What are the reasons for a car showing SVS and failing to start?
2 Answers
The reasons for a car showing SVS and failing to start are as follows: 1. The steering wheel is in a locked position: Simply turning the key while forcefully turning the steering wheel usually unlocks the steering wheel quickly, allowing the car to start instantly. 2. The gear is not in the P position when parking: If the car can start in D or R gear, the sudden movement of the vehicle poses a significant safety risk. Therefore, for automatic transmission vehicles (AT, CVT, AMT), manufacturers preset this mode and repeatedly emphasize in the manual: ensure the gear is in the P position when starting. 3. The smart key for one-button start is low on battery: The start system cannot detect the weak signal from the key. It is recommended to place the smart key on the start button and then press the button to start. 4. The battery is dead: Failure to start may be due to the battery being drained from leaving the headlights on for a long time or the battery reaching the end of its lifespan. 5. The fuel tank is empty: If the fuel gauge shows below the red line, the car naturally won't start. Also, pay attention to the quality of the fuel. 6. No antifreeze was added: Some car owners add water or low-quality antifreeze, which can cause the entire cooling system to freeze in extremely cold winter conditions, leading to a cracked engine, inoperable water pump, failure to start, and damage to other engine components.
I once encountered the SVS light coming on and the car not starting, which turned out to be due to an aging battery. If you hear a clicking sound or get no response when starting, it's likely due to insufficient battery voltage. It could also be a faulty starter or loose wiring connections. Fuel system issues are common too, such as debris clogging the fuel pump in the tank or a long-overdue fuel filter replacement. I remember my neighbor's car once had a sensor malfunction that caused the computer to limit startup. Nowadays, when facing such issues, I first check for oxidized battery terminals and then try jump-starting. If that doesn’t work, it's best to tow it to a repair shop to read the fault codes—don’t force-start it and risk damaging the starter. Regularly replacing the air filter and using quality gasoline can prevent a lot of trouble.
