What Causes a Car That Won't Start and Also Can't Lock the Doors?
4 Answers
When a car won't start and also can't lock the doors, it may be due to a malfunctioning remote key preventing both starting and locking, or it could be caused by external interference. The specific reasons and solutions are as follows: Damaged Remote Key: If the commonly used key fails to open the door or start the car, try using the spare key. If the spare key works normally, it indicates that the commonly used key is faulty. In most cases, this is caused by insufficient battery power in the key. Solution: Replace the key battery. If the car still won't start or lock after replacing the battery, it's necessary to visit a 4S shop for inspection and repair. External Interference: The remote key needs to emit a signal to unlock or lock the car. The signal from the key may be interfered with by signals of the same or similar frequency, preventing the car from receiving the signal. Solution: Check the surroundings for signal base stations, high-voltage power towers, large electronic screens, etc. Start the car using the mechanical key and try again after moving away from the area.
I've been driving for decades and have seen this situation many times. The most common cause is a dead battery - insufficient power prevents the starter motor from turning, making the car unable to start. A weak battery also affects the remote key; when you press the lock button with no response, the doors won't lock. Sometimes it's because the car has been parked too long and the battery drained naturally, or the alternator isn't charging properly. I recommend first using the mechanical key to manually lock the doors for security, then checking the battery voltage. If it's below 12V, try jump-starting or calling for roadside assistance. Remember to always turn off power-consuming devices like interior lights after shutting off the engine to avoid unnecessary trips to the repair shop.
As someone who loves studying automotive electronics, I suspect the issue this time might be a faulty central control module. Modern car electronic systems function like a brain controlling ignition and door locks – module failure can cause both starting issues and door lock malfunctions. Other potential causes include blown fuses interrupting current flow, aged wiring causing poor contact that disrupts signal transmission. If doors won't lock, it could be due to depleted remote battery weakening signals, or electromagnetic interference sources nearby. My regular advice is to periodically test circuit voltage with a multimeter, replacing components immediately when detecting unstable voltage fluctuations to prevent minor issues escalating into major repairs.
As a car owner, I'm very concerned about safety. If the car won't start and the doors can't be locked, never force it to drive away. It could be dangerous if someone tries to steal the car or gets stuck on the road. The reason might be that the battery is too low to start, which also affects the electronic lock system. Some vehicle anti-theft system bugs can cause both functions to fail. Immediately use the mechanical key to lock the car for safety, then contact professional assistance instead of trying to fix it yourself. During regular vehicle maintenance, check the battery and door lock components, and avoid leaving valuables in the car just in case.
