What are the reasons for a car not responding at all when starting?
4 Answers
When a car does not respond at all when starting, it is usually because the car's battery is dead or there is no fuel, requiring timely charging or refueling. If the battery is dead, a manual transmission car can be started by pressing the clutch, releasing the handbrake, shifting into second gear, and having someone push the car until it reaches a speed of 5,000 meters per hour, then gently releasing the clutch and pressing the accelerator. For an automatic transmission car, a jump-start from another vehicle can help start the car quickly. The lifespan of a car battery is typically around 3 years, but with proper use and maintenance, it can last over 4 years. Improper use and maintenance, however, can lead to premature failure within a few months, making correct battery usage very important. Battery inspection mainly focuses on two key data points: voltage and starting current.
Last time when my car wouldn’t start at all, it was such a hassle. Battery issues are the most common—leaving headlights on or an aging battery can drain it. That time, I tried turning on the headlights and they were dim as fireflies, so I had to ask a friend to jump-start the car. Starter motor failure can also cause this; if you don’t even hear a clicking sound, it’s probably the starter. For automatic transmissions, always check if it’s in P mode—once in an underground garage, I was sweating bullets only to realize it was in D. If the ignition switch has poor contact, try turning the key a few more times. Loose battery terminals just need tightening with a wrench. A blown fuse is trickier—you’ll need to replace it with the correct numbered one. If all else fails, calling roadside assistance is the way to go, as tinkering blindly could mess up the electrical system even more.
Once during a business trip, my car suddenly wouldn't start and the dashboard went completely black, which scared me into thinking it was a complete vehicle failure. It turned out the battery was completely dead - after five years of use, it was indeed time for a replacement. Starter motor failures also show no warning signs, and the mechanic said their lifespan is related to driving habits. If the key's anti-theft system isn't properly matched, it can put the car into protection mode - try removing and reinserting the key. The most frustrating experience was when severe corrosion on the battery terminals required cleaning the oxide buildup with an old toothbrush to restore contact. Now I've developed the habit of walking around the car to confirm all electronics are off before locking, and disconnecting the dashcam during trips to prevent dark current drain. During regular maintenance, I always ask the technician to test the battery's remaining lifespan for peace of mind.
Common issues are pretty much the same: When the battery is dead, the horn will sound noticeably weaker. A faulty starter results in complete silence. A malfunctioning gear position sensor can make the car think it's not in P. For self-checking, see if the car lights are on and if the dashboard displays anything. When jump-starting, be careful not to reverse the positive and negative terminals. Keeping an emergency jump starter in the car is quite useful, but always wear insulated gloves when operating. If you don't have any equipment, try charging the battery for half an hour first. These are problems you might encounter if you're not usually careful.
