Troubleshooting
This page is dedicated to helping you figure out common problems while playing the game!
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If you have gone through this guide and are still experiencing issues, feel free to ask questions in the DBH Discord #questions channel!
Basic Checklist
For a vehicle to be drivable, it needs a few different parts attached, and some fluids in the correct tanks.
Engine
A vehicle needs an engine, attached to the engine bay in either the front or back of the vehicle. Any vehicle can use any engine, however some work better than others and each has its own stock engine. The engine will be labeled with the amount of oil it can hold, and its current oil level. An engine only needs a small amount of oil to start, but should be filled completely for best performance. The engine will also be labeled with the type of fuel it uses. The vehicle will need at least some of that type of fuel to start.
Fuel
A vehicle needs fuel, and the type of fuel it uses depends on the engine installed. The fill location of the fuel tank depends on the vehicle, but it typically near the rear of the vehicle on either side, or on the back near the rear bumper. For best performance, the fuel used should be 100% pure. However, you can still use fuel that is mixed with small amounts of other fluids. In a pinch, you can even fuel a car with drunken piss!
Radiator
When running, the engine will create a lot of heat and, without a radiator installed, will quickly overheat and shut off. A radiator can be installed in the engine bay, usually right in front of the engine. The radiator also needs to be filled with water in order to cool the engine.
Battery
To start a vehicle, it needs a battery. The battery is responsible for powering the starter to start the engine, as well as power all the other electrical components of the vehicle, such as lights, dashboards, and radios. The battery is typically installed in the engine bay, off to one side. However, the UAZ and IFA have unique locations for the battery. The battery goes under the driver's seat in the UAZ, and in the box next to the fuel tank on the IFA. The battery will be labeled with the capacity and current charge level, as well as the current utilization. To start your car, the current charge level needs to be high enough to power the starter and start the engine. Each engine has a different charge requirement to start, with some requiring more power than others. If the current charge level on the battery is too low, the car won't start.
The current utilization measures how much power is being used by the electrical components attached to the vehicle. Lights, dashboards, radios, and other decorative items all use the battery to work when powered on. When the vehicle is off and these components are still on, this will drain the battery's charge. Turning these off when the vehicle is off will keep the battery from discharging. While the vehicle is running, the battery will slowly charge (via the built-in alternator), as long as the current utilization is less than the charging speed. A battery is technically not needed after the vehicle is started to keep it running.
Seat
A seat needs to be attached at the driver's position in order to get inside and actually start and drive a vehicle. Any seat can be attached, as long as it is in the correct position.
Pedals
A vehicle needs three pedals: brake, accelerator, and clutch. They need to be attached at the driver's position, underneath the dashboard and steering wheel. Each vehicle has different pedals, but they can be used interchangeably for any use on any vehicle.
- Without an accelerator pedal, the vehicle won't start and if it is running, won't move.
- Without a brake pedal, you won't be able to brake and stop the vehicle.
- Without a clutch pedal, you can still start and drive the vehicle, but it will make a grinding noise when trying to shift gears.
Steering Wheel
A vehicle needs a steering wheel to turn and steer. You can start and drive a vehicle without one, but it will just drive in a straight line with no control. The steering wheel can be installed on the steering column, directly in front of the driver's seat.
Ignition
A vehicle needs an ignition to turn on and start. The ignition location is different for each vehicle, but is typically on the steering column behind the steering wheel, on nearby on the dashboard.
Shifter
A vehicle needs a shifter to change gears. You can start and drive a vehicle without one, but it will be stuck in 1st gear and the vehicle will be very slow. It will also not be able to reverse. The shifter's location is different for each vehicle, but is typically on the floor between the driver and passenger seats, or on the steering column behind the steering wheel.
Handbrake
The handbrake is used to keep the vehicle stationary when parked. While not technically required, it's a good idea to install one to keep a vehicle from rolling downhill when parked. The handbrake can also be used to quickly stop the vehicle by locking the rear wheels, and can be used to put the car into a drift at high speeds. However, this causes the tires to skid and wear out much faster.
Wheels and Tires
A vehicle needs four wheels and tires to drive. Tires can be attached to wheels, and the wheels can be attached to the vehicle on either side of both axels. Each vehicle has its own specific wheel and tire combination, however any tire can be attached to any wheel, and any wheel can be attached to any vehicle. While the tires and wheels do not technically need to be matching in order to drive, combining different sizes on the same vehicle will greatly affect the handling, especially at high speeds.
Troubleshooting Guide
If you're having trouble with a vehicle, this list should help you pinpoint the issue. Go step-by-step, and check each item to make sure it's correct.
For the purpose of this guide,
- "Turning on" means the vehicle does something when the ignition key is pressed, like the dashboard or radio turning on.
- "Starting" means the engine starts and can be heard.
- "Driving" means the vehicle will move.
Vehicle won't turn on
If the vehicle won't turn on, or does nothing when pressing the ignition key:
Vehicle won't start
If the vehicle will turn on but won't start, there are a few different things that could indicate the problem.
If you hear nothing:
- Do you have an engine installed?
If you hear a clicking noise:
The battery doesn't have enough charge to start the engine, or the current utilization is too high.
- If the battery has a charge, try turning off the lights, radio, and any other electronic components.
- If that doesn't work, find a new battery with enough charge.
- Notably, the engine for the IFA needs a battery with a charge capacity of 180A in order to crank. However, smaller engines requiring less battery capacity can be used.
If you hear the engine turning, but it won't start
Vehicle won't drive
If the vehicle starts but won't move:
Vehicle is really slow
If the vehicle is driving really slow:
- Do you have a clutch pedal and gear shifter installed?
- Is the engine installed big enough for the car?
- Is the car too heavy?
- Try adding a turbo.
Vehicle is hard to control
If the vehicle is hard to control, especially at higher speeds:
- Is the engine installed too powerful?
- Are all the tires and wheels the same size?
- Do you have the right wheels and tires installed?
- Are you driving too damn fast?
- If in a road train (multiple vehicles towed together), try removing the front wheels if the hitched vehicle(s) do not raise up off the grind slightly.
Vehicle has the wrong fuel in its tank
Siphoning is a planned feature. Until then:
- All cars can be drained by moving them onto a hill and opening the fuel cap.
- You can punch your car to move it.
- Or, even easier, just reverse the siphon direction when using a container on the fuel cap.
Towing and road/vehicle train issues
See towing.