Car won't start

mOdO · 5 Jan 2011 at 11:05

The girlfriends car (N reg micra) won't start. I have tried a jumpstart and a rolling start but no success.

Is there anyone in particular to call who can help?

Ps my car knowledge is limited!

Thanks.

Pete19s · 5 Jan 2011 at 11:06

Does it turn over or is it completely dead?

mOdO · 5 Jan 2011 at 11:08

It turns over.

Stuff · 5 Jan 2011 at 11:08

RAC/AA if you've got HomeStart?

EDIT: Or find someone that has who has personal cover rather than car cover.

mOdO · 5 Jan 2011 at 11:09

She doesn't have it I'm affraid.

Pete19s · 5 Jan 2011 at 11:11

Turning over is a start I guess. Would you say it turns over quicker than normal or sounds different?

mOdO · 5 Jan 2011 at 11:12

Sounds normal to me but it just doesn't start.

kefkef · 5 Jan 2011 at 11:16

There is fuel in there i take it? And by that i mean on the gauge and not how much your girlfriend 'thinks' is in there (insert usual girly "well it normally runs for 5 days when the fuel warning light comes on").

mOdO · 5 Jan 2011 at 11:18

lol. Yes there is 1/4 in. The car has been used about 3mins in 2 weeks.

MikeHiow · 5 Jan 2011 at 12:27

Find someone who has AA cover and get them to come round, call the AA and claim the car is theirs.

bledd · 5 Jan 2011 at 12:46

MikeHiow said:
Find someone who has AA cover and get them to come round, call the AA and claim the car is theirs.

We should get an OcUKAA account for all of us

Fuzz · 5 Jan 2011 at 13:11

2 directions to look in to start with, has it got fuel and has it got sparks.
Although I guess if you are of limited knowledge then you aren't going to be able to fix it anyway.
AA / RAC it is then!

AFK_Matrix · 5 Jan 2011 at 13:37

If you haven't got homestart then you'll need to toe the car something like 1/4 mile down the road (can check this on their site I think) and then you can call the AA/RAC. That is unless you don't have any breakdown cover then you'll have to get it toed to the garage.

mOdO · 5 Jan 2011 at 13:47

Thanks for your suggestions! We know a local mechanic so hopefully he will come round this evening. Claiming off someones AA is probably my best bet as they want £194 to sign up!

BigglesPiP · 5 Jan 2011 at 14:48

Is there a spark if you take a plug out and rest it on the head?*

Can you hear the fuel pump prime when you turn the ignition on?

* I know, don't waste your time posting it, it's still a valid check

mOdO · 5 Jan 2011 at 21:47

Well my local mechanic guy came round and with one twist and a few pumps on the pedal it started working.

I was shocked and felt like a complete noob as he laughed but hey ho.

Gaygle · 5 Jan 2011 at 21:54

Sounds like the engine had flooded then. My old Primera GT did this a few times if it was moved a short distance then turned off. Like the mechanic did, all you have to do is keep cranking the engine and stamping on the gas pedal as it activates the anti flood thing.

dasyad · 5 Jan 2011 at 21:58

My Micra did this, as above it was most likely flooded as they do not like being moved short distances then stopped. Pumping the accelerator didn't help me, had to take the fuse out for the fuel pump, start it and then let it burn off the excess fuel. Well, that's what the AA man did anyway

mOdO · 5 Jan 2011 at 22:05

I see, I think I need to spend more time with cars and read up.

Stumble Bum · 5 Jan 2011 at 22:44

I took out AA roadside cover for 9 quid after cashback, whenever they've been called out they still came to my home no questions asked. How are you getting quotes for 194 pounds?