Why Won't the Car Start and What Should I Do?
2 Answers
There are several reasons why a car won't start: 1. Fuel depletion: If the fuel gauge shows below the red line, the car naturally won't start. When you find that the car won't start, the first thing you should do is check the fuel gauge. Never wait until the fuel tank is empty to refuel, as this not only affects the engine's lifespan but also the fuel pump's lifespan. Moreover, operating the fuel pump without fuel can be dangerous. 2. Crankshaft position sensor failure: The crankshaft position sensor is the most important sensor in an electronically fuel-injected engine, especially in centralized control systems, and it is also a sensor shared by the ignition system and fuel injection system. The function of the crankshaft position sensor is to monitor the crankshaft position, allowing the engine computer to detect the speed signal. If the crankshaft position sensor fails, the computer cannot detect the speed signal and thus cannot determine whether you are trying to start the engine. 3. Dead battery: A car battery can die due to prolonged parking, the battery reaching the end of its lifespan, generator damage, insufficient or leaking electrolyte, blown fuses, corroded battery terminals, or overuse of the battery. Additionally, installing xenon headlights, high-power audio systems, or DVD players can also cause vehicle circuit failures. 4. Excessive carbon buildup: Too much carbon buildup can cause poor spark plug ignition, leaky valves, and poor fuel injector performance, leading to engine misfires, sluggish acceleration, engine shaking, and in severe cases, failure to start. Excessive carbon buildup in the throttle body can block airflow, and without air intake, the engine cannot start. If the car won't start due to excessive carbon buildup in the throttle body, try pressing the accelerator slightly.
I've seen many scenarios where cars fail to start, and battery issues are usually the most common. For example, the battery may be drained from prolonged inactivity, or cold weather can make starting difficult. You can first try charging the battery with jumper cables by getting another car to help jump-start it. If you hear a clicking sound but nothing happens, it might be a starter motor failure or an issue with the ignition system. Older cars may also experience fuel line blockages or fuel pump failures—check the fuel gauge to see if there's any gas left. When driving normally, remember to turn off the headlights and air conditioning system to reduce the battery's load. If the car doesn't start, avoid continuous attempts for too long to prevent damaging components. It's advisable to keep a car emergency jump starter in the trunk for self-rescue. If all else fails, contact a towing service or professional repair shop to ensure safe driving.
