What Could Be the Reason When a Car Is in Normal Condition but Fails to Start?
2 Answers
When a car is in normal condition but fails to start, the first thing to check is whether the battery is dead. Next, verify if there is fuel in the tank. For automatic transmission cars, ensure the gear is in the correct position. The gear must be in P (Park) or N (Neutral) when starting; if it is in R (Reverse) or D (Drive), the car will not start. Using another car's battery for jump-starting: When connecting the cables, ensure the order is correct: connect the positive terminal of the rescue car to the positive terminal of the faulty car, then connect the negative terminal of the rescue car to the engine ground. The disconnection order should be reversed. For manual transmission cars, a push-start method can be used: One person sits in the driver's seat, turns the ignition key, presses the clutch pedal, and shifts into second gear. Then, others push the car until it reaches a speed of at least 10 km/h. At this point, the driver quickly releases the clutch pedal, allowing the car to drag the engine into rotation, which will start the engine.
My car often fails to start while driving, with everything appearing normal on the surface. The most likely causes are a dead battery or poor contact. Try turning on the headlights—if they appear dim, it indicates low battery power. Another possibility is a starter motor issue; if you don’t hear a clicking sound when starting, the starter may have failed. Next, check the spark plugs—if there were previous ignition system problems, this could be the cause. If the fuel pump isn’t working, the engine will feel weak or unresponsive when cranking. Lastly, the anti-theft system might have accidentally locked; check the key or reset the system. Remember not to force the key—first, use a multimeter to test the voltage, and clean the battery terminals if they’re dirty. Safety first—if this happens, consider pushing the car or calling for roadside assistance.