What to Do When the Car Key Won't Start the Engine?
3 Answers
When the car won't start, you can try turning the steering wheel slightly from its original position while turning the key. Here is some knowledge about steering wheel lock: 1. Definition: Steering wheel lock is a simple anti-theft feature. After the car is turned off, turning the steering wheel from the centered position to one direction (usually to the left) by a certain angle will cause a "click" sound, locking the steering wheel. 2. Function of the Steering Wheel: The function of the steering wheel is to convert the force applied by the driver on the edge of the steering wheel into torque, which is then transmitted to the steering shaft. Using a larger diameter steering wheel reduces the amount of hand force required from the driver when turning.
I've encountered several situations where the car wouldn't start despite turning the key during my ten years of driving, and the most common cause was a depleted remote battery. That day when I was taking my child to school, turning the key got no response and it nearly drove me crazy. Later, trying the spare key started the car right away. If the spare key doesn't work either, you should check if the steering wheel is locked; sometimes if the steering wheel gets stuck when parked, the car won't start. If that's not the issue, check if the gear is in the wrong position—automatic transmission cars won't start unless they're in P (Park) gear. Another possibility is an aging battery; if the dashboard lights are dim, it's usually due to insufficient voltage. If all else fails, don't keep trying forcefully; just contact the 4S shop directly—they're the most reliable at reading fault codes with their computers. It's important to develop the habit of regularly replacing the key battery, at least once every two years.
I'm in the habit of checking the key status before getting in the car. If the car lights don't respond when pressing the unlock button, it's most likely due to a dead key battery. Last time when I came out of the mall and found the car wouldn't start, I quickly searched my bag for the spare key to save the situation. In such cases, special attention should be paid to the vehicle's anti-theft system, as repeated trial and error may trigger the alarm and directly lock the car. If it's a battery issue, you'll hear a clicking sound but the engine won't turn over, requiring jump-start assistance. Nowadays, new cars come with keyless start systems, which can also fail when encountering interference sources, such as placing the phone and key together. It's recommended that car owners keep a mechanical key for emergencies, as standard button batteries can be easily purchased at convenience stores. If completely unsure, take photos of the dashboard display to help mechanics diagnose the problem.
