What are the reasons why the Regal has power but cannot start?
3 Answers
Regal has power but cannot start because the starter carbon brushes are severely worn, the starter control mechanism is faulty, or the starter clutch is damaged. The specific reasons why a car has power and fuel but cannot start are as follows: Starter carbon brushes are severely worn: The performance during startup is weak starting, and the crankshaft can be clearly seen turning very slowly through the belt and pulley. When the wear is very severe, the starter cannot drive the crankshaft to rotate at all, only the sound of current is heard. Starter control mechanism failure: In addition to the starter motor, the starter assembly also includes an electromagnetic control mechanism. When the control mechanism fails, the small flywheel gear cannot engage with the large flywheel gear, and the engine cannot be started. The symptom is that when the key is turned to start, only the sound of the starter rotating at high speed is heard, but not the sound of the engine crankshaft flywheel running. Starter clutch damage: Generally, the starter operates at a speed of 120r/min, while the engine idles at around 900r/min after starting. The role of the clutch is to prevent the engine from driving the starter in reverse after starting, if the driver does not release the key in time, causing the small and large flywheel gears to continue engaging, which could lead to the starter burning out.
I encountered a similar situation last time when driving the Buick Regal—the headlights were on, but the car wouldn't start no matter how hard I tried. Looking back, it was most likely a starter issue—either the motor was jammed or the relay was burnt, and loose connections are also a common bug. A faulty fuel pump won’t work either, as low fuel pressure causes the engine to cough. Or it could be an ignition system problem, like flooded spark plugs (excessive water) or a dead ignition coil. Sometimes the anti-theft module mistakenly locks the system, and weak key batteries need replacement. Safety tip: Never repeatedly attempt to start the car to avoid damaging parts. Quickly find someone to help push-start the car or call for towing assistance. Also, check if the gearshift is in P/N—a common mistake with automatic transmissions. Regular maintenance can prevent such issues, like cleaning electrical connections every six months.
From a technical perspective, the Buick Regal's failure to start with electricity usually involves a starting circuit malfunction. For example, a blown fuse or a failed starter relay can prevent current from reaching the motor. Ignition components are also a major factor—spark plug leakage or a malfunctioning crankshaft sensor can cause the computer to misjudge the engine speed and prevent startup. Abnormalities in the fuel system, such as a clogged fuel pump or low fuel pressure, can prevent fuel from entering the cylinders. If the anti-theft system detects an abnormal signal (e.g., weak key battery), it will automatically lock the system. During inspection, use simple tools to test for stable voltage and listen for mechanical operation sounds during startup. For prevention, regularly inspect the relevant circuits and fuel lines during maintenance to avoid sudden failures. Safety first—don’t force it; calling a professional technician for diagnosis is more reliable.
