Starting a car for the first time can be a challenge, especially if you are learning to drive a car for the first time. Fortunately, the process of starting the car is easy, for both manual and automatic transmission cars. This article will guide you through both types of cars, check out the first steps below to get started.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Starting the Car
Step 1. Sit in the driver's seat, fasten your seat belt
Don't drive without wearing a seat belt!
Step 2. Insert the key into the hole
The keyhole is usually near the steering wheel. It will look like a metal circle, often with writing around it, with a keyhole in the center. Put the key all the way in there.
- For most cars, you can only use the key provided by the manufacturer. Sometimes you can also make duplicates, if they are made correctly.
- Newer cars may not use regular keys. You need to look for the starter button on this car, it usually has a label like "engine start" and is in an easy-to-reach position.
Step 3. If you are going to start an automatic car, position the shift lever at P or N
Automatic means you don't have to change gears manually, the car will do it automatically.
- If your car has an automatic transmission, then there will only be two pedals. On some types of automatic cars, there is a kind of rubber mount on the left foot, this is a place for you to rest your left foot, and not a pedal.
- Automatic cars have a safety button that prevents the car from starting when the gear lever is not in the "P" or "N" ("parked" or "neutral") position. This will prevent the car from starting in gear.
Step 4. If you are starting the car manually, position the shift lever on N or neutral
- If the car has a manual transmission, it will have three pedals. The leftmost pedal is the clutch pedal.
- It is important to make sure the gear is in neutral - meaning the car is not in gear, before starting the engine. If the engine is in gear, the car will jump when you start and then die. Damage to the transmission may also occur if you start the engine while in gear.
- You can make sure the gear is in neutral by shaking it. If the sway is free, then the position is in neutral. If the blade can be shaken, it means the engine is in gear. Depress the clutch pedal, shift the gear lever to the neutral position before starting the engine.
Step 5. Turn the key to start the car
You have to turn it through two positions, and then continue turning it when you feel the key having a spring in the third position, to start the engine. Use the same hand when you insert the key into the lock, and don't pull the key when the key is turned.
- Release the key after the engine starts. If you keep turning the key when the engine is running, you will hear a noise coming from the starter motor gears and the engine teeth grinding against each other. This can be bad for the engine.
- The first key position is "ACC" or "accessories" and the second key position is "ON". The first position allows you to turn on the radio and other electrical equipment in the car, the on position is the position where the key returns to its position after the engine starts.
Step 6. If the machine won't start, try this trick
Sometimes, after turning the key, even a healthy car might not start. Don't worry, it's not the end of the world.
- If the key does not turn after the second position and the steering wheel does not turn, it means that the steering lock mechanism is active. In this car, you need to slightly shake the steering wheel to the right and left, so that it is free from the lock and the car key can be turned.
- If the engine won't start, try pressing the brake and/or clutch pedal while turning the key. Some cars will require this to ensure the safety of the car when it is started and does not run suddenly when the engine is started.
- If the engine still won't start, try turning the key the other way. Some types of cars have a different direction of rotation of the key with a new car.
Step 7. Be careful to insert the teeth
Some (not all) manual transmissions are equipped with a clutch safety button, which will cut off electricity to the engine unless the clutch pedal is pressed, meaning you have to step on the clutch pedal for the engine to start.
Once the engine is running, "don't" release the clutch suddenly while the gear is still in without stepping on the gas. This will cause the engine to jump and will cause the engine to shut down. You can prevent this by making sure the engine is in neutral before starting it (by wiggling the shift lever)
Step 8. Look in the mirror, do not let anyone, goods or cars near you, then start walking carefully
Follow traffic rules and be a defensive driver.
Part 2 of 2: Check If Engine Doesn't Start
Step 1. Be aware, the car will not start for various reasons
Check your car's manual, and take it to a repair shop if possible. If you absolutely have to leave and you don't have a mechanic around, you can check for yourself.
Step 2. Learn how to start a car in extreme cold
If the engine won't start and it's very cold outside, you'll need to pump up the gas a little, to add fuel flow to the engine. It doesn't matter if your car uses carburetor or injection.
- If the car was made before 1990, assume your car uses a carburetor. A carburetor is a device that mechanically mixes air and fuel and puts it into the engine. On these cars, pump the gas several times before starting the engine. Pumping gas will make the carburetor flow a little fuel into the engine. Every time you step on the gas pedal, more fuel will enter the engine.
- Be careful if you pump gas on a cold car. Adding too much gasoline can cause the engine to "flood" with too much gasoline and too little air. (see tips on how to start a flooded engine)
- If the engine has flooded, press the gas to full and start the engine. Fully depressing the gas pedal will cause more air into the engine to vaporize the excess gasoline. You will need to start the engine longer than normal for the engine to start. When the engine is running, release the gas pedal.
Step 3. If the starter motor won't turn when the key is turned, try jumping the battery or replacing it
A worn out battery is the main reason the car won't start. In order to start, you must jump the battery or replace it with a new one.
Step 4. If you hear a clicking sound but the engine does not start, try changing the alternator
You or a mechanic can do a test run to determine if the alternator needs to be replaced.
Step 5. If the battery and alternator are in good condition, you may need to replace the starter motor
This is a repair that you or your mechanic can make.
Tips
- Once the engine is running, before starting to run, make sure there are no small animals like cats that usually like to hide under your car.
- Some cars (eg Renault) have immobilizers where the lock/unlock button on the lock must be pressed before starting the engine.
- To prevent the car from rolling for a manual car, apply the handbrake before releasing the clutch.
- For cars with a starter button, you have to press that button after you've done other things before.
- Make sure you have the correct key. Many modern cars have an anti-theft system that prevents the car from starting with a different key. If your key has a "chip" or transponder on the handle, even the duplicate key won't work to turn it on. It can be used to turn the key, but the engine will not start.
- For diesel engines, you will need to preheat the heating spark plug (GM, Ford) or heating grid (Dodge). This will be indicated by an indicator light on the dashboard, which will turn off once the part is hot. Read articles related to this subject for more details.
- Get to know your car first. It will save time and effort if you know exactly where to insert the key.
Warning
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In manual cars, be careful not to make sudden movements in the clutch.
If the engine is in gear when the engine is running, it will move forward (or reverse if it is in reverse). This will damage property or possibly people or animals in front or back of your car. Practice with this car first and understand how manual transmissions work before starting to run, lest anyone be hurt by it.
- Cars are not toys. In the hands of people who have never learned to drive, cars can cause injury or even death. Never try to start the engine if you are not an expert. If you are driving for the first time, do so as instructed by a more experienced person!
- If the engine won't start, don't start it continuously. Do not start the engine for more than 1 minute in a 5 minute period. The starter motor needs to cool down before starting to work again. If you break it, the starter motor will catch fire. The starter motor is a small engine whose job is to turn the engine for the first time to start it. Once the starter motor breaks down, the only way is to replace it, and this is quite expensive. If the engine won't start after a 1 minute trial, then you need expert help.
