Inspect the Battery

• If the engine does not crank, inspect the battery to make sure the terminal wires are attached and are not loose. Check the battery's expiration date, as old batteries and faulty newer batteries can lose their recharging ability and will have to be replaced.
  
  

Process of Elimination

• If the engine cranks but will not start, check the fuel pump relay, the ignition switch, the electronic module and the fuses. Start by checking the fuses that control the fuel injection. Next, inspect the distributor, wires and spark plugs. Loose wires and faulty spark plugs or distributors can have an impact on the spark, which is needed to combust fuel.
  
  

Check Lights and Fuses

• If the car's lights don't operate correctly, see if they are burned out. Check the light for black residue and the wires for burned areas. If multiple lights are not working, check the fuse box. Your car will contain a map to the locations of the fuse that needs to be checked. If a fuse is burned out, replace it with the same type of fuse. If the fuse burns out as soon as it is installed, there is a short causing the problem. An exposed or burned-out wire will cause the electricity to spark and burn the fuse to protect car's electrical system.
  
  

Faulty Accessories

• If your vehicle's accessories---such as the radio, locks or windows---are not working, the issue could be a bad fuse. Check the fuse box for any burned-out fuses. If you can't find a faulty fuse, your accessory could be faulty and in need of a replacement.