect the leads like this: red to the positive terminal of the flat battery, then red to the positive terminal of the charged battery. Black to the negative terminal of the charged battery, then black to a bare metal point in the engine bay of the broken-down car. Disconnect in reverse order.
Check the owner's manual first. Some vehicles have their own connection points for jump starting.
Don't keep cranking the engine
Several long attempts to start in a row damage the starter motor and the battery. If the engine doesn't start after two or three attempts, it is better to call for help.
Electric and hybrid vehicles
Here too, the 12-volt battery can go flat. The owner's manual tells you whether your vehicle may give or receive a jump start. If in doubt, ask us on the phone.
If nothing works
Then we come to you and give you a jump start, even in an underground car park. If the car still won't start, we tow it to a garage of your choice.