What could be the reasons when turning the car key but the engine doesn't start or respond?
2 Answers
Failure to start may be caused by the following faults: 1. Circuit or electronic faults: Circuit faults include: blown fuse, open circuit in high-voltage coil, open circuit in low-voltage circuit, detached central ignition wire, leaking distributor rotor, or damaged spark plugs. Electronic faults mainly refer to the malfunction of the central computer control board. 2. Fuel system faults: Stalling caused by fuel system faults often comes with symptoms like weak engine power or the accelerator pedal feeling spongy. Possible locations of fuel system faults include: fuel pump failure, blocked fuel line, clogged fuel filter, carburetor failure, or damaged injectors, etc. 3. Mechanical faults: Common mechanical faults include: timing belt (chain) breakage, cylinder leakage causing no pressure, etc.
I often encounter this situation where there's no response at all when turning the key, as if the car is dead. The most common cause is a dead battery. Over time, the battery ages—for example, if the car is parked for too long without being driven or if electrical devices are left on, it can drain the battery. In such cases, turning the key may not even light up the dashboard, let alone start the engine. First, check the battery. It's best to use a voltmeter to test it; if the voltage is below 12 volts, you'll need to charge it or jump-start the car. Don’t rush to tinker around—if the battery is completely dead, you’ll need to replace it. Neglecting this for too long can lead to more issues in winter, as cold temperatures reduce the battery's capacity. I make it a habit to drive regularly or use a car battery charger for maintenance, such as taking a short drive every two weeks to recharge. If the battery is fine, then consider safe jump-starting methods. Of course, there could be other reasons, so it’s important to troubleshoot step by step. If the battery issue can’t be resolved, don’t force it to avoid damaging other components.
