How to Temporarily Make a Car Not Start

All cars are started by using a source of ignition. To temporarily disable or prevent a car from starting up, the source of ignition must be eliminated. Without the source of ignition, the car will not start. The source of ignition in cars is usually a 12-volt battery. The battery can be unhooked to prevent the car from starting up.

Things You'll Need

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Open the car hood.

  • Locate the car battery. It is the shape of a cube with "+" (red) and "-" (black) signs on its terminals.

    A car battery with "+" and "-" terminals is color coded red and black accordingly.
    A car battery with "+" and "-" terminals is color coded red and black accordingly.
  • Loosen the bolt on the "+" terminal (red) using the adjustable wrench.

  • Secure the wire so it does not come into contact with the "-" terminal (black). The car is temporarily disabled. The car will not start until the wire is restored onto the "+" terminal.