What causes the car dashboard to flash and the engine not to start?
4 Answers
The reasons why the car dashboard flashes and the engine does not start are: 1. Low-pressure fuel line blockage, loose pipes causing oil leakage, air in the high-pressure fuel line, incorrect fuel injection timing angle; 2. Power supply failure, poor contact of the electromagnetic switch, poor contact between the starter motor commutator and brushes, clutch slippage in the starter transmission mechanism; 3. Cylinder head gasket damage causing air leakage, valves not sealing tightly leading to air leakage, piston and cylinder liner wear causing air leakage, insufficient cylinder compression pressure; 4. Air filter element clogged, insufficient air intake; 5. Low battery charge. The function of the battery is: to supply power to the starting system, ignition system, electronic fuel injection system, and car's electrical appliances during engine startup.
Last time my car did the same thing, the dashboard was flickering and it wouldn't start at all. I suspect the battery is dead, because the flickering indicates unstable voltage. Maybe the battery is old, or the lights were left on causing over-discharge. First try jump-starting it, if that doesn't work it could be a stuck starter or alternator issue. When I check it myself, I like to use a multimeter to test the battery voltage - it should be around 12.6 volts normally, anything lower definitely won't work. Also, batteries tend to fail more easily in winter, proper maintenance can prevent surprises. Best to take it to a repair shop for a full inspection, don't delay and risk engine damage.
I've encountered a similar situation where the dashboard was flashing intensely when the car was parked by the roadside, and it wouldn't start no matter what. At the time, I checked the fuse box, suspecting a blown fuse might have interrupted the circuit and caused the issue. Additionally, a dead key fob or a faulty ignition switch can also lead to this problem. Loose or corroded battery terminals are common culprits as well—try cleaning them and giving it another go. When the car won't start, avoid cranking the engine repeatedly to prevent burning out the starter. Safety first; it's best to promptly seek professional diagnostic tools or arrange for a tow truck service.
My car had this issue before, with the dashboard flickering and the car not moving. The main problems lie in the electrical system, such as low battery or poor wiring connections. Check if the battery terminals are tight, and if there's oxidation, clean it off. Modern cars are controlled by an ECU, and if a sensor reports an error, it can also restrict startup. It's recommended to use an OBD scanner to read the fault codes, saving both money and time. Don't attempt to fix it blindly to avoid accidents.
