What Causes Intermittent Car Starting Failure?
3 Answers
Car intermittent starting failure reasons are as follows: Battery failure: The car engine makes a "click-click-click" sound, starts immediately upon ignition, but still fails to start after hearing the "click-click-click" sound, and the battery indicator light on the car dashboard is also on. This indicates a depleted battery. Spark plug blockage: The vehicle starts successfully, but there is obvious hesitation during startup. You should observe the engine's operation. If there is continuous shaking or intermittent shaking, it is likely caused by the spark plug. At this point, you can start with the spark plug to see if there are any hidden dangers, so as to replace it in time. Fuel pump pressure loss: After prolonged use, the fuel pump will inevitably experience internal wear, leading to insufficient fuel supply pressure and difficulty in ignition. In this case, replacing the fuel pump can solve the problem.
I've experienced the frustration of intermittent car starting failures, usually caused by battery issues. Aging batteries or corroded terminals leading to poor contact result in insufficient power during startup, preventing the engine from turning over. For example, my own car had difficulty starting in cold weather, and upon inspection, it was found that the battery's internal resistance had increased—replacing the battery solved the problem. Starter motor failure is another major cause; hearing a clicking sound without response during ignition indicates worn-out motor components or loose wiring. Additionally, carbon buildup on spark plugs or aging ignition coils in the ignition system can interfere with spark generation—sometimes waiting a while before trying again works, but recurring issues are dangerous. I recommend regularly testing battery voltage; if it drops below 12.4 volts, recharge or replace the battery, and cleaning terminals can prevent oxidation. Fuel system problems like uneven fuel pump supply or clogged filters affect startup during idle—check fuel pressure if necessary. Overall, don’t underestimate this issue; safety comes first—get a comprehensive inspection at a repair shop.
My car keeps having intermittent starting failures, which is quite annoying, mostly due to electrical circuits and sensors. For instance, the crankshaft position sensor occasionally sends wrong signals, causing the engine to misjudge the ignition timing and fail to start. Poor contact in relays or fuses can lead to unstable voltage—it may work again after cooling down for a while, but the issue keeps recurring. A faulty fuel pump motor can also cause similar problems, where insufficient fuel supply makes the engine sputter and stall. The risk of short circuits increases in humid weather—I once encountered trouble codes caused by water ingress in the junction box. Now, I use a simple OBD scanner to read error codes and quickly pinpoint the problem area. For prevention, I regularly clean the engine bay wiring harness to avoid debris buildup. Electrical issues may seem minor but are actually critical—don’t overlook aging ground wires, as they can cause intermittent system failures. Address them early to avoid major repairs.
