Why Can't a Haval Car Start Suddenly?
4 Answers
Reasons why a Haval car cannot start suddenly: Steering wheel lock: The steering wheel cannot be turned, and the key cannot be twisted either. This is the vehicle's simple anti-theft function, which happens to be at the intersection of key unlocking and lock column torque. Just gently turn the steering wheel clockwise (or counterclockwise) and then lightly twist the key to unlock it smoothly. Reminder: When parking, try to straighten the steering wheel before turning off the engine and removing the key. Incorrect gear position: For automatic transmission cars, the gear must be placed in "P" (some cars include "N" gear) to start. Some cars cannot even remove the key unless the gear is in "P". Develop a good habit of placing the gear in "P" before turning off the engine. Check the gear position before starting. Vehicle malfunction: If the car still cannot start in "P" gear, or the dashboard shows an abnormal gear position, it is recommended to go for maintenance promptly, as it may be due to damage to the electronic gear sensor or electro-pneumatic valve.
That day when I was dropping off my kid at school, I found that my Haval just wouldn't start no matter what. After tinkering with it for a while, I finally figured out the issue. The most common cause is actually a dead battery, especially in older cars that are three or four years old. Either you forgot to turn off the headlights and drained the battery, or the battery has simply reached the end of its lifespan. Listen for a clicking sound when trying to start the car. If the remote key fob is out of battery, it can also lock the system—try using the spare key to check. Another less common situation is when the gear isn't in the 'P' position; automatic transmission cars won't start in any other gear. Jump-starting is simple, but if the battery is swollen, it needs to be replaced immediately. Once, I saw a neighbor messing with their dashcam wiring and blowing a fuse—just find the corresponding 15A fuse in the small box under the steering wheel and replace it.
As a mechanic with ten years of experience, I've encountered numerous Haval starting failure cases. Apart from battery issues, starter carbon brush wear is particularly common, especially in vehicles with over 100,000 kilometers, where the starter either spins freely or shows no response at all. Fuel system failures are also quite frequent, such as fuel pump pressure leaks causing first-time ignition failure, or clogged fuel filters due to poor-quality gasoline. The crankshaft position sensor failure is a hidden culprit—no dashboard warning, but the ECU prohibits ignition if it doesn't receive a signal. The most troublesome issue is a frozen ECU, requiring a five-minute disconnection of the battery negative terminal to reset. I recommend keeping an OBD scanner handy; fault codes make diagnosis straightforward, saving you from futile efforts on the ignition switch.
Last month, my Haval H6 also went on strike, and I summarized the critical three-check method. Check battery power: Press the horn to hear if the sound is loud, and turn on the headlights to see if the brightness is sufficient. Check fuel system: Press the accelerator pedal all the way down when igniting; some older cars with carbon buildup on the throttle can be forced to start. Check anti-theft system: Look for a flashing key icon on the dashboard; a dropped key fob may cause the chip to shift. In winter, watch out for frozen windshields—if the brakes are stuck, starting may trigger protection. In emergencies, don’t force the key; try turning on the hazard lights, locking and unlocking the car, as this can sometimes reset the glitchy electronic anti-theft system.
