Why can't the car start with the key?
2 Answers
There are several reasons why a car key may fail to start the engine: 1. Steering wheel lock: If the steering wheel cannot be turned and the key cannot be twisted, it is due to the vehicle's simple anti-theft function being at the intersection of key unlocking and lock cylinder torque. Simply turn the steering wheel lightly clockwise (or counterclockwise) and gently twist the key to unlock it smoothly. When parking, try to straighten the steering wheel before turning off the engine and removing the key. 2. Incorrect gear position: For automatic transmission vehicles, the gear must be in the "P" position to start. Develop a good habit of placing the gear in "P" before turning off the engine. Check the gear position before starting. 3. Vehicle malfunction: If the car still cannot start in the "P" position, or if the dashboard shows an abnormal gear position, it is recommended to seek timely repairs, as it may be due to a faulty electronic gear sensor or electro-pneumatic valve damage.
After driving for most of my life, I've found that there are quite a few common reasons why a key won't start the car. Most of the time, it's due to insufficient battery power—you can check by honking the horn or seeing if the dashboard lights come on. If it's a smart remote key, the button battery might be dead, preventing the signal from being sent, and even trying the sensor area near the car door won't help. Once, during heavy rain, my key got wet and short-circuited, leaving the car completely unresponsive until it dried out. Also, if the anti-theft system is locked, it will prevent ignition, requiring a spare key or a reset. Keeping an automotive emergency power supply in the car is really useful—otherwise, you can jump-start the car or call for a tow. Additionally, worn key teeth or faulty chip programming might cause the ignition slot to fail recognition, so avoid dropping the key to prevent internal damage. Temperature changes can also affect electronic components, making issues more common in winter.
