What are the reasons for the dashboard not lighting up and the car failing to start?

[EthanDella]

Insufficient battery charge, poor or incorrect wiring connections, poor battery grounding. Specific reasons: Common faults in the low-voltage circuit include insufficient battery charge, poor or incorrect wiring connections, poor battery grounding, damaged distributor or Hall sensor, damaged ignition switch or poor wiring connections, and damaged transistor ignition control unit or poor wiring connections. The diagnostic method for low-voltage circuit faults mostly involves using an ammeter or voltmeter to check each wire sequentially to eliminate the fault point. Car maintenance methods: Inspection of spark plugs: A normal spark plug has intact insulation ceramic, no cracks or leakage, and the spark appears blue and strong. If abnormalities are found, adjust the gap or replace the spark plug. Check the gasoline filter; if fuel supply is poor, check if the gasoline filter is clogged. If clogged by foreign objects, replace it promptly. Battery maintenance inspection: Check if the battery is securely fixed. The electrolyte level should be between the upper and lower limits. When it approaches the lower limit, promptly add electrolyte or distilled water to the upper limit. Ensure good contact of the battery's positive and negative cables and keep the battery clean and dry.

[RoseRose]

I've encountered similar issues before, usually caused by a depleted or dead battery. When you turn the key, the dashboard shows no response and the car won't start—this could indicate an aged battery or electrical devices left on draining the power. Another common reason is a blown fuse; check if the relevant fuses in the fuse box are intact, as a short circuit can trigger this chain reaction. Loose or corroded battery terminals may also interrupt power supply, causing all instruments to fail. Don't rush to force-start the engine; try jump-starting or ask a fellow driver for assistance first. If the problem persists, it might be a faulty relay or ignition switch failure—recommend using a multimeter to test voltage. Developing a habit of turning off lights when parking can prevent such embarrassing situations.

[SanEli]

This situation is extremely dangerous, especially at night or on highways. A completely dark dashboard indicates system failure, and the inability to start the engine is a warning sign. The core issue could be insufficient battery power—check if the lights are dim or completely out. Another potential culprit is a blown fuse; inspect the fuse box in the engine compartment, focusing on whether the main control fuse shows signs of burning. Loose or corroded wiring connections are also common, particularly in older vehicles. Avoid forcing the ignition to prevent damaging the starter; instead, call for roadside assistance or have the car towed to a repair shop. During repairs, ensure the technician checks whether the alternator is charging properly, or the issue may recur. Safety first—it’s best to keep an emergency toolkit in the car just in case.

[BenjaminDella]

Buddy, if the dashboard doesn't light up and the car won't start, it's most likely a battery issue, such as being drained or reaching the end of its lifespan. It could also be a blown fuse or poor wiring contact, like a loose plug. Simply check if there's corrosion on the battery terminals and try cleaning them. If that doesn't work, try jump-starting it. This situation indicates that the vehicle's power supply system has failed, so stop messing with the key and quickly get help or replace the parts. Pay attention to the battery replacement cycle during daily driving, and don't wait until problems arise to deal with it.