What to Do When Push-to-Start Doesn't Work in Winter?
2 Answers
There are many reasons why push-to-start may not work in winter, and solutions vary depending on the issue. Below are the common reasons and solutions for failure to start: Steering wheel lock causing failure to start: When parking, if the steering wheel is not straightened and remains at a slightly larger angle (e.g., over 30 degrees), the steering wheel will automatically lock as an anti-theft measure. In this case, the key may not turn, preventing ignition. Solution: Apply force to turn the steering wheel while simultaneously turning the key to unlock the steering wheel, then attempt to start the car. Push-to-start may encounter a dead smart key battery: The key is inside the car, but the dashboard always displays a key matching error. This occurs because the smart key battery is dead, and the start system cannot detect the weak signal emitted by the key. Solution: Place the smart key directly on the start button, then press the button to start. If the remote key battery is dead or there is another issue preventing proper matching, insert the key into the emergency backup key slot and press the start button to start the car. New car not pressing the brake before push-to-start: For borrowed or newly purchased cars, push-to-start vehicles require pressing the brake pedal to ignite. Pressing the start button without pressing the brake only activates the car's electrical system but does not start the vehicle. Solution: Press the brake pedal first, then use push-to-start.
I remember one winter when my car's push-button start wouldn't work - it was really scary. I was in a hurry to get to work and tried several times with no response. Later I contacted a car-savvy friend who told me that low winter temperatures most easily affect battery performance, and when the battery is low on charge the engine simply won't turn over. We jump-started it using another car's battery, then took it to a repair shop where they found the battery was severely aged. After replacing it with a new one, things improved significantly. I also learned a useful tip: check battery life before cold weather sets in, drive more regularly to let the alternator charge it, and park in indoor spaces to reduce cold exposure. If you frequently encounter similar issues, keeping a portable jump starter on hand makes winter much less stressful. In short, if your car won't start, don't panic - checking the battery should be your first step, and if that doesn't work, seek professional help.
