What's the reason when the key is inserted but the car won't start?
2 Answers
When the key is inserted but the car won't start, it could be due to the following reasons: 1. The anti-theft lock is engaged. 2. The steering wheel is locked. 3. The battery is dead or there is no fuel, among other possible causes. Here are some solutions: 1. Check if there is power in the live wire entering the ignition switch. If there is, the ignition switch is functioning normally; if not, there is a fault before the ignition switch. 2. Check if all wire connections are loose, detached, corroded, or have poor contact. 3. Insert the key and turn it to the ignition position without moving it, then check if there is power in the live wire of the starter motor's solenoid. If there isn't, the ignition switch is faulty; if there is, continue checking if the solenoid has any faults—check if the solenoid coil is open, if the wires or connections are loose, corroded, or have poor contact, etc.
I once encountered the frustrating issue of the car not starting when I inserted the key. I think the most common reason is a dead battery. For example, I might have left the headlights on the night before, or the battery could be too old to hold a charge. In such cases, I usually check if the lights have dimmed or press the horn to see if the sound is weak. If the lights are dim, it's most likely a battery issue. At this point, I can ask a friend for a jump start or use a portable jump starter as a temporary solution. In winter, low temperatures can easily reduce battery performance, so it's important to check the voltage regularly. Sometimes, the starter motor might be stuck, and a gentle tap might help unfreeze it. Safety first—never force-start the car to avoid damaging other components. Remember to take it to a professional shop for a check-up; replacing the battery usually solves the problem. For prevention, make sure all electrical devices are turned off when parking and perform regular maintenance.
