What does it mean when the ignition warning light is red and the car won't start?
2 Answers
Here are the reasons why the ignition warning light is red and the car cannot start: 1. Reason one: Poor quality gasoline that does not meet standards. This is usually caused by filling up with low-quality gasoline at non-standard gas stations, leading to incomplete combustion of the air-fuel mixture during engine operation and triggering the engine warning light. 2. Reason two: Oxygen sensor malfunction. There are two oxygen sensors installed in the car, one before and one after the three-way catalytic converter. The front oxygen sensor detects the air-fuel ratio under different engine operating conditions, and the ECU adjusts the fuel injection amount and calculates the ignition timing based on this signal. 3. Reason three: Mass airflow sensor malfunction. The mass airflow sensor, also known as the air flow meter, detects the amount of air intake and converts it into an electrical signal sent to the ECU. Based on the optimal air-fuel ratio, it indirectly determines how much fuel the ECU should inject.
I've also experienced the awkward situation where the ignition light turns red and the car won't start, almost making me late for work. Generally, an aging battery is the most common cause, especially in winter when low temperatures worsen power loss. When I opened the hood, I saw the negative terminal was oxidized and turned white—only after sanding it down could I barely start the car. Usually, avoid running the AC or charging devices for too long after turning off the engine, as it drains the battery faster. If the battery is over three years old, consider replacing it to prevent being stranded. Additionally, a broken alternator belt can prevent the battery from charging—I once saw a friend's car fail because of an aged belt. If the car really won't start, don’t force the key; calling for a jump-start is the safest option.
