What are the reasons why the HOWO heavy truck key often fails to start the ignition?
4 Answers
Reasons are as follows:1. Battery issue: If this is the cause, the owner can determine by checking whether the horn sounds. If the horn sound is noticeably weaker than usual or does not sound at all, it can be concluded that the battery is low on power.2. Incorrect air-fuel mixture ratio: This occurs in both open-loop and closed-loop control systems. If the car's computer makes a judgment error, its control over the air-fuel mixture and ignition timing through the actuators may be inaccurate, reducing the vehicle's power output, causing shaking, and also making the vehicle difficult to start.3. Unstable power supply voltage in the ignition system: This can be caused by factors such as a dirty fuel injector or a faulty carbon canister solenoid valve.4. Fuel injector leakage: While the fuel injector sprays fuel normally, leakage constitutes an additional fuel supply. The more severe the leakage, the richer the air-fuel mixture becomes, making it difficult to start the vehicle when it is hot.
I've been driving a HOWO heavy truck for several years and have encountered this issue where the key ignition often doesn't respond. There are several main reasons for this. Battery aging is the most common—older truck batteries weaken in discharge capacity over time, leading to insufficient power for ignition. Another cause is wear and tear on the ignition switch, where poor contact between the terminals requires multiple attempts to start. Problems with the anti-theft system are also a possibility, as failure in key chip recognition can lock the ignition. Alternatively, a burnt-out relay—the small box controlling the start signal—can fail to send signals when aged. Loose or corroded wiring is another frequent issue, especially on rainy days. My suggestion is to first check the battery with a multimeter; if the voltage is below 12V, it's time for a replacement. Then inspect the fuses to see if any are blown—look in the fuse box. Before starting, ensure the truck is in neutral and the clutch is depressed. For prevention, maintain the battery regularly, clean the terminals, and don’t wait for a breakdown to fix it, as it affects driving safety. If the issue arises, avoid forcing the key—take it to a repair shop for diagnosis rather than risking driving it.
I often help people repair heavy trucks. The HOWO key not responding when starting can have many fault points. A dead battery is the primary cause, as heavy trucks require large currents and old batteries can't supply enough. A faulty starter relay is also common; this component responsible for transmitting the start signal is prone to burning out. Errors in the anti-theft system matching or failure of the key chip to sense can lock the vehicle. There's also the clutch safety switch failure, where not pressing the clutch or incorrect gear position triggers the protection mechanism. Wiring issues include loose or oxidized connectors, especially in older vehicles where chassis wiring ages and is prone to leakage. My suggestion is to start with simple checks: test the battery voltage and try replacing the relay. If that doesn’t work, check if the ignition switch is worn. Regularly maintain vehicle cleanliness and inspect wiring and relays periodically. Pay extra attention during hot summers, as components are more prone to failure under high temperatures. Prevention is key—don’t wait until the vehicle won’t start to address issues, as it’s both inconvenient and dangerous.
It's really annoying when the heavy truck won't start, and the first thing that comes to my mind is safety hazards. It could be due to a weak battery with insufficient starting current. Or the ignition switch contacts might be severely worn, causing unstable connection. The anti-theft system malfunction could lock the startup due to key recognition failure. Safety switches like the clutch switch failing can also prevent starting. Aging or corroded wiring leads to poor contact. These issues, if not addressed promptly, can easily cause breakdowns, which is dangerous at intersections or on highways. I usually keep a simple testing tool to check the battery. Before starting, make sure the gear is in neutral and operated correctly. For prevention, regular maintenance is key: clean wiring terminals and replace old components. If problems occur frequently, get them fixed immediately without delay.
