Is your car refusing to start just when you need to be somewhere? Call 1300 627 742 (1300 MARSHALL) and let us know your location. We’ll get you moving again ASAP, wherever you are in Australia.
If you aren’t in an immediate rush and want to figure out what’s going on under the hood, a car failing to start usually comes down to a few common culprits, most notably a flat battery. Below, we’ve broken down how to diagnose the issue, quick DIY fixes, and what you can do to prevent it from happening again.
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Do you have a flat battery? How to know for sure
The sounds, warning lights, and symptoms your car shows can tell you a lot about what’s causing the problem. A flat battery is typically the most common reason a car won’t start, especially during winter or if it hasn’t been driven for a while, so it’s always the first thing to check.
Use the guide below to help identify whether you’re dealing with a flat battery or another issue.
| What happens | What happens |
|---|---|
| Engine clicks repeatedly | Flat or weak battery |
| Dashboard lights are dim | Weak battery or charging issue |
| No lights or power at all | Drained battery, loose terminals, or a battery connection issue |
| Engine cranks but won’t start | Fuel, ignition, or engine-related problem |
| Single loud click | Possible starter motor, battery, or electrical issues |
Still not sure? Learn how to spot the signs of a flat battery here.
The fastest way to get back on the road
If your battery has died, or you’re not sure what’s causing the problem, the safest and quickest option is to call for roadside assistance. Marshall Batteries can come directly to you for battery replacement and on-site diagnostics.
Here’s how our service works:
- Call 1300 627 742 (1300 MARSHALL)
- Input the postcode of your vehicle
- We’ll dispatch your local Marshall Battery technician
- Our team will test your battery and charging system to diagnose what’s stopping the car from starting
- If the battery is the issue, we can replace and install a new one on the spot and take away and safely recycle your old battery
Our battery technicians use the latest scan tools and memory minders to ensure your battery is correctly calibrated with your vehicle’s onboard computer systems.
If the battery isn’t the problem, our technicians can still help identify the likely cause, whether it’s the starter motor, alternator, electrical system or another fault, and advise you on the next steps.
Want to try a DIY fix first?
If you’ve got time and access to some basic equipment, there are a couple of things you can try before calling for help.
Jumpstart the car
If you have jumper cables and a second vehicle nearby, a jump start is often the most effective DIY fix.
Before you begin:
- Check your owner’s manual
- Never jump-start a leaking, damaged, or swollen battery
- Ensure both vehicles are turned off
- Make sure the vehicles are not touching
To start, simply connect the red clamps to the positive terminals and the black clamps to the negative/ground points, ensuring the cars aren’t touching. Start the donor car first, let it run for a few minutes, then try your ignition. Once you’re up and running, make sure to drive for at least 20 minutes to give your alternator enough time to put a decent charge back into the battery. We recommend you call into your local Marshal Batteries Store for a professional FREE Battery Test.
For more details, check out our guide on how to jumpstart a car.
Try a push start (manual vehicles only)
If you drive a manual car and have someone nearby to help, a push-start may get the engine going long enough to reach a battery store or safe location.
Turn on the ignition, put the car in second gear and keep the clutch depressed. Have the vehicle pushed until it gains some momentum, then release the clutch.
Got it going? Good, now keep driving to your local battery store to get that battery sorted!
Marshall Batteries has retail battery stores covering major capital cities in Australia as well as dealers that service regional and remote locations, so you’ll always have help available nearby.
How to prevent a flat battery in the future
While some battery failures happen without warning, a few simple habits can greatly reduce the chances of getting stranded.
To keep your battery in good condition:
- Drive the car regularly, especially during winter
- Avoid leaving lights or accessories running when the engine is off
- Have your battery tested if it’s more than 3 years old
- Watch for warning signs like slow engine cranking or dim headlights
- Get your charging system checked if the battery frequently goes flat
Shopping around? If you already know your battery is on its last legs, use our online Battery Finder using your car registration number, to quickly find the exact match for your vehicle make and model before you buy.
Marshall Batteries can also test your battery to help you catch problems before they leave you stranded. Just visit your nearest Marshall store.
Answering your questions
Can cold weather stop my battery from starting?
Yes, winter and summer are notoriously brutal on car batteries. When the temperature plummets or rises, the chemical reaction inside the battery slows down, making it much harder for it to provide the “crank” your engine needs to fire up.
If your battery is already weakened or nearing the end of its lifespan, a sudden overnight freeze or a hot day in the sun, is often the final blow that leaves you stranded in the morning. It was likely that your car battery was end of life and would have needed replacement irrespective.
Why do car batteries fail?
A flat battery can happen for a few different reasons:
- A cold snap has reduced the battery’s performance
- Lights or electronics were left on
- The car hasn’t been driven for a while
- The battery is old and needs replacing
- There’s a fault with the battery or charging system, sometimes referred to as a parasitic drain (usually faulty wiring)
Why won’t my car start if I have power?
If your dashboard lights and accessories are working but the engine won’t start, the problem may be a weak battery, faulty starter motor, charging-system issue, or another mechanical or electrical fault. Because starting an engine requires much more power than running lights or accessories, a battery can still appear to have power while being too weak to start the vehicle.
Never get stranded: holler for a Marshall, anytime
A car that won’t start can quickly derail your day. If you’re stranded or suspect a flat battery, get help sooner rather than later.
Remember, Marshall Batteries is only a phone call away. Call 1300 627 742 (1300 MARSHALL) and we’ll get the issue sorted right away.