Lightning Strike Near Car Won’t Start: What to Do

Experiencing a lightning storm near your parked car can be unnerving. Even more so, if the aftermath leaves you with a vehicle that won’t start. While a direct hit is rare, even a nearby strike can induce powerful electrical surges capable of wreaking havoc on your car’s sensitive electronics. If you find yourself asking, “My car won’t start after a lightning strike near me,” don’t panic. This article will shed light on why this happens and guide you on what steps to take.

How Lightning Affects Your Car’s Electrical System

Your car acts like a metal cage during a lightning storm. The electricity primarily travels along the vehicle’s exterior, seeking the fastest route to the ground. However, the induced electromagnetic pulse from a nearby strike can be potent enough to affect the internal wiring and delicate electronics within your car.

Here’s how a lightning strike near your car can disrupt its starting and other electrical systems:

• ECU Confusion: The Engine Control Unit (ECU), your car’s brain, is highly susceptible to voltage fluctuations. The surge from a lightning strike can disrupt its programming, causing communication errors that prevent the engine from starting.
• Fried Fuses: Fuses are your car’s safety valves against electrical overloads. A lightning strike can cause a sudden power surge, blowing fuses and breaking circuits that are crucial for starting your car.
• Sensor Malfunction: Modern vehicles rely heavily on sensors to manage everything from fuel injection to ignition timing. These sensors can be damaged by the voltage spike, leading to erroneous readings that prevent the engine from starting or running correctly.
• Wiring Damage: While less common, a nearby strike can be powerful enough to induce currents within the car’s internal wiring. This can melt insulation, short circuits, and lead to more extensive electrical damage.

Signs Your Car Was Affected by a Lightning Strike

It’s not always obvious that lightning is the culprit behind your car troubles. Some signs are subtle, while others are impossible to miss. Here are a few indicators that your car’s electrical system might have been compromised:

• Car won’t start: This is the most common and frustrating symptom. The engine might crank slowly or not at all.
• Dashboard warning lights: Expect a Christmas tree effect on your dashboard, with multiple warning lights illuminating simultaneously, including the check engine light, battery light, and ABS warning light.
• Malfunctioning electronics: The radio, power windows, interior lights, or other electronic accessories might behave erratically or stop working entirely.
• Burning smell: A distinct burning smell coming from under the hood or inside the cabin can indicate melted wiring or damaged electrical components.

What to Do After a Lightning Strike Near Your Car

1. Safety First: Before approaching your car, ensure the area is safe and free from downed power lines or other hazards.
2. Don’t Touch the Metal: If you suspect a direct hit and your car is smoking or on fire, do not approach it. Call 911 immediately.
3. Check for Visible Damage: Look for any signs of scorching, melted plastic, or exposed wires, particularly around the antenna, radio mast, or battery.
4. Try to Start Your Car: If it’s safe to do so, try starting your car. If it starts, listen for any unusual noises or performance issues.
5. Document Everything: Take photos and videos of any visible damage and note down the symptoms your car is experiencing. This will be helpful for insurance claims and repairs.

Troubleshooting and Repair

While some issues might be as simple as replacing a blown fuse, it’s crucial to have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic, especially one specializing in automotive electronics, after a suspected lightning strike.

They have the expertise and diagnostic tools, like dealer-level scanners for European cars, to:

• Identify blown fuses and relays
• Test the battery and charging system
• Inspect the ECU for damage and reprogram if necessary
• Diagnose and repair or replace damaged sensors
• Trace and repair any damaged wiring harnesses

“After a lightning strike, even if your car seems fine, it’s essential to have it checked. Hidden damage to the electrical system can surface later, leading to more costly repairs down the line.” – John Miller, Master Automotive Technician

Conclusion

A lightning strike near your car can lead to a range of electrical problems, from minor inconveniences to major headaches. While it’s natural to hope for the best, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and seek professional help to diagnose and address any potential issues. Remember, addressing the problem promptly can save you time, money, and future headaches.

FAQs

Q: Will my car insurance cover lightning damage?
A: Most comprehensive car insurance policies cover lightning strikes as “acts of nature.” However, it’s best to review your specific policy or contact your insurer to confirm coverage.

Q: Can a lightning strike total my car?
A: While a direct hit can cause significant damage potentially leading to a total loss, even a nearby strike causing extensive electrical damage can make repairs economically unviable, resulting in a total loss.

Q: How can I protect my car from lightning strikes?
A: While there’s no foolproof method, parking your car in a garage or under a sturdy shelter during a lightning storm offers the best protection.

If you need immediate assistance with your car, please don’t hesitate to contact us via WhatsApp: +1(641)206-8880, Email: [email protected] or visit our workshop at 276 Reock St, City of Orange, NJ 07050, United States. Our team of experts is available 24/7 to assist you. You can also check out our other articles on car diagnostics and troubleshooting on our website.