Car won't start — no noise at all
Total silence when you turn the key — no click, no crank — points to a dead battery, a loose/corroded connection, a failed starter or an ignition problem. The right fix depends on whether anything electrical still works.
Likely a dead battery or bad connection
No lights usually means the battery is fully dead or a terminal is loose/corroded. A jump start will often get you going.
⚠️ Safety first
If the battery is cracked, swollen, or leaking, do not attempt a jump — request service.
- 1Check that both battery terminals are tight and free of heavy corrosion (a green/white crust).
- 2If you have cables or a jump pack and feel safe, try a jump start.
- 3If it still won't start after a jump — or you'd rather not — request a jump start and the driver will diagnose on site.
Likely a starter or ignition issue — get a tow
If the lights work but the engine won't turn over, the starter, ignition switch or wiring is the likely culprit. That needs a shop, so a tow is the safe call.
- 1Try shifting into Neutral (or Park) and starting again — a worn neutral-safety switch can block the start.
- 2Make sure the steering isn't locked: wiggle the wheel while turning the key.
- 3If it still won't start, request a tow to your preferred repair shop.
You might also need
TowGo · Roadside help, on demand