You have packed the car, everyone is ready to leave, you turn the key or press the start button…and nothing happens. A rental car that will not start can be frustrating, particularly when you are on holiday in Spain and have somewhere you need to be.
The good news is that a car failing to start does not automatically mean there is a serious mechanical problem. It could be something as simple as the automatic gearbox not being fully in Park, the clutch not being pressed, the vehicle not recognising the key or a battery that has lost its charge.
If your Blanca Cars rental car will not start, there are several simple things you can safely check before contacting us. The most important rule is do not repeatedly attempt to start the engine if it clearly isn’t working.
Check our FAQ section for more topics
First: Are You Somewhere Safe?
Before trying to diagnose the problem, consider where the vehicle is located. If you are safely parked outside your accommodation, in a hotel car park or in another secure parking area, you have time to check the vehicle calmly. If the vehicle has stopped in a dangerous position on a road, your priorities are different.
Turn on the hazard warning lights and make other road users aware of the vehicle. If the car is immobilised on a Spanish road, use the V-16 emergency beacon supplied with the vehicle where appropriate and follow the current Spanish road-safety instructions.
The beacon should be positioned on top of the vehicle, normally on the roof, where it can be clearly seen. If there is an immediate danger, accident or medical emergency, call 112.. Read also What to do in an emergency
For an ordinary mechanical problem, Blanca Cars customers should use the emergency assistance details provided with the rental vehicle.
What Happens When You Try to Start the Car?
The way the vehicle behaves can provide useful information.
Pay attention to what happens when you turn the key or press the start button.
There are several common situations.
Nothing Happens at All
If there are no dashboard lights, no interior lights and no response from the starter, the vehicle may have a very low or completely flat battery.
Before doing anything else, check that the ignition is actually being activated correctly.
If the car remains completely unresponsive, contact Blanca Cars.
You Hear a Clicking Noise
A rapid clicking sound when attempting to start the engine is commonly associated with insufficient battery power.
The battery may have enough electricity to operate some dashboard systems but not enough to turn the starter motor properly.
Avoid repeatedly pressing the start button or turning the key.
Contact Blanca Cars for assistance.
The Dashboard Lights Come On but the Engine Doesn’t Start
This does not necessarily mean the battery is healthy.
Starting the engine requires considerably more electrical power than illuminating the dashboard.
Check the simple items described below before assuming there is a mechanical problem.
The Engine Turns Over but Doesn’t Start
If you can hear the engine turning normally but it will not actually start, stop making repeated attempts.
There could be a number of causes that cannot be diagnosed safely by the customer.
Contact Blanca Cars and explain exactly what happens when you try to start the vehicle.
Check the Automatic Gear Selector
If you are driving an automatic rental car, make sure the gear selector is completely in P – Park.
Some vehicles will not start if the gearbox is in Drive, Reverse or another position.
Put your foot firmly on the brake pedal.
Move the selector fully into Park and try starting the vehicle again.
If it still does not start, you can also check that the selector appears to be correctly engaged.
Do not force the gear lever.
If something does not feel normal, contact Blanca Cars.
Press the Brake Pedal Firmly
Many modern automatic vehicles require the driver to press the brake pedal before the engine can be started.
Make sure you are pressing it firmly.
You may see a message on the dashboard such as:
Press brake to start
or something similar.
Press the brake pedal and then press the start button.
Driving a Manual? Press the Clutch Fully
Many manual cars will not start unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
Press the clutch pedal all the way down and keep it pressed while starting the engine.
If you have moved the driver’s seat significantly, make sure you can comfortably press the clutch through its complete travel.
This simple issue can sometimes make it appear that a vehicle has developed a starting problem when the safety system is simply preventing the engine from starting.
Check Whether the Car Recognises the Key
Many modern rental cars use keyless-entry and push-button starting systems.
If the vehicle displays a message such as:
Key not detected
Key not recognised
or
Place key near start button
the vehicle may not be detecting the electronic key correctly.
First, make sure the key is actually inside the vehicle.
Keep it away from other electronic devices where possible and try again.
Some vehicles have a specific location where the key can be placed when the wireless signal is weak.
Do not dismantle the key or attempt to replace components unless Blanca Cars specifically instructs you to do so.
If the car continues to display a key warning, contact us.
Check the Steering Lock
Sometimes there can be pressure against the steering lock, particularly if the vehicle was parked with the wheels turned.
If the steering wheel feels locked and the ignition will not operate, gently move the steering wheel from side to side while attempting to start the vehicle normally.
Do not use excessive force.
If the steering or ignition remains locked, contact Blanca Cars.
Could the Battery Be Flat?
A flat or discharged battery is one of the common reasons a car will not start.
Possible signs include:
- Very dim dashboard lights
- Interior lights becoming weak
- Rapid clicking when attempting to start
- Dashboard lights flashing
- Starter turning very slowly
- No electrical response at all
A battery can become discharged for several reasons.
For example, lights or other electrical equipment may have been left operating while the engine was switched off.
A vehicle that has been parked for an extended period can also sometimes lose battery charge.
If you suspect a flat battery, contact Blanca Cars rather than attempting your own repair.
What If the Car Has Been Jump-Started?
If assistance has successfully jump-started the vehicle, do not switch the engine off again after a few minutes.
Blanca Cars asks customers to drive the vehicle continuously for at least 45 minutes after a jump-start.
Where possible, choose an open, faster-flowing road such as an autovía or motorway rather than spending the recharge period in heavy stop-start traffic.
Drive normally and remain within the legal speed limit.
During the initial 45-minute drive, reduce unnecessary electrical use where safe and practical.
Switch off or disconnect:
- Radio and entertainment system
- Mobile phone chargers
- USB accessories
- Heated seats
- Rear-window heating when not needed
- Other unnecessary electrical equipment
Air conditioning can also be switched off where practical, although comfort and safety come first. Use air conditioning or demisting whenever necessary for safe driving or visibility.
The important point is to complete at least 45 minutes of continuous driving before switching the engine off.
For more information, read our Blanca Cars guide:
How Long to Drive After a Jump-Start to Recharge Your Battery
Don’t Keep Trying to Start the Car
Repeated starting attempts can make a battery problem worse.
If the starter turns slowly, clicks repeatedly or stops responding, do not continue trying again and again.
Likewise, if the engine is turning over normally but refusing to start, repeated attempts are unlikely to solve the underlying problem.
A useful rule is:
Check the simple things once or twice. If the vehicle still won’t start, contact Blanca Cars.
Don’t Arrange Your Own Repairs
A rental vehicle is different from your own car.
Do not call an independent garage, purchase a new battery, arrange a tow truck or authorise mechanical work without first speaking to Blanca Cars.
Contact us and explain what has happened.
We can determine the appropriate course of action and arrange assistance when necessary.
This also avoids unnecessary costs or repairs being carried out without authorisation.
What Information Should You Give Blanca Cars?
When contacting Blanca Cars, providing clear information can help us understand the situation more quickly.
Tell us:
- Your name
- Which vehicle you are driving
- Your current location
- Whether the dashboard lights work
- Whether you hear clicking
- Whether the engine turns over
- Whether any warning message appears
- Whether the key is being recognised
- Whether the vehicle is automatic or manual
- Whether the car has recently needed a jump-start
- Whether you are somewhere safe
If you are away from your accommodation, use your phone’s map application to identify your location.
A road number, nearby landmark, petrol station, business name or kilometre marker can also be useful.
What If the Car Won’t Start on the A-7 or AP-7?
If the vehicle becomes immobilised on one of Spain’s major high-speed roads, such as the A-7 or AP-7, personal safety comes before diagnosing the problem.
Move the vehicle away from active traffic if this can be done safely.
Activate the hazard warning lights.
Use the vehicle’s V-16 emergency beacon in accordance with the instructions provided.
Do not stand beside the vehicle close to fast-moving traffic while trying to repair it.
Contact Blanca Cars and provide your location as accurately as possible.
What If a Warning Light Appears Before the Car Stops?
Pay attention to warning lights.
A battery warning light while the engine is running is not necessarily the same thing as simply having a flat battery when the vehicle is parked.
Likewise, an oil-pressure, engine-temperature or other serious warning may indicate a different problem.
If an important warning light appears while driving and the vehicle subsequently stops or will not restart, tell Blanca Cars exactly which symbol appeared.
Do not attempt to solve the problem by repeatedly restarting the engine.
Hybrid or Electric Rental Car Won’t Start?
Hybrid and electric vehicles work differently from conventional petrol and diesel cars.
If a hybrid or electric rental vehicle does not enter its normal ready-to-drive mode, check that:
- The vehicle is properly switched on
- The brake pedal is pressed
- The selector is in Park
- The key is recognised
- No important warning message is displayed
Do not attempt to access electrical components or high-voltage systems.
If the vehicle still does not operate normally, contact Blanca Cars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the First Thing I Should Check If My Rental Car Won’t Start?
If the car is automatic, make sure it is fully in Park and press the brake pedal firmly.
If it is manual, press the clutch pedal fully.
Then check whether the vehicle recognises the key.
What Does Clicking When I Try to Start the Car Mean?
Repeated clicking can indicate that the battery does not have sufficient power to start the engine.
Stop making repeated attempts and contact Blanca Cars.
Should I Try to Jump-Start a Blanca Cars Rental Car Myself?
Contact Blanca Cars first and follow the instructions provided.
Do not arrange repairs or roadside assistance independently without speaking to us.
How Long Should I Drive After a Jump-Start?
Blanca Cars recommends driving continuously for at least 45 minutes, preferably using open, faster-flowing roads rather than heavy stop-start traffic.
Reduce unnecessary electrical use during this period.
What If the Car Starts but a Battery Warning Light Stays On?
Contact Blanca Cars.
A battery warning light while the engine is running can indicate a charging-system problem rather than simply a discharged battery.
What If the Car Won’t Start Again After Driving for 45 Minutes?
Contact Blanca Cars.
A battery that becomes flat again may need further investigation. Do not simply continue arranging repeated jump-starts.
Rental Car Won’t Start? Remember These Steps
If your rental car won’t start in Spain, remember:
STAY CALM.
MAKE SURE YOU ARE SOMEWHERE SAFE.
CHECK PARK, BRAKE OR CLUTCH.
CHECK THAT THE KEY IS RECOGNISED.
LISTEN FOR CLICKING OR OTHER UNUSUAL SOUNDS.
DON’T KEEP TRYING TO START THE ENGINE.
CONTACT BLANCA CARS IF THE VEHICLE STILL WON’T START.
And if the car requires a jump-start:
DRIVE FOR AT LEAST 45 MINUTES CONTINUOUSLY BEFORE SWITCHING THE ENGINE OFF.
A vehicle that refuses to start is inconvenient, but following a few simple steps can help determine whether the problem is something straightforward or whether assistance is required.
If you are driving a Blanca Cars rental vehicle and it will not start, use the emergency contact information provided with your vehicle and speak to us before arranging repairs or recovery yourself.
For more information about driving, car hire and roadside help in Spain, visit Blanca Cars.