What Causes a Car That Won't Lock or Start?
2 Answers
The reasons why a car won't lock or start include insufficient battery power, damaged remote key, malfunctioning vehicle components, or external interference. Here are relevant introductions about ignition: Traditional Ignition: The working process of mechanical ignition systems involves the crankshaft driving the distributor shaft to rotate. The cam on the distributor shaft turns, causing the primary contacts of the ignition coil to connect and disconnect, thereby generating high voltage. This ignition high voltage is distributed to each cylinder's spark plug in sequence through the distributor rotor according to engine requirements, where the spark plug generates sparks to ignite the gas in the combustion chamber. Electronic Ignition: Electronic ignition systems are completely different from mechanical ignition systems. They include an electronic control device for ignition, which contains ignition control curve maps (MAP maps) required for various engine operating conditions. A series of sensors such as engine speed sensors, intake manifold vacuum sensors (engine load sensors), throttle position sensors, and crankshaft position sensors are used to determine the engine's operating state.
I also encountered a situation with my old car where the doors wouldn't lock and the engine wouldn't start—it was most likely due to a dead battery. When the battery is low, the remote lock stops working, naturally preventing the doors from locking, and the ignition system also fails to activate. You might hear a clicking sound when trying to start the car, but it just won't turn over. Another possibility is that the remote key's battery is drained or the chip is damaged, causing the signal to fail and triggering the anti-theft system to lock out functions. Additionally, electrical issues in the car, such as a blown fuse or a short circuit in the vehicle's computer wiring, can simultaneously affect both locking and ignition. It's best to use a multimeter to check the circuit continuity. I recommend immediately checking the battery voltage and the key. Avoid forcing the car to start to prevent damaging more components—this issue can't be rushed. Towing it to a repair shop for a thorough inspection is the safest approach. Regular battery maintenance can help prevent such problems in the future.