Starting a car for the first time can be difficult, especially if you are a beginner and learning to drive. Luckily for you, the ignition process of a car is designed to be as simple as possible, for both an automatic and a manual car. In this article we will address both of these possibilities, so you just have to start reading to find out more.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Starting a Car
Step 1. Sit on the driver's side and fasten your seat belts
Never drive without!
Step 2. Insert the key into the ignition mechanism, which you will often find located near the steering wheel
It is a round piece of metal with a lock, usually with engravings on it. Once found, push the key all the way down.
- For most vehicles, you will need to use the key provided, or a copy provided by the dealer.
- Some newer cars may not have the normal ignition key. In this case, you will need to find the start button, normally positioned clearly in view, with writings indicating its operation.
Step 3. If your machine is equipped with an automatic transmission, move the shift lever to the position with the letter "P" or the letter "N"
The term "automatic" refers to the type of transmission in the car and indicates that you will not need to change gears; the car itself will do it automatically.
- In case the car has an automatic transmission, there will be only two pedals. In some models you will find a fake pedal on the far left that has the sole function of resting the foot during the trip.
- Cars with automatic transmission do not have a clutch pedal, but they can count on a safety device that will prevent the car from starting, if the gear lever is not set to "P" or "N" (handbrake on or insane). This measure is intended to prevent sudden movements of the car.
Step 4. If you are trying to start a car with a manual transmission, be sure to place the shift lever in neutral before trying to turn the key in the ignition
- Machines equipped with manual transmission have three pedals instead of two. The one on the left is the clutch, to be used when changing gear.
- It is very important to make sure the car is in neutral before trying to start the engine, with no gears engaged. If a gear is engaged or power is transmitted from the engine to the wheels during starting, the car will jolt and then shut off. Failure to pay due attention can also result in serious damage to the various components of the machine.
- You can check that a car with a manual transmission is in neutral by swinging the shift lever slightly, making sure it moves freely. If not, it means that the gear is engaged and you can remove it by pressing the clutch with your foot, and sliding the gear lever to neutral.
Step 5. After inserting the key, turn it
You will have to spin it in the framework, so that it passes the initial two blocks and manages to reach the end of the stroke for the car to start. Also make sure that you use the same hand with which you inserted the key, being careful not to remove the key while you are turning it.
- Release the key just after reaching the ignition point. If you keep the key turned after the car has started, you will hear a nasty screeching noise from the starter gears. It goes without saying that this procedure is dangerous for the car and can cause damage.
- The first notch on the metal ring where the key is inserted shows the word "ACC" for "accessories", while the second is indicated with the word "ON". The first position allows the use of radios and other electrical accessories; the 'ON' position, on the other hand, is the position that the key will occupy when the machine is running.
Step 6. If the engine does not start, try these tricks in order
Sometimes even the newest and most fully functional cars will have trouble starting. Don't worry, it's not the end of the world.
- If the key does not move past the first or second notch and the steering wheel does not move, it means that the car has the steering lock engaged. This is a safety device designed to help make sure the car does not leave unattended. On these cars you may need to rock the steering wheel slightly back and forth to allow the key to turn.
- If the car won't turn on, try keeping your foot fully pressed on the brake and / or clutch as you turn the key into the ignition. This is a peculiarity of the most recent cars, designed to prevent the car from moving in an unpredictable way when it is switched on.
- If the car does not start, try turning the key in the other direction. Some older cars may not follow the same conventions as more modern ones.
Step 7. Be careful when shifting
Some cars with manual transmission (not all) are equipped with a clutch safety switch, which is intended to cut off electricity destined for the starter motor, unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
Once the engine has started, do not release the clutch suddenly with the gear engaged and avoid pressing the accelerator; all this would cause a sudden movement and most likely shut down the vehicle. To prevent this situation, make sure the shift lever is in neutral (using the method explained above)
Step 8. Check your rear-view mirrors to avoid people, objects or other cars, and drive carefully and safely
Make sure you comply with all traffic regulations, and adopt a foresighted attitude.
Part 2 of 2: Troubleshooting if the Car Won't Turn On
Step 1. Remember that cars can have ignition problems for several reasons
Consult the manual supplied with your car or contact the mechanic closest to your home. If you urgently need to use the car or all the workshops you know are closed, you can try to fix the fault yourself.
Step 2. Learn how to start a car in freezing cold conditions
If the car does not start and it is very cold outside, it may be necessary to "pump the accelerator pedal lightly" or add more fuel to make it easier to start. It all depends on whether the car is equipped with an electronic injection engine or a carburetor engine.
- If the car was built before 1990, you can safely assume it is equipped with a carburetor. A carburetor is a mechanical device that has the task of mixing air and fuel to power the engine. On this type of car, "pump the gas" a couple of times by pressing the accelerator pedal before trying to start the engine. Pumping the gas with the pedal will cause the carburetor to release a small amount of gasoline into the engine. Whenever you press the accelerator pedal on a car equipped with a carburetor, liquid gas will be sprayed into the engine.
- Be careful pumping gas into a car that is still cold. Adding too much gas before starting the car could flood the engine, filling it with too much fuel, and insufficient air, resulting in an ignition problem. In fact, liquid fuel is not particularly flammable.
- If you happen to have the car flooded, push the gas pedal all the way down and try to start. Doing so will allow for an extra inflow of air into the engine to dry out excess fuel. In this specific case you may need to insist more than usual for the engine to start. Once you have managed to start the car, release the accelerator pedal.
Step 3. If your car doesn't want to start, consider using battery jump leads or direct replacement
Dead batteries are by far one of the most common causes of car ignition problems.
Step 4. If your car makes clicking sounds but won't start, consider replacing the alternator
In this regard, both you and your trusted auto electrician, you could put into practice a simple test to see if your alternator really needs to be changed.
Step 5. In the event that the battery and alternator are both good, but the car still does not want to start, you may want to consider replacing the starter motor
Advice
- If your keys also have a remote control, there may also be a power button for the car.
- Get to know your car. It will save you time and effort.
- Make sure you use the right key. Many modern cars have anti-theft systems that will prevent it from turning on if the wrong key is used. If your key has a chip or a transponder, you won't be able to use even a copy. It can enter the lock, but it will not start the car.
- To keep the car from moving if it has a manual gearbox, use the handbrake.
- In the case of cars with the power button, press it after following all the precautions described in this article.
Warnings
- If the car doesn't start, don't insist on trying to start it. Doing so will risk breaking the starter motor and draining the battery. In case you do not follow these tips, thus burning this small electronic device, you would go against a large expense to replace it. If the car does not start after trying all the tips in this guide, it probably needs to be repaired.
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With cars equipped with a manual gearbox, be careful to cause sudden movements due to the clutch release. Make sure the car is not in a gear before starting it. The car will shoot forward (or backward if reverse is engaged) when you start it. You could cause damage to the car and to property or people around it. If you can't tell if the car has a gear engaged you shouldn't try to start it!
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Remember: cars and other cars are not toys.
If you don't know how to drive, you could cause serious harm to yourself and others if you drive yourself into a vehicle. Never try to start a car if you don't have the proper skills to do so. If you are driving for the first time, do it only in the presence of someone more experienced than you!
