How to Stop a Car Engine

While you're working on a car or if a car is in an accident, a connection to the ignition may come loose and there will be no way to turn off the car engine. If the ignition won't turn off the engine, you will want to shut off the engine as quickly as possible to prevent further damage. Shutting off a car engine without the ignition key is simple when you follow the proper procedures.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wrench set
• Protective eyewear

1. Pull the hood release handle inside the car.

2. Open the hood of the car to expose the engine.

3. Pull all the spark plug wires off the spark plugs. Most cars have either a four- or six-cylinder engine block, so you will pull off four to six spark plug wires (the only wires connecting to spark plugs on each side of the engine).

4. Use a wrench to unscrew the red battery cable from the positive battery terminal. Then unscrew the black battery cable from the negative battery terminal.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear protective eyewear, but if time is crucial you can do this task without it.

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