What are the reasons for the dashboard turning black and the car failing to start when ignited?
4 Answers
There are two main reasons for the dashboard turning black and the car failing to start when ignited: poor contact at the battery terminals and common faults in the low-voltage circuit. If the battery is completely drained, use jumper cables to draw power from another car's battery and start the vehicle. Keep the engine running to allow the battery to recharge automatically. If the battery is over 5 years old, it is recommended to replace it directly. Poor contact at the battery terminals: The battery has positive and negative terminals, each connected by wires. The connection points are prone to oxidation, leading to poor contact. Solution: Pour boiling water over both terminals to clean them. Sandpaper can be used for simple and effective polishing. Then, tighten the screws at the connection points with a screwdriver and apply grease to prevent oxidation. Common faults in the low-voltage circuit: Insufficient battery charge; poor or incorrect connections; poor grounding of the battery; damaged distributor or Hall sensor; faulty ignition switch or poor wiring; damaged transistor ignition control unit or poor wiring. Solution: Most low-voltage circuit faults can be diagnosed using an ammeter or voltmeter to check each wire and eliminate the fault point. Maintenance tips: Check the battery fluid level every one to two months. The fluid level is considered appropriate if it is between the upper and lower marked lines. Also, check the fluid level difference in each cell. If the fluid level is insufficient, unscrew the caps on the battery and add distilled water to replenish the fluid level.
Last time my car had the same issue - the dashboard suddenly went black when trying to start, and the car wouldn't turn on, which was really annoying. I think the most common cause is battery problems, like an aging battery or insufficient charge. In this case, the dashboard goes dark because there's not enough power to supply the electronic systems. You can first check if the battery terminals are loose or corroded yourself - tighten them if they're loose, then use a multimeter to test the voltage, which should normally be around 12 volts. If the battery is dead, you'll need to charge it or get a new one. Another possible cause could be a faulty starter motor or relay failure, which interrupts the ignition process. I recommend regularly maintaining your battery and not leaving the car parked for too long without use. If you can't fix it yourself, call a tow truck to take it to the repair shop immediately to avoid any accidents on the road.
As someone who frequently works in auto shops, I've seen many cases where the dashboard goes black and the car fails to start during ignition. This is most commonly caused by a depleted battery. When the battery becomes sulfated internally, it leads to a sudden voltage drop, cutting power to the dashboard. The check is simple: first inspect whether the battery terminals are loose or corroded—clean and tighten them if needed. If that's not the issue, check if the starter relay or fuse is blown; these are located in the engine bay's fuse box—try replacing them with new ones. Additionally, a faulty starter motor could be the culprit. If you hear a clicking sound when turning the key but get no response, the motor might be stuck or there could be a short circuit. Don’t forget that the anti-theft system can sometimes lock up and prevent starting—resetting the key or disconnecting the battery for a restart usually helps. Routine maintenance is key: regularly check battery health and wiring to avoid regrets when breakdowns occur.
I encountered this issue with my new car before. When I tried to start it, the dashboard went completely black and the car wouldn't start, which scared me into thinking the car was broken. I quickly consulted an experienced driver, who said the battery might be dead. An aging battery can't hold a charge, leading to insufficient power during ignition, which naturally causes the dashboard to go black. A simple way to check this yourself is to see if the headlights are dim. If they are, try temporarily charging the battery with a portable charger or jumper cables. Another common factor is an issue with the ignition switch. Worn-out contacts in the switch can break the circuit. A short circuit can also cause this, such as a blown fuse. Remember to ensure safety first when handling this: engage the handbrake, turn off the engine, and avoid forcing a start to prevent damaging the car. If you fix it, it's recommended to get a professional inspection to prevent recurrence.
