What to Do When a Car Completely Loses Power and Won't Start?
2 Answers
Solutions for a car that won't start due to a dead battery: 1. Push-starting. This method only applies to manual transmission cars, preferably when the battery still has some charge left and the terrain is suitable. Otherwise, it can be difficult to implement, especially on an uphill slope. First, engage first gear, press the clutch, turn the key to the ACC position, and have someone push the car from behind. When the car gains enough speed, release the clutch, and the car may start successfully due to inertia. 2. Jump-starting. If you don't have an emergency jump starter (which few car owners carry), you can ask for help from nearby car owners to jump-start your car. You will need two jumper cables. Bring the two cars as close together as possible. Generally, car batteries are located under the front hood, so adjust the cars' positions accordingly—either side by side or head to head. Then, locate the batteries of both cars, identify the positive and negative terminals, and remove the terminal covers. Use the red jumper cable's clamp to attach to the positive terminal. Similarly, connect the red cable first, followed by the black one. Once all four terminals are connected, the jump-start setup is complete.
Last time my car suddenly wouldn't start, the dashboard was completely dark - so frustrating! First check if the doors can open/close normally, some cars automatically lock when power is cut. Borrowing a jump starter from a nearby repair shop is the easiest solution. Remember to connect the red clamp to the battery positive terminal (+) and the black clamp to any metal frame of the car body. Don't connect directly to the negative terminal! If the battery is completely dead, calling your insurance for a tow truck is safer. After jump-starting mine, I drove for half an hour but it died again the next day - ended up spending 500 yuan on a new battery. Always remember to turn off interior lights and dash cams when parking!
