This archive report was first published on 30 June 2021.
Dead Car? Try These Tricks to Get Back on the Road ¶
Imagine being stuck in a parking lot, on a highway, or in traffic with a dead car. It's a motorist's worst nightmare. But what if you don't have jumper cables and there's no other vehicle around to help?
According to Kenyans.co.ke, a mechanic and car expert, Boniface Otiende, shared some hacks to help you start your car without jumper cables.
First, identify the problem. Is it a weak battery, a faulty starter motor, or a bad ignition switch? Otiende advised that you can run tests to figure out the key issue.
For a weak battery, check the headlights to see if they're dim or not. Also, check other electrical components to see if they function properly. Otiende stated, "Turn the ignition on, check the headlights to see if it's dim or not. Also, check other electrical components and see if they function properly."
Another possible issue is a faulty starter motor. The starter is the component that draws the most amount of electric current in your vehicle. It's usually located on the driver's side of the motor just below the left bank of cylinders. Otiende pointed out, "If the problem is the starter motor, you can remove the motor and check to see if the brushes make contact with the commutator, most of the time the brushes are worn out."
For a bad ignition switch, the problem is usually identified when a driver turns on the ignition lock and the lights don't appear on the dashboard. It means that power is not being sent to your solenoid terminal to the signal post of your starter. Otiende advised that for this case, it's best to take the car to a mechanic as a driver with inadequate knowledge of engine and transmission parts may damage their vehicle.
However, if you're using a manual transmission and have a weak battery, Otiende detailed how you can start your car. Turn the ignition on, push down on the clutch and while holding the clutch down, put the transmission in second gear, have someone push the car for you from behind, and pull down the parking brake. Once the car builds momentum, release the clutch quickly and the car ultimately gets going.
For an automatic transmission, he advises drivers to seek expertise from a mechanic.
