What Causes a New Car to Sometimes Fail to Start and Sometimes Start Normally?
4 Answers
Reasons why a new car fails to start are as follows: 1. The steering wheel is in a locked position: Many people encounter situations where the car won't start, and the key can't be turned. In such cases, it's important to note that if the steering wheel isn't straightened when parked and is at a slightly larger angle (over 30 degrees), the steering wheel will automatically lock as an anti-theft measure. This may prevent the key from turning, causing the ignition to fail. 2. The gear is not returned to P when parking: For automatic transmission vehicles (AT, CVT, AMT), ensure the gear is in the P position when starting. 3. Low battery in the smart key for one-button start: If the key is inside the car but the dashboard always shows "key matching error," it's likely due to a low battery in the smart key, preventing the start system from detecting the weak signal emitted by the key. 4. Dead battery: Failure to start may be caused by a drained battery due to reasons like leaving the headlights on for too long or the battery reaching the end of its lifespan. Generally, replace the battery in time according to the maintenance manual. 5. Empty fuel tank: If the fuel gauge shows below the red line, the car naturally won't start. Also, pay attention to the quality of the fuel.
My friend bought a new car and also encountered starting issues, but sometimes it starts normally. From my experience, this is likely caused by intermittent ignition system failures. If the ignition coils or spark plugs in a new car have manufacturing defects, they may work intermittently with temperature changes. Loose battery terminals are also a common cause - during transportation or assembly of new cars, improperly tightened wiring connections can lead to poor contact. Another possibility is fuel system issues; clogged fuel injectors can cause unstable fuel supply, resulting in difficult starts. Don't forget about weak smart key batteries or signal distance problems - when the signal is weak, starting may fail. This situation is quite annoying. Since the car is under warranty, I suggest going to the 4S shop for comprehensive diagnostics as soon as possible to get faulty components replaced for free. Don't delay too long as it may affect battery life or create stalling risks.
I've experienced a similar situation when driving a new car. Occasionally, there's a clicking sound when starting the engine but no response, and then it works fine after a while. Looking back, it was probably caused by insufficient battery power, especially when the new car had been parked for a long time. The small current discharge caused the voltage to fluctuate. Another factor could be a faulty starter motor—loose connection contacts can cause it to stop working. Fuel pump issues might also occur when the pressure is unstable, and a poorly installed fuel filter in a new car can block the fuel line. This problem is more noticeable in cold weather, possibly related to sensor sensitivity. I think it's best to first check if the battery terminals are corroded and visit the dealership to scan for fault codes with an OBD scanner. New cars come with warranties, so avoid tampering with parts unnecessarily to prevent unnecessary expenses.
My newly bought car often fails to start. Sometimes it starts right away, and other times it just hums without any response, which is really frustrating. I asked a few people who know about cars, and they said it might be due to dirty spark plugs or incorrect gaps, causing poor combustion and making them stop working. Or the ECU computer might occasionally malfunction, and a restart could fix it. Another possibility is that the start button is too dirty, causing sensor failure, and wiping it with a cloth might help. These minor issues are easy to fix while the car is still under warranty, so don't wait until small problems turn into major repairs—it'll be too late by then.
