Dead Battery With an Ignition Interlock: Who to Call

Dead battery with an ignition interlock installed? Call Rick’s for battery help and tell us about the device first.

Tell both providers what is happening

Before roadside work starts, tell Rick’s that your car has an ignition interlock device. Contact your device provider for its current service instructions, including any maintenance reporting needed for your account. A no-start call needs a coordinated plan, especially if battery replacement could interrupt power.

Intoxalock’s maintenance guidance says to notify the technician, report maintenance before work begins, and update the record when service is complete. It explains that battery disconnection can affect the device. Follow your own provider’s instructions; another brand’s procedure may not apply. Reporting maintenance does not replace advice from the provider about your particular situation.

Read the message rather than guessing the cause

Have the exact screen message ready. Also describe what the car does: no lights, clicking, slow cranking, or normal cranking without starting. A device message and a weak vehicle battery are different observations. Neither should be treated as a complete diagnosis over the phone.

Intoxalock’s troubleshooting guidance notes that weak battery power can interfere with device operation and directs users to support for persistent device problems. Rick’s can assess a roadside battery request; we do not provide interlock resets, calibration or device repair. Do not disconnect or bypass the interlock to try to make the car start.

Choose battery service based on the vehicle assessment

A jump-start service may help a discharged vehicle battery when the equipment, connection points and provider instructions allow it. Tell us if the vehicle has needed repeated boosts or stopped while driving. Restoring battery power does not guarantee that an interlock will permit a start.

If replacement is appropriate, mobile battery replacement depends on compatible stock, vehicle-specific installation requirements and safe working access. Confirm the interlock instructions before a power interruption. A battery replacement will not resolve every starting problem or replace device support.

If it still cannot start, confirm a receiving location

Ask the device provider whether the car needs its service center or a general repair shop. Confirm that the destination can receive the vehicle before arranging transport. Tell Rick’s whether keys are available, the wheels roll, the steering works and the parking brake releases.

Rick’s offers compatible light-duty wheel-lift towing, with dollies when appropriate. Drivetrain, vehicle condition and access determine suitability. We do not offer flatbed towing. If the required transport setup is outside our capabilities, the vehicle needs a suitably equipped provider.

Prepare the pickup details and service record

For Lake View East and other covered North Side pickups, give the street number, nearest intersection and actual entrance to the car. For a garage, confirm height, ramps, turns and loading room. Tell us if the battery is difficult to access or the vehicle is blocked in.

Keep the service receipt and the device provider’s instructions together. Call Rick’s 24/7 at (312) 451-5785 to confirm service suitability, availability, an arrival estimate and upfront phone pricing. Have the device brand and screen message ready alongside the vehicle year, make and model. Our driver guides cover other common roadside questions.

Dead Battery With an Ignition Interlock: Who to Call

Tell both providers what is happening

Read the message rather than guessing the cause

Choose battery service based on the vehicle assessment

If it still cannot start, confirm a receiving location

Prepare the pickup details and service record

What to expect when you call Rick’s

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