Reasons Why the Dashboard Keeps Flashing and the Car Won't Start
3 Answers
The reasons why the dashboard keeps flashing and the car won't start are as follows: 1. Long-term accumulation of carbon deposits without cleaning. During the use of spark plugs, normal carbon deposits will accumulate on the electrodes and the skirt insulator. If these deposits are not cleaned for a long time, they will accumulate more and more, eventually leading to electrode leakage or even failure to spark. 2. Prolonged usage. There are many types of spark plugs, but they all have an economic lifespan. Continuing to use them beyond this lifespan will negatively affect the engine's power and fuel efficiency, making it difficult to discharge and affecting the engine's normal operation. 3. Improper cleaning. When spraying silver powder or performing other maintenance on the engine, failing to clean the exterior of the spark plugs can cause them to leak electricity due to dirt. When cleaning the exterior, do not use sandpaper, metal sheets, or other abrasive materials for convenience or speed.
Last time my car had the same issue, the dashboard kept flashing when trying to start but it just wouldn't fire up—really frustrating. I initially thought it was a minor problem, but it turned out the battery was old and drained, causing insufficient system voltage. Before starting, the vehicle performs a self-check; if the battery charge is too low, the control unit fails the test and triggers the dashboard flashing alarm. This kind of failure is more common in winter because battery performance degrades quickly in cold temperatures. Also, a dead key fob might trigger the anti-theft system, preventing startup if the signal isn't received. I remember that regularly checking battery health can prevent this situation. Now, I inspect the battery lifespan and terminal connections every six months to avoid getting stranded. If this happens, don't repeatedly attempt to start—it's best to find help for a jump-start or replace the battery outright.
My car often has minor issues. Last time, the dashboard lights flashed for a long time and the car wouldn't start, which could be due to various reasons. The most likely causes are insufficient battery power or loose terminal connections, leading to insufficient current during startup and causing the system to give false alarms. Alternatively, the ignition coil might be faulty, and without spark from the spark plugs, the engine naturally won't start. The anti-theft system activating can also cause this, where poor contact with the key sensor or a depleted battery locks the engine. Additionally, the starter motor gear getting stuck can produce a clicking sound. In such cases, I check if the dashboard shows a low fuel indicator—an empty fuel tank keeps the dashboard light on but the engine won't start either. Safety first, don't panic. Pull over immediately and use a diagnostic tool to check the error codes. If all else fails, call a tow truck to take it to a professional repair shop.
