Car won’t start? Here’s what to do
Get safe first, then use the quick checks below. If it is the battery, we bring a replacement to where the car is and install it there. The price is confirmed before we head out, and you pay after installation.
First, get safe
- If you are on a highway shoulder or in traffic, turn on your hazard lights and get yourself away from moving cars. Call 911 if you are in danger.
- Do not jump-start a battery that is cracked, swollen, leaking or smells of rotten eggs.
- In a parking garage, note the level and the nearest exit so we can find you.
Quick checks
Turn the key or press start once and notice what happens.
| What you notice | Most likely cause | What it needs |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid clicking, dim or flickering dash lights | Dead or weak battery | Battery replacement, or a jump to get moving |
| Engine cranks slowly, then may start | Battery near the end of its life | Replace soon, before it strands you |
| Bright dash lights, one click or no sound at all | Starter or a loose battery connection | Check the terminals; call us to talk it through |
| Engine cranks normally but never fires | Fuel or ignition, not the battery | A mechanic, not a new battery |
| Starts, then dies while driving, or a battery light comes on | Alternator or charging system | A mechanic; a new battery will drain again |
| Hybrid or EV will not power on | The 12-volt battery | hybrid and EV 12-volt batteries |
Not sure? Describe the symptoms when you call. If it sounds like a starter or alternator problem rather than the battery, we tell you before sending anyone. Read battery or alternator for more detail.
What to tell us
- Year, make and model, or the VIN from the dash or your insurance card.
- Exactly where the car is: address, parking level, lot or mile marker.
- What happens when you try to start it, and how old the battery is if you know.
Common questions
My car started after a jump. Do I still need a new battery?
Maybe not, but probably. A jump only gets the engine running; it does not fix a battery that can no longer hold a charge. If the car needed a jump after sitting overnight, or the battery is more than three years old in Texas heat, it is likely near the end. Read battery or alternator to narrow it down.
How soon can you get here?
It depends on where you are in DFW, the battery your vehicle needs and the technician schedule that day. We give you a realistic time when we confirm the booking. For the fastest answer, call (682) 688-3514.
Can you replace a battery at my apartment, office or a parking garage?
Yes, as long as the vehicle is parked somewhere safe and we are allowed to work there. Mention low-clearance garages, gate codes or parking levels when you book.
How much does mobile battery replacement cost?
Your total has four parts: the battery’s retail price, a refundable core charge where it applies, installation labor for your vehicle and Texas sales tax. TotalPro batteries are listed from about $119.99, Duralast standard batteries from about $179.99 and Duralast Platinum AGM batteries from about $259.99 before core charge, labor and tax. Labor starts at $90 and depends on how hard the battery is to reach. The battery finder shows the battery price and the labor for your vehicle, and we send the confirmed total before we dispatch. See how pricing works.
When do I pay?
After the battery is installed and the vehicle starts. Nothing is charged before the work is done.
Stuck with a dead battery?
Call (682) 688-3514 or book online. We confirm the exact battery and price before a technician heads your way.