Reasons Why Car Key Fails to Start the Vehicle
2 Answers
There are three reasons why a car key fails to start the vehicle: 1. The steering wheel is locked. If the steering wheel cannot be turned and the key cannot be twisted, this is the vehicle's simple anti-theft function coinciding at the intersection of key unlocking and lock cylinder torque. Simply turn the steering wheel lightly clockwise (or counterclockwise) and gently twist the key to unlock it smoothly. Reminder: When parking, try to straighten the steering wheel before turning off the engine and removing the key. 2. The gear is not in the correct position. For automatic transmission vehicles, the gear must be placed in "P" (some models include "N") to start. Some cars cannot even remove the key unless the gear is in "P." Reminder: Develop a good habit of placing the gear in "P" before turning off the engine and checking the gear position before starting. 3. Vehicle malfunction. If the car still cannot start in "P" gear or the dashboard shows abnormal gear indications, it is recommended to seek timely repairs, as it could be due to a faulty electronic gear sensor or electro-pneumatic valve damage.
Once when I was driving to the supermarket, the key just wouldn't start the car no matter what. Later, I found out it was because the remote key fob battery had died. Actually, most car keys nowadays have batteries, and after a few years of use, they'll run out of power and stop working. You can try using the mechanical key to open the door—some cars have a key sensor slot, and placing the key against the start button might work in an emergency. Also, if the key has been dropped or gotten wet, it can easily damage the internal chip, in which case you'll need to visit the dealership to get a new key. The most troublesome issue is when the body control module malfunctions—my neighbor's car once had the anti-theft system trigger by mistake, and even the original key wouldn't work. In the end, the car had to be towed to the dealership to reset the computer. Keeping a spare key can really save the day—don't be like me, struggling in the parking lot for half an hour before remembering the spare key was in my wife's bag.
