What are the reasons why the car won't start or ignite?
2 Answers
The reasons why the car won't start: 1. Insufficient car battery power or low fuel level: This is the easiest item to check and the most likely cause of the car not starting. The fuel level is easy to determine. Turn the ignition key to the 'on' position, or for push-button start models, press the start button twice without pressing the brake pedal. Turn on the headlights, and if the light noticeably dims or doesn't turn on at all, and then press the horn. If the horn sounds significantly weaker than usual or doesn't sound at all, it can be determined that the battery power is insufficient. 2. Steering wheel lock prevents starting: This is a common anti-theft feature in many small cars. After removing the key, if the steering wheel is not straightened or has been turned, the steering wheel self-locking function will activate, causing the steering lock pin and steering column to engage, making the steering wheel immobile and preventing the car from starting. 3. Check the car's gear position: Generally, the 'P' (Park) or 'N' (Neutral) gear is the correct position for starting an automatic transmission car. If the owner carelessly leaves the gear in 'R' (Reverse) or another gear, the result will not only be the car not starting but also a potential safety hazard.
It's quite common for a car not to start, and I've experienced it several times myself. The most common reason is a dead battery, which might be due to the battery needing replacement after three to five years of use or because the car lights were left on and drained the power. Next, check if you're out of fuel, as the fuel gauge can sometimes be inaccurate. If you hear a clicking sound when trying to start the car, it's likely that the starter is broken or the flywheel is stuck. In winter, a frequent issue is that the engine oil is too thick, especially in northern areas where temperatures drop below minus ten degrees Celsius—old oil can become so viscous that it prevents the engine from turning over. Another possibility is a fault in the ignition system, such as severely carbon-fouled spark plugs or leaking high-voltage wires. Lastly, don't overlook sensor issues; if the crankshaft position sensor fails, the car's computer can't control the ignition timing properly. When facing such problems, avoid cranking the engine continuously for more than ten seconds to prevent damaging the starter.
