How to Quickly Solve the Problem When a Car Suddenly Fails to Start?
4 Answers
Here are some relevant introductions on how to quickly solve the problem when a car suddenly fails to start: 1. Steering wheel lock: When parking, if the steering wheel is not straightened and is at a slightly larger angle, the steering wheel will automatically lock. By forcefully turning the steering wheel while turning the key, the steering wheel lock can usually be quickly released. 2. Dead battery: The battery, also known as the storage battery, is a type of battery. Leaving the headlights on for a long time can lead to power loss, or the battery may have reached the end of its lifespan. Additionally, installing xenon headlights, high-power audio systems, DVD players, etc., can also cause vehicle circuit failures. Call the service station for rescue, or find another car to jump-start, or temporarily start the car, but then you must go to the service station to recharge the battery.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I've seen too many situations like this. The most common reason a car won't start is a dead battery. Especially in cold winter temperatures or when headlights are accidentally left on, insufficient battery voltage will cause it to fail. In such cases, you can try jump-starting, but always remember not to reverse the positive and negative terminals. If the battery isn't the issue, check the ignition system. For example, if turning the key to the START position yields no response at all, there's an 80% chance the starter is stuck. In this situation, gently tapping the starter housing with a wrench a couple of times might provide an emergency fix. If the steering wheel is locked and starting is difficult, try wiggling the steering wheel left and right while turning the key. If all else fails, call for a tow truck—don't force it and risk burning out the starter. Developing good habits is crucial: turn off all electronic devices before shutting off the engine, and if parking for more than two weeks, it's best to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
I just encountered this issue last month and was really anxious. Later, I found out it was because the fuel gauge showed an error even though there was still gas in the tank. A burnt-out fuel pump or a clogged fuel line can both prevent the car from starting, especially when the temperature suddenly drops and gasoline flow becomes poor. In such cases, you can try turning the key to the ON position, waiting a few seconds before starting, to let the fuel pump work first. If you park on a slope, the fuel pump might not be able to draw fuel, so leveling the ground can help. If the fuel filter is too dirty and clogged, an emergency fix is to gently tap the bottom of the fuel tank with a rubber hammer. Remember to press the accelerator slightly when starting to help with air intake, but don’t press too hard. Also, don’t wait until the fuel light comes on to refuel—low-quality gasoline is particularly harmful to the fuel system, and good fuel quality can really prevent a lot of trouble.
At my auto repair shop, we encounter cases of cars not starting every day, and 70% of them are due to electrical issues. When the owner hears a clicking sound but the engine doesn't respond, it's definitely a sign of a dead battery. Here's a three-minute self-rescue guide: Open the hood and check if there's white frost on the battery terminals—if so, clean it off. If the horn sounds weak, it means the battery is almost dead. It's best to have jumper cables, but if you don't have them, you can use a mobile emergency power supply to start the car. The transmission must be in P or N gear for a normal start; starting in D gear will lock it up. Another trick is to turn the headlights on and off three times before ignition—the current surge can temporarily fix poor contact. When the key remote doesn't work, use the mechanical key to start the car. If you suspect an electrical fault, stop immediately—forcing a start can burn out the computer board, and the repair cost won't be small then.
