Why Won't My Automatic Transmission Car Start?
4 Answers
Automatic transmission car fails to start due to: 1. Spark plug malfunction; 2. Frozen coolant system caused by lacking antifreeze; 3. Incorrect gear selection; 4. Weak/dead battery or expired battery lifespan; 5. Excessive carbon buildup; 6. Severe electrical circuit issues or vehicle aging; 7. Insufficient battery voltage. Automatic transmission refers to a system where the vehicle automatically selects appropriate gears based on speed and traffic conditions without manual shifting. Starting procedure for automatic cars: 1. Check surroundings for safety before entering, fasten seatbelt; 2. Press brake pedal with right foot and push engine start button; 3. Shift to D gear and release parking brake.
Last time when my automatic transmission car wouldn't start, I first checked the battery. Using a multimeter, I found the voltage was below 11 volts - clearly a case of battery drain. At this point, it's crucial to rule out starter motor issues. Listening to the starting sound is key - complete silence indicates electrical circuit problems, while just clicking noises might mean a faulty starter. The fuel system needs inspection too; if the fuel pump fails, gasoline won't reach the engine. Another small detail - a stuck P-gear lock mechanism can also prevent starting. I tried restarting in N-gear and it worked. Battery terminal oxidation is common too; removing and sanding them clean showed immediate results. For emergencies, getting a jump start works, but for older cars, it's best to have professionals thoroughly check battery life and the charging system.
I've encountered the issue of the car not starting several times, and found that most cases are due to operational errors. For instance, when the smart key's battery is dead, the screen will display a 'key not detected' message - simply pressing the key against the start button can temporarily solve this. The gear must always be in P or N position; once I parked in D gear and shut off the engine, then couldn't start it the next day and thought the car was broken. When the steering wheel is locked, turning the key is particularly difficult - you need to turn the steering wheel slightly while starting. In cold weather, you must press the brake pedal to ignite, and forgetting this step makes all efforts futile. Running out of fuel is another common pitfall - a friend thought they could make it to the gas station but ended up stranded roadside. Before calling for a tow truck, make sure you've firmly pressed the start button instead of just tapping it lightly, as many beginners make this mistake.
Once when I returned from a business trip, my car wouldn't start. After towing it to the shop, they found the starter relay was burned out. For automatic transmission vehicles that won't start, you need to judge by the sound: complete silence indicates an electrical circuit problem, clicking noises suggest a starter motor failure, and if it roars once then stalls, it might be a fuel pump issue. My car's battery was replaced in the fifth year, and the starter was replaced in the seventh year. During maintenance, remember to test the battery health - if its lifespan is below 30%, it needs replacement. Avoid leaving headlights on when parked to prevent battery drain, and be aware that modified audio systems are most likely to drain the battery secretly. Be extra cautious during the recent rainy season - engine wiring harnesses short-circuiting when soaked will definitely prevent starting, so conduct thorough inspections after driving through water.
