
The reasons for the Lavida not responding when starting but the dashboard being normal are as follows: Engine malfunction: Related to issues such as poor performance of the main fuel injector, cold start injector, temperature control switch, ECU and control circuit, weak battery, damaged ignition or pulse generator, fuel system not supplying fuel or supplying fuel abnormally, etc. Automatic transmission malfunction: Slow acceleration, strong impact during automatic gear shifting, high oil temperature, lack of high-speed gear, inability to start, inability to change the gear lever position, etc. Most automatic transmission malfunctions, apart from component failures due to long-term use, are caused by untimely maintenance and adjustment.

The same thing happened to my Lavida that day. The key was turned but nothing happened, though the dashboard lights were on, which gave me a scare. Probably a starter motor issue or bad ignition switch contact, considering the car's been running for years. The battery showed normal, but actual voltage might be insufficient – needs checking with a multimeter. Especially in winter, cold starts often cause such problems. Another possibility is a faulty key chip, particularly in keyless start models. I later tried push-starting as an emergency measure and barely managed, but headed straight to the repair shop. The mechanic checked the relay and replaced a fuse to fix it. Safety first – don't delay, these issues can range from minor to serious.

With over 20 years of auto repair experience, I've encountered many Lavida failures like this. No response when cranking but dashboard lights on—commonly caused by a stuck starter or blown relay. The battery is fine but there's a break in the starting circuit, like related fuses in the fuse box. Also need to check the transmission gear position switch—automatic cars won't start unless in P or N gear. Novices often make mistakes; first confirm the brake is firmly pressed before ignition. In emergencies, tapping the starter might help, but professional inspection of wiring and sensors should follow ASAP. Volkswagen parts age quickly—regular maintenance prevents this.

Simply put, the Lavida fails to start but the dashboard works normally, with operational errors likely being the main cause. For automatic transmission vehicles, you must press the brake pedal before ignition; otherwise, the system will lock and not respond. Although the battery shows a full charge, the high instantaneous load during startup can easily expose weak power issues. Additionally, the key sensing area might be too far or the steering wheel could be locked—try adjusting the position. Don't panic over minor issues; check these first before considering major repairs.


