If you’re reading this, you’re probably stuck on the side of the road or at a truck stop—your semi truck won’t start, and you don’t know what to do next. Don’t worry! This guide on what to do when your semi truck won’t start will help you get up and running again so you can get back on the road and back on schedule. You may just need to jumpstart your truck or make minor repairs, but there are also bigger situations that require more extensive repairs or replacement of parts entirely.
Don't Panic If Your Semi Truck Won't Start
Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been driving for years, it’s always scary when your semi truck won’t start. But don’t panic! There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem. First, check the battery. If the battery is dead, you’ll need to jumpstart the truck. If the battery is fine, then check the fuel level. If there’s no fuel, then you’ll need to get some and put it in the tank. If there’s still no luck, then it’s time to call a tow truck or a mechanic.
Check For Dead Batteries
If your semi truck won’t start and you know the battery is dead, there are a few things you can do. First, check the cables to make sure they’re all connected properly. If they are, then you’ll need to jump start the truck. To do this, you’ll need another vehicle with a working battery and some jumper cables. Once you have the other vehicle in place, connect the positive (red) cable to the positive terminal on your dead battery, and then connect the negative (black) cable to the negative terminal. Finally, start the working vehicle and let it run for a few minutes before trying to start your truck. With any luck, this will give your truck enough of a boost to get started.


Check Fuel Systems
If you are out of fuel, your semi truck won’t start. Check the fuel supply, and if the tank is empty, fill it up and try again. If the truck still won’t start, there may be a problem with air in the fuel system which needs to be bled out. If you still have a no start then you could have problems with the fuel pump, fuel filters, or fuel injectors. If the truck starts, great! if not then something else may be wrong.
Check Alternator
There are a few things that could be causing your semi truck’s alternator to not work. The first thing you should check is the battery. If the battery is dead, it could be because the alternator isn’t charging it. Another possibility is that the alternator belt has come loose or broken. If this is the case, you’ll need to replace the belt. Finally, it’s possible that the alternator itself has gone bad and needs to be replaced.
Check Starter Motor
The starter motor is responsible for turning over the engine, so if it’s not working, your truck won’t start. There are a few things that can cause the starter motor to fail, including a dead battery, bad connections, or a problem with the starter itself. If you’re not sure what’s wrong, it’s best to call a tow truck or mechanic to help you diagnose the problem.

Knowing The Difference Between Breakdowns and Shutdowns
A truck breakdown is a mechanical failure that occurs while the truck is in operation. A shutdown, on the other hand, happens when the truck is turned off and can no longer start. If your truck won’t start, it’s important to know which one you’re dealing with so you can take the appropriate steps to get back on the road.
If Your Semi Truck Won't Start, You May Need to Call A Mobile Truck Repair Company
If your semi truck won’t start, you can always call a mobile truck repair company. They will send a technician out to your location to diagnose and fix the problem. The technician will likely need to test the battery, starter, and alternator. They may also need to check the fuel system and engine for any potential issues. If they can’t get your truck started, they may need to tow it back to the shop for further diagnosis.
Need Help Getting Your Semi Truck To Start? Call (443) 790-8887 Today!
If you’re in need of roadside assistance, look no further than A1 Emergency Roadside Service. We can come to your location and perform repairs quickly and efficiently. Our fleet is ready for service 24 hours a day and we offer a wide range of repairs from bodywork to exhaust systems. Contact us today for more information.