What are the reasons for a car not starting with no power at all inside?
4 Answers
There are several reasons why a car may not start with no power at all inside: 1. Dead battery: This could be due to a drained battery from leaving headlights on for a long time or the battery reaching the end of its lifespan. It is generally recommended to replace the battery every 2 years. Additionally, installing xenon headlights, high-power audio systems, or DVD players can also cause vehicle circuit failures. 2. Incorrect gear position: For automatic transmission cars, the gear must be in P or N position when starting. If it is in R or D position, the car will not start. Some manual transmission cars may also not start if the clutch is not depressed. 3. Lack of antifreeze: Using water or low-quality antifreeze in the car can cause the engine to freeze and crack in extremely cold winter conditions, leading to the water pump failing to operate, the car not starting, and damage to other engine components.
I was really panicked when my car completely lost power, but the mechanic taught me a few tricks. It was mainly due to a dead battery, possibly from aging or leaving the headlights on and draining the power. First, check the battery terminals to see if they're loose or covered with corrosion. If you see white powder, just rinse it off with hot water. If the battery is completely dead, you'll need a jump start. After starting, don't turn off the engine immediately; drive for 20-30 minutes to let the alternator recharge the battery. Always remember to turn off power-consuming devices like the AC and headlights before parking. If the car won't be used for a long time, it's best to disconnect the battery cable. Also, batteries generally need replacement every 3-5 years, and extra care is needed in winter.
Last time my car wouldn't start and even the interior lights didn't work. I tinkered with it for a long time before figuring it out. Most likely it was a battery issue - either the battery itself was too old to hold a charge, or you forgot to turn off the headlights and drained it completely. Another possibility is that the alternator stopped working and couldn't charge the battery. I usually first check if any warning lights are on the dashboard, then pop the hood to feel the battery temperature - if it's hot to the touch, it indicates a short circuit. Don't force it in this situation - push-starting can damage the transmission. It's best to keep a jump starter in the car for emergencies. With all the electronics in modern cars, batteries are under much more strain than before.
A dead battery is the most common cause. Last time, I forgot to unplug the dashcam from the cigarette lighter, and the battery was completely drained after just one week. First, check if the dashboard responds when you turn on the ignition. If it's completely dark, the battery is likely dead. You need to determine whether it's due to battery aging or a power leak—older cars are prone to electrical leaks. With the current hot weather, batteries are even more susceptible to depletion. Try honking the horn to listen to the sound; if the horn sounds weak or hoarse, it confirms a battery issue. If you encounter this situation, don’t panic—contacting your insurance company for a free jump-start is the easiest solution.
