What is the reason why the Buick Envision has power but won't start?
3 Answers
If the car won't start, it may be due to low battery voltage. Insufficient battery voltage: The characteristic symptom is that the starter begins to turn but lacks sufficient rotational force, eventually making only a clicking sound without turning. Low temperatures in winter or forgetting to turn off certain electrical devices can prevent the vehicle from starting, especially with prolonged short-distance, low-speed usage in winter, causing the battery voltage to drop below the rated value and preventing normal starting and operation. Unstable voltage: This could be due to insufficient battery voltage. Insufficient voltage doesn't mean there's no power—the horn and lights may still work, but they can't power the starter. The battery light will stay on as long as the key is in the ON position before the engine starts.
As an experienced mechanic, I've dealt with many cases of Buick Envision not starting when powered on. The most common issue is the battery appearing to have power but lacking strength during startup—it needs to be tested with a voltmeter, and if it's below 11V, it won't have enough power. Then there's the starter motor aging and getting stuck, making a buzzing sound but not turning; a faulty fuel pump where you can't hear the pumping sound, so fuel doesn't get in; ignition coil or spark plug issues causing no spark; and the anti-theft system activating when the key isn't properly matched. I recommend checking the simplest things first, like whether the fuel level is sufficient or if the battery terminals are tight. Avoid cranking the engine too long, as it can damage it. Regular maintenance, such as replacing spark plugs and the fuel filter, can prevent these issues. I had a client who solved it this way last time—replacing the starter motor cost 500 bucks, so don't delay.
I've been driving my Enclave for almost ten years. Once, the dashboard lit up when I turned on the ignition, but the car just wouldn't start—I was so frustrated! After checking for a long time, I found out it was a fuel pump failure, so I had to push the car to the shop to get it replaced. Other possible reasons include: a weak battery even though the lights are on; poor contact in the ignition switch, where turning the key does nothing; and sometimes issues with the key chip, causing the anti-theft system to lock the car. My neighbor has the same car and faced the same situation—it turned out to be a faulty starter motor. A simple way to check is to listen for the sound of the starter and fuel pump; if there's no sound, it's time for repairs. Make it a habit to replace the air filter and fuel filter during every maintenance service to reduce breakdowns. Safety first—don’t block the road!
