* Broken or damaged electrical components: The jolt from the pothole could have dislodged or broken wires, connectors, or even fuses in the engine's electrical system. This could interrupt the flow of power needed to start the engine. This is particularly true for older cars with less robust wiring harnesses. The alternator (which charges the battery) could also be affected.
* Damaged fuel system: The impact might have damaged fuel lines, causing a leak. A leak could mean the engine doesn't receive the fuel it needs to start, or it could lead to a short circuit. Similarly, the fuel pump could be damaged.
* Transmission issues (less likely, but possible): A severe enough impact could damage components within the transmission, preventing the engine from engaging and turning over. This is less likely to prevent the engine from *cranking* (turning over), but might prevent it from actually starting.
* Ignition system damage: While less common, the pothole could have damaged components of the ignition system such as the ignition coil, distributor (in older vehicles), or even the crankshaft position sensor which helps the engine know where it is in its cycle.
* Broken or damaged engine mounts: This is less directly related to starting the engine, but severely damaged mounts could have misaligned the engine, putting stress on various components, potentially causing indirect problems preventing starting.
* Damaged starter motor: The starter motor is responsible for cranking the engine to get it going. A significant jolt could damage its components. You might hear a clicking sound if this is the case.
* Battery issues (indirectly related): While the pothole itself may not directly damage the battery, the subsequent issues (like a damaged alternator) can lead to a drained battery that won't provide enough power to start.
It's important to note that diagnosing the exact cause requires a mechanic to inspect the vehicle. Simply saying "I hit a pothole" doesn't give enough information to determine the cause. The severity of the pothole and the age/condition of the car also play significant roles.
