- 1). Check your battery. If the battery has been drained or has died, the car will make a clicking noise when attempting to start but will not have enough power to turn the starter. To check the battery, turn the key to the "Accessories" position. Switch on the windshield wipers or the lights. If they do not turn on, the battery could be drained, and you will need to jump start it. If the battery is more than three or four years old, purchase a new one.
- 2). Inspect the fluids in your car. Look at your gas gauge to make sure that you have adequate gas to fuel your car. Check the oil in your engine to see if the level is to the "Full" mark and add oil as needed. If your car is low on oil, it will perform erratically and may even make a loud noise from the area of the gas tank.
- 3). Test your spark plugs with a spark plug tester. Each spark plug in your car fires a specific part of your car, with all the spark plugs working together to start the car. If one spark plug is not working, it will affect the entire system at start-up. Replace any spark plugs as necessary.
- 4). Turn the key in the ignition but do not start the car. Look at your dashboard to see if it is informing you of any issues that your car may be having. The check engine light may be on, which could mean a variety of things, but there are also icons for oil, gas and other common problems. If your car is indicating that there is a problem, chances are this is the reason that your Impala won't start.
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