So the vehicle was rear ended, and now it will not start. I’m not a mechanic but I feel I went through the basics and came up with a possible conclusion.
Checklist
Battery is fully charged
Has fuel
Turn the key and it does nothing, no clicking.
Went outside to listen to hear if the fuel pump engages and nothing.
I know there is a safety feature if the tailgate is “open” it will not allow the car to start.
Could this be the issue? Is there a bypass? Is it an impact sensor?
The police said the car is safe to drive as did the wrecker, no damage to the frame or anything just the bumper and tailgate.
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Hi, this is Bo, an auto expert on RepairPal's Car Genius team!
It sounds like your Equinox has had a rough day. You've checked the battery and fuel, so you're ahead of the game. When you turn the key and get silent, it’s likely a safety feature or an impact sensor acting up.
After a rear-end collision, some cars have a fuel cut-off switch that activates to prevent potential fires. This might be your culprit. Also, the tailgate sensor you mentioned could be confusing, thinking it's still open. Unfortunately, there's no easy bypass for these, as they're designed for safety.
You might want to check the inertia switch, which is usually located in the trunk area. Give it a reset if you find it. If that doesn’t do the trick, having a technician take a closer look is best. Think of it as calling in a specialist for those complicated plot twists in your favorite series. Better safe than sorry, right?
If you need more advice, have other questions, or need to find a certified repair shop in your area, just let me know! Call us at 877-913-1554, and we'll gladly find you a certified RepairPal shop in your area!
