Vehicle Turns Over But Won't Start - Need Help Troubleshooting!

Technical Discussions
1

I’ve been having an issue with my car lately where the engine cranks but just won’t start. It sounds like it wants to fire up, but no luck. I could really use some advice on this.

Here’s what I’ve checked so far:

  • Battery: The battery seems fine. It’s fully charged, and I even had it tested at the store.
  • Fuel: I’ve got enough fuel in the tank. I tried adding some fresh gas just to be sure.
  • Starter Motor: I hear it cranking, so I don’t think the starter is the problem.
  • Lights & Electric: All the lights work normally, so the electrical system appears intact.

Possible Issues I’m Thinking About:

  1. Ignition System: Maybe there’s an issue with the spark plugs or ignition coil?
  2. Fuel System: Could my fuel pump be failing? Or maybe a clogged fuel filter?
  3. Sensor Problems: I’ve heard it could be something like the crankshaft position sensor.

It’s frustrating because it’s been running fine up until now. If anyone has experienced this or has any suggestions for further diagnosis, I would really appreciate it!

Thanks in advance for your help. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

8 Likes
2

It could definitely be a few things! First, check your fuel delivery system. If the fuel pump isn’t working, the engine won’t start despite turning over. Have you checked the fuel gauge?

3

Good point! Also, don’t forget about the ignition system. A faulty ignition coil can cause no spark, which is another reason it won’t start.

4

Exactly! A lot of people overlook that. If you can check for spark at the plugs, it’ll help narrow it down. You can also test the battery; sometimes it’s just weak enough to make the engine turn over but not start.

5

Another thing to consider is fuses. A blown fuse can interrupt power to critical components, so it’s worth checking those too!

6

You’re all hitting great points! I had a similar issue, and it turned out to be the starter motor. Have you tried tapping on it? Sometimes that can do the trick!

7

That’s an interesting tip! I would check all these things—fuel, ignition, and battery. If all fails, it might be time for a mechanic.

8

If you’re comfortable, you could also try resetting the ECU. Sometimes it just needs a little reboot! But be careful with that if you’re not familiar.

9

Great suggestion! But I must ask, why don’t cars just have a ‘start’ button that actually works every time?! Seems like a conspiracy! Just kidding.

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10

Haha, right? It’s like they want us to contribute to the mechanic’s retirement fund! But seriously, checking the battery connections is easy and often overlooked. It might just be a loose cable.

11

Exactly! Just remember to check all the grounds too. A bad ground can cause major issues without any warning.

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12

Thanks for all the advice! I will check the fuel pump and the ignition. If that still doesn’t help, I’m calling a pro. Appreciate all the support here!

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13

Good luck! It can be frustrating, but sometimes troubleshooting is the best way to learn about your car. Let us know what you find out!

14

When troubleshooting a vehicle that turns over but won’t start, always start with the basics. Check the battery and its connections. A weak battery might turn the engine over, but won’t provide enough juice to start it!

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15

Great point! After that, check the fuses and relays. If they’re intact, you might want to look into fuel pressure and spark plugs next.

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16

Fuel pressure is crucial! Make sure you’re getting enough fuel to the engine. You can use a gauge to check it. If it’s low, the fuel pump could be the culprit.

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17

Absolutely! Also remember to inspect the spark plugs. If they’re fouled or worn out, the engine won’t start, regardless of the other bits working.

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18

Don’t forget about the ignition system. Sometimes the ignition coil can fail. Have you had any warning signs prior to this issue? That could help narrow it down.

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19

That’s a good point. Any odd sounds or behavior before it happened? It could make the troubleshooting process easier.

20

If you’re not familiar with testing these components yourself, it might be worth getting a friend or a mechanic to help! It can save you a lot of time and hassle.