Q&A for How to Start a Car

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  • Question
    Does it help to turn off the heater, radio, and other accessories?
    Community Answer
    Yes, if your car has trouble starting, it helps to turn off anything else that uses the battery.
  • Question
    Do I need to have my foot on the brake to start a car?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the year of the car. From a safety standpoint, it is a good Idea to have your foot on the brake when you're starting any motor vehicle.
  • Question
    How do I start a car that hasn't been touched in years?
    Community Answer
    Change the gas, oil, and oil filter. Make a visual inspection under the hood and fix any obvious problems. Recharge or replace the battery. If the car has been sitting for more than a couple years, or if it's valuable, have a mechanic make a detailed inspection before trying to start the engine.
  • Question
    My 1999 Mercedes won't start even though it has a new battery. Why?
    Community Answer
    The starter may have gone out. The ignition may have gone out, or the terminals could be having problems sending electrical current through.
  • Question
    How do I stop a running engine?
    Community Answer
    Turn the key in the opposite direction from the way you turn to start it, or if it's a newer vehicle, press the "stop" button. Note that stopping a running engine while still driving is not recommended.
  • Question
    I just replaced the battery and alternator and there's still no response from the engine. What's happening?
    Community Answer
    You may need to clean your battery terminals and connectors. If the battery is dead, there's probably a parasitic drain .
  • Question
    My car starts fine, then if I stop for a while it won't start again. Then if I leave it alone for a while, it will start again! What do I do?
    Community Answer
    Check the battery terminals, they might need to be cleaned.
  • Question
    I have an Audi A6 and sometimes I get a computer error and no engine response when I turn the key. The lights etc. still work.
    Community Answer
    Show the computer logs to a mechanic and see what they think. Possible faulty parts include the ignition switch, the starter, or the transponder. That last part requires an expensive steering column replacement, so check everything else first.
  • Question
    I have a new car, sometimes I have to turn the key for a long time to start the engine. Should I be giving it gas while turning key?
    Acyclist
    Top Answerer
    Check your car manual. With modern cars, they don't like being given gas while being started. Often this can help with older cars but be careful as you could flood the engine if done too many times.
  • Question
    If I ran out of gas and then refilled the tank, what do I need to do to start the car?
    Community Answer
    After you add gasoline, you should turn the key on and off without starting it. Turn it on for a couple seconds, off, on, and off again. This will cycle the fuel pump. After that, simply crank it a bit; it should start after a couple of tries. If not, do the on-off thing a couple of times and try again
  • Question
    Can I start an automatic car while it is in "park?"
    Community Answer
    Yes. Actually, most newer automatic cars require you to be in "park" for starting.
  • Question
    Which way do I turn the key to turn it off?
    CarLovett
    Community Answer
    Turn the key the opposite direction to the way you turned it to turn it on.
  • Question
    Friends had shared concerns with me turning the key to on position and waiting a few seconds before starting the engine on my 2008 Ford. Is this necessary?
    Community Answer
    It is not necessary to do that. You can if you want, but it does nothing for the car either good or bad.
  • Question
    Is it necessary to place my foot on the brake pedal to start an automatic car, while it is still in park?
    Community Answer
    Depends on the vehicle, but usually, no. Check your owner's manual for further reference.
  • Question
    My car is a manual Honda Civic 2001. The seat belt and other alerts go off when starting the car. What could be the issue?
    Community Answer
    This is expected behavior. When they go off, it means everything is working fine. You have an issue if the light remains on. Orange light means there's an issue and you should seek technical attention. Red light means stop the car immediately and check it.
  • Question
    In which step should I put down hand brakes?
    Community Answer
    You should put down the hand brake after you get your car started. Note: Make sure your foot is on the brake when you do this.
  • Question
    How can I fix an 03 Honda Accord if the key won't turn and the steering wheel is locked up?
    Community Answer
    You have to turn the steering wheel towards the way it's not turned and try to turn the key. This happens because your car automatically locks up your steering wheel whenever you turn when the car is not running.
  • Question
    What should I do if my car overheats?
    Community Answer
    Shut off the car and look at the engine coolant, as it could be low. If it is, look at your manual and see what type of engine coolant you need for your car.
  • Question
    Does turning the wheel when the ignition is off harm the vehicle?
    Community Answer
    No, but you can lock your steering wheel and make it a pain to try to turn on your car.
  • Question
    What will happen if I start the car when the gear is not in neutral?
    Community Answer
    It lurches and comes to a stop. You should always check to see if your car is in neutral while starting.
  • Question
    I have a new Honda Civic. But it has to be started with a key. Do I keep my foot on brake while turning key to start or give it gas?
    Acyclist
    Top Answerer
    If it's an automatic, put your foot on the brake, ensure it's in park and then turn the key to start it. If it's a manual, ensure the car is in neutral and the handbrake is on, depress the clutch and then turn the key to start it. Applying gas is not needed, as the car's computer will apply the correct amount of fuel in order to allow the car to start.
  • Question
    Should I keep the engine running for some minutes before I start to drive?
    Acyclist
    Top Answerer
    It is recommended to drive off as soon as the engine has started and as soon as it's safe to do so because this allows the engine to get up to operating temperature as soon as possible. Being at the correct operating temperature will: Improve idle quality (sometimes even lower the idle speed of the engine) and allows the oil temperature to get up to temperature so it can flow more easily around the engine.
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