What are the possible reasons for a car not starting?
3 Answers
Such as carbon deposit-related faults in the fuel system, spark plugs, throttle valve, etc. Below is relevant information about car engines: Engine Introduction: A car engine is the machine that provides power to a vehicle, serving as the heart of the car, affecting its power performance, fuel economy, and environmental friendliness. Depending on the power source, car engines can be classified into diesel engines, gasoline engines, electric vehicle motors, and hybrid power systems, among others. Engine Principle: The engine is the power source of a car. Most car engines are thermal power devices, commonly referred to as heat engines. A heat engine converts the thermal energy generated by fuel combustion into mechanical energy through changes in the state of the working medium.
Having driven for over a decade, the most common reason a car won't start is battery issues. In cold weather, the battery tends to lose charge, and at this point, even the dashboard won't light up. Next is a faulty starter motor—you hear a clicking sound when turning the key, but the engine doesn't respond. Fuel system problems are particularly annoying; a broken fuel pump or an empty tank will prevent ignition. Remember to replace spark plugs regularly, as old ones make ignition difficult. If you smell gasoline but the car won't start, the fuel injector might be clogged. I once encountered an issue where the anti-theft system locked the car, and it was resolved only after re-matching the key. Oh, and nowadays, many new cars also face wiring connection issues, especially troublesome after car washes when connectors rust.
When a car won't start, you need to check systematically. First, check the battery - if the voltage is below 12 volts, it definitely won't work. If jump-starting gets it going, that means insufficient charge. Second, listen for sounds - if the starter motor just hums, it's likely faulty. Third, inspect the fuel system - open the fuel tank cap to listen for fuel pump operation sounds. Fourth, examine the ignition system - pull out a spark plug to check electrode gap. Fifth, watch for crankshaft position sensor failure, which prevents the ECU from receiving RPM signals. Additionally, a broken alternator belt can also cause the battery not to charge. I recommend keeping an OBD scanner handy - reading trouble codes directly is the most straightforward solution.
