What Causes a Car to Fail to Start and Make a Buzzing Sound?
3 Answers
Car failing to start accompanied by abnormal noises can be attributed to the following reasons: Low car battery voltage: Improper daily usage can lead to battery discharge. Typically, a battery's lifespan ranges from 3 to 5 years. If it exceeds this period, timely replacement is necessary. Insufficient fuel supply in the fuel system: Failure to meet the required air-fuel mixture ratio for the engine. Check if the fuel level is adequate. Excessive carbon buildup: Excessive carbon deposits in the intake pipe, throttle body, and idle speed motor prevent the engine from achieving the required air-fuel mixture ratio. Idle driving and poor driving conditions accelerate carbon formation. Starter motor malfunction: Faults in the starter motor or related circuits prevent the magnetic coil from maintaining engagement, failing to provide the necessary torque for starting. Ignition system failure: Ignition system issues prevent the engine from starting, with the ignition key remaining in the start position, causing the starter relay to repeatedly engage and produce abnormal noises.
When I encounter this situation, it's usually caused by a dead car battery or loose connections. The buzzing sound might come from the starter trying to turn but lacking sufficient power, just like that time when I was starting my old car in winter and it wouldn't fire up for a long time, accompanied by squeaking sounds. Upon inspection, it turned out to be loose wiring causing unstable current, resulting in poor starter engagement and producing that noise. Similar issues could also be faults with the starter itself, such as worn-out carbon brushes or jamming, or burnt relay contacts, all of which can cause unstable current and produce hissing sounds. Battery aging or cold weather makes this more likely to happen. My approach is to first try jump-starting the car or getting someone to help push-start it, then take it to a professional repair shop to check the battery and wiring. After all, forcing a start might damage more components, not only delaying work but also costing unnecessary money. Regular battery maintenance every year or two is essential to avoid breaking down on the road.
My car once failed to start and made a sizzling sound, which was most likely caused by a low battery. The sizzling noise could be a warning from the starter motor working hard, possibly due to loose internal gear engagement or oxidized wire connections leading to insufficient current. Other factors like issues with the charging system or loose cables can also cause this. I once experienced my car failing to start after rain, with continuous noise, and it turned out the wire terminals were corroded. In similar situations, avoid repeatedly turning the key to prevent draining the battery completely or overheating components. It's advisable to call for roadside assistance or contact a nearby auto repair shop first. Additionally, as a car ages, the battery is more prone to deterioration. I usually check the tightness of the connections monthly and add a dust cover to prevent corrosion. These small preventive measures can make driving more worry-free, especially on long trips—don’t wait for a breakdown to regret neglecting maintenance. Regularly checking the battery voltage is fundamental.
