What to do when the car P light keeps flashing and won't start?

[SanColton]

First, it may be an electrical or electronic malfunction. Electronic malfunction mainly refers to the central computer control board losing its function. Then it could be a fuel system failure, or the battery has failed. Finally, it may also be a mechanical failure, as the car's self-diagnosis system constantly monitors the vehicle's operation.

[DiBrooke]

When my car won't start and the P indicator keeps flashing, I first check if the anti-theft system is locked. Some models won't start if they don't detect the correct key signal, and the indicator will flash. The last time I encountered this situation, it was caused by a depleted key battery, and replacing it with a new CR2032 battery solved the problem. Next, I check the car's main battery: use a voltmeter to measure it—if it's below 12 volts, it might be dead, and a simple jump-start can get it running. I also confirm whether the transmission is in the P position, as occasionally forgetting to shift gears can cause a stall. If none of these steps work, it might be a blown fuse or a deeper electrical issue requiring professional repair. As a habit, I always have the technician check the electrical connections during routine maintenance, which significantly reduces such problems.