What's the reason a Chevrolet won't start?
3 Answers
There are several reasons why a Chevrolet won't start: 1. Battery failure: The battery malfunctions and cannot store power. 2. Starter motor failure: The starter motor fails and cannot drive the flywheel to rotate. Check if the starter motor is working when attempting to start the vehicle. 3. Ignition system failure: The vehicle's ignition system malfunctions. Pull out one of the ignition high-voltage wires from the engine. 4. Fuel supply system failure: The vehicle's fuel supply system malfunctions. Disconnect the fuel pipe joint on the engine, turn the ignition switch to the position where the dashboard lights come on (without the starter operating), and observe whether fuel flows out. If fuel flows out, the fuel supply system is fine; if not, further inspection is needed.
I just experienced this situation! My old Chevy wouldn't start last week - just heard the 'click click' sound when turning the key. Experience tells me there's a 90% chance it's a dead battery, especially for cars over three years old. Battery terminal corrosion or end-of-life is particularly common. When I measured it with a battery tester, sure enough the voltage had dropped below 10V. A temporary solution is to get a jump start, but it's best to replace the battery ASAP. If it still won't start after jumping, check if the starter motor makes a 'whirring' sound without engaging - if so, the starter gear might be stuck and you'll need to tap the starter housing. Finally, don't forget to check for less likely issues like poor ignition switch contact.
As a long-time Chevrolet owner, I believe troubleshooting ignition issues should start with checking simple oversights. Last week, my niece's new Cavalier had this problem, and it turned out she didn't straighten the steering wheel when parking, triggering the anti-theft lock. The immediate symptoms are either the key won't turn or it turns but the engine shows no response. Secondly, make sure the gear is in P; if an automatic transmission is left in D when turning off, it will cut power protectively when restarting. Another hidden issue is low key fob battery - the remote can unlock doors but the vehicle can't detect the anti-theft chip. After ruling out these commonly overlooked points by beginners, then consider fuel or electrical system problems.
