Why does the car fail to start after two ignition attempts?
2 Answers
The reasons why a car fails to start after two ignition attempts are: 1. The battery voltage is below the rated value, causing the starter to malfunction; 2. At extremely low temperatures, water mixed with debris blocks the fuel line; 3. Excessive fuel accumulation in the cylinder exceeds the ignition concentration limit; 4. Decreased spark plug ignition energy leads to misfiring; 5. Excessive carbon buildup on the throttle, spark plugs, or inside the cylinder. Things to note when driving a car: 1. Walk around the car before getting in to check for external conditions, tire status, and any oil or water leaks underneath; 2. If the car has been parked for more than 3 hours, let the engine idle for over 10 seconds after ignition, wait for the tachometer to drop to around 1000 rpm before driving, and extend the idle warm-up time appropriately in extremely cold northern weather.
Last time my car had the same issue—it wouldn't start on the first try and required a second attempt. At first, I thought the battery was weak because cold winter weather can age it. After checking, I found the voltage had dropped below 11.5 volts, which is lower than the standard 12.6 volts, leading to insufficient starting current. Another possibility is worn starter contact points or oxidized battery terminals. Additionally, the fuel system could be the culprit: if the fuel pump pressure is low, the first ignition attempt might not get enough fuel, while the second succeeds. If you encounter this, don’t rush to a repair shop—first test the battery voltage with a multimeter and clean any rust from the terminals. If there’s no improvement, check the spark plugs, as aging can also affect ignition. In short, address it early to avoid being stranded. Regular maintenance, like replacing the battery every 3-5 years, can prevent such trouble—safety always comes first.
