The car has power but won't start?
2 Answers
The following are the reasons why a car has power but won't start: 1. Circuit or electronic failure: If this is the cause, there would usually be no warning signs before the car fails to start, it happens very suddenly. Circuit failures include: blown fuse, open circuit in high-voltage coil, open circuit in low-voltage circuit, detached central ignition wire, distributor rotor leakage, or damaged spark plugs. Electronic failure mainly refers to the malfunction of the central computer control board. 2. Fuel system failure: Possible locations of fuel system failures include: fuel pump failure, blocked fuel line, clogged fuel filter, carbon buildup on spark plugs, damaged fuel injectors, etc.
My experience tells me that when the car has power but won't start, I've seen this situation many times. The most common issue is a weak battery—even though the dashboard lights up, the starter motor can't turn over during ignition, just making a clicking sound as if lacking power. First, do a simple check: pop the hood and see if the battery terminals are loose or corroded; try jump-starting by connecting jumper cables to another vehicle. If it's not the battery, the starter motor might be faulty—it's responsible for cranking the engine, and internal wear can prevent ignition. This is more common in cold winters as low temperatures rapidly degrade battery performance. If multiple attempts fail, it's best not to force it further to avoid damaging other components—just drive straight to the repair shop and let a mechanic handle it.