Car Won't Start? IID Troubleshooting
If your car won't start due to your ignition interlock, here's how to diagnose the problem and get back on the road.
Need immediate help? Call your provider's 24/7 support line
Intoxalock, Smart Start, and most providers offer round-the-clock phone support for device issues and emergency lockouts.
Quick Checklist
Before calling for help, check these common issues:
- What message is the device showing? (Write it down)
- Did you fail a breath test recently?
- Is calibration overdue?
- Is the car battery charged? (Do other electronics work?)
- Is the device plugged in properly?
Common Issues & Solutions
Failed breath test
Symptoms:
Device shows FAIL or high BAC reading
Solution:
Wait for lockout period (5-30 min), rinse mouth with water, retest
Missed calibration lockout
Symptoms:
Device shows SERVICE or LOCKOUT message
Solution:
Call provider for emergency unlock or tow to service center
Low car battery
Symptoms:
Device screen dim/blank, car struggles to turn over
Solution:
Jump start car, drive to charge battery, consider replacement
Device malfunction
Symptoms:
Error codes, frozen screen, unusual behavior
Solution:
Call provider support line for troubleshooting
Temperature issues
Symptoms:
Device slow to respond in extreme cold/heat
Solution:
Let device warm up/cool down, keep car in garage if possible
Improper breath sample
Symptoms:
ABORT or BLOW HARDER message
Solution:
Provide steady 4-6 second breath; don't blow too hard or soft
Understanding Lockouts
Temporary lockout (failed test)
If you fail a breath test, the device locks for a set period:
- • First fail: Usually 5-15 minutes
- • Second fail: 15-30 minutes
- • Repeated fails: Longer lockouts, possibly requiring service
What to do: Wait for the lockout to expire, then retest. If you passed originally (false positive), wait 15 minutes and try again.
Service/calibration lockout
If you missed your calibration deadline:
- • Device displays SERVICE REQUIRED or similar
- • Car will not start until serviced
- • This is reported as a violation
What to do: Call your provider. They may be able to provide a temporary code to start the car and drive to service. If not, you'll need to tow the vehicle.
Permanent lockout
Occurs due to serious violations:
- • Tampering detected
- • Circumvention attempt
- • Court/monitoring authority ordered lockout
What to do: Call your provider and attorney immediately. This is serious and will require legal resolution.
Battery Problems
IID devices draw a small amount of power from your car battery, even when the car is off. This can drain weak batteries, especially in cold weather.
Signs of battery issues
- • Device screen dim or blank
- • Car struggles to turn over
- • Device shows LOW BATTERY warning
- • Problems worse in cold weather
Solutions
- • Jump start to get going
- • Drive for 30+ minutes to recharge
- • Have battery tested (auto parts stores do this free)
- • Consider battery replacement
- • Keep car in garage in cold weather
When to Call for Help
Call your IID provider if:
- • Device shows error codes or unusual messages
- • You're locked out and can't resolve it
- • Device is malfunctioning (frozen, not responding)
- • You need help understanding what's wrong
Call a mechanic/tow truck if:
- • Problem is clearly car-related (dead battery, won't turn over)
- • Provider confirms device is fine but car won't start
- • You need to tow to a service center for calibration lockout
What to have ready when you call:
- • Your account number or name
- • Exact message displayed on device
- • Description of what happened
- • Whether calibration is overdue
Preventing Future Problems
Never miss calibration
Set multiple reminders and schedule early in your window.
Maintain your battery
Drive regularly, test battery health, replace if old.
Practice proper technique
Steady breath, not too hard, wait for the prompt.
Save support number
Have your provider's 24/7 number in your phone.
False Positive Guide
Failed test that shouldn't have failed?
Calibration Guide
Don't miss your monthly service
Sources
Troubleshooting information based on IID provider documentation and common user experiences as of January 8, 2026.