What are the reasons for a car not starting despite having power?
2 Answers
There are several reasons why a car may not start despite having power: Incorrect gear position: For automatic transmission vehicles, it is likely that the gear is not in the P (Park) position. Most vehicles are factory-set to prevent ignition if the gear is not in P, primarily for safety reasons—to avoid the car lurching forward if the gear is in D (Drive) or R (Reverse) when starting. Brake pedal not pressed: This design is also for safety. The solution is to press the brake pedal while starting the car. Steering wheel locked: This is an anti-theft feature of the car. If the steering wheel is turned after the engine is turned off, the car's computer may interpret this as a potential theft attempt and activate the anti-theft system. In this case, not only will the car fail to start, but the steering wheel will also be locked.
I've encountered this situation before where all the dashboard lights were on indicating the battery had power, but turning the key to start the engine yielded no response at all - it was really stressful at the time. It could be that the starter motor itself is faulty, as this component is tucked under the engine and prone to moisture and rust; or there might be poor contact in the ignition switch - when I checked, I found the lock cylinder was loose and tightening it solved the issue. Another possibility is a blown fuse - my friend's car had this exact problem when the starter relay fuse burned out, and replacing it fixed everything. It might also be clogged spark plugs or a fuel pump not delivering fuel - listen for a 'clicking' sound when attempting to start to roughly identify the direction of the fault. Such malfunctions are more likely to occur during hot weather or rainy days. I usually advise against continuous cranking as it can damage the starter - it's better to quickly visit a repair shop for diagnostic equipment testing to prevent worsening. Regularly cleaning battery terminals during car washes can also help prevent such issues.
