What's the matter when the car doesn't respond to ignition?
2 Answers
Many common causes of failure to start are due to improper operation, such as no fuel, no battery power, or incorrect gear position, and these situations are quite common. Reasons why the car doesn't respond to ignition: 1. No fuel: The fuel gauge shows below the red line, naturally making it impossible to start. 2. Dead battery: This could be due to a drained battery from leaving headlights on for too long or the battery's lifespan expiring. It is generally recommended to replace the battery every 2 years. Additionally, installing xenon headlights, high-power audio systems, DVDs, etc., can also cause vehicle circuit failures. 3. Incorrect gear position: When starting an automatic transmission car, the gear must be in P or N position. If it's in R or D position, the car won't start. Some manual transmission cars also won't start if the clutch isn't depressed. 4. No antifreeze added: Some car owners add water or low-quality antifreeze, which can cause the entire water circuit to freeze in extremely cold winter conditions, leading to the engine cracking and the car's water pump failing to operate, resulting in failure to start and damage to other engine components. 5. Excessive carbon buildup: Too much carbon buildup can also cause the car to fail to start. The solution is to frequently drive at high speeds to reduce carbon buildup.
There can be multiple reasons why a car won't start. I've encountered this issue several times, and the most common cause is a dead battery—such as leaving the headlights on or not driving the car for an extended period, which drains the battery. The dashboard lights might dim or not light up at all. If there's no engine cranking sound, like the usual 'clicking' noise, it could be a faulty starter motor, poor contact at the terminals, or corrosion causing the issue. Sometimes, the anti-theft system might trigger falsely, or the key might not be turned to the proper position, leaving the car unresponsive. Check if the battery terminals are loose and use a simple voltmeter to test the voltage. If it's below 12 volts, don't bother trying further. If all else fails, ask a friend for a jump-start or replace the battery. For prevention, I think extra attention should be paid to battery maintenance in winter, with regular checks on its lifespan. Never attempt to troubleshoot in busy traffic—it's safer to pull over and seek help.
