Last Updated on November 30, 2022
Anyone who owns a vehicle has likely experienced the frustrating problem of a car that cranks but doesn’t start, even after repeatedly turning the key in the ignition.
However, don’t let desperation keep you from logically figuring out why your vehicle cranks but won’t start normally.
Related: 4 Reasons a Starter Spins But Doesn’t Engage
Reasons a Car Cranks But Won’t Turn Over
Cranking the car is engaging the starter to energize the engine. The starter causes the flywheel to turn which rotates the crankshaft when all is working correctly. Sometimes this process is interrupted when there is a hitch in the system, and the car engine won’t continue to run after it “turns over” or cranks.
For the engine to start normally, it requires sufficient fuel pressure, an appropriately timed spark and normal compression. When it doesn’t start, the problem usually lies with one of these systems though the starter system can also be the culprit. Below are some common causes of an engine that cranks but doesn’t start and some troubleshooting tips to identify the cause.
See Also: What To Do If Your Car Shuts Off While Driving
#1 – Spark Problems
Lack of spark may occur due to a damaged ignition module, a faulty crank position sensor, a flooded engine (sometimes happens in older or high-mileage cars), bad spark plugs, or a problem in the ignition circuit, such as the wiring, security system (the fuel flow may have been shut off to prevent theft or the chip in the key could be faulty), or a malfunctioning ignition switch.
An inappropriately timed spark can occur if there’s an issue with the timing system. This can be difficult to diagnose, but a timing light is a useful tool to check that all the cylinders are firing exactly when they are supposed to.
To determine if there is a problem with the spark, visually check the distributor cap (if your vehicle has one) and the spark plug wires, as these may degrade with age. A spark tester should be used to check for a proper arc from each spark plug wire or coil.
If you suspect the engine may be flooded after repeated attempts to start the car, remove the spark plugs and let them dry, then replace them and try again.
Related: Symptoms of a Hydrolocked Engine
#2 – Lack of Fuel Flow
Problems with fuel flow may be due to a damaged fuse for the fuel pump, a bad fuel pump, contaminated or incorrect fuel in the tank, a faulty or clogged fuel filter or injector, or simply an empty fuel tank (the fuel gauge is not always accurate).
Having the appropriate fuel pressure is important for your car engine to start or run, especially for fuel-injected engines. Listen to hear the fuel pump buzz for a few seconds as you turn the ignition to the “on” position.
If no buzz is heard from inside the car or back by the fuel tank, the pump may be dead and fuel is not reaching the engine at all.
Note that some fuel pumps only flow while the car is cranking so some cars don’t have an audible buzz. Consult the internet or your owner’s manual for more information for your specific model.
If you do hear the buzz of the fuel pump, you can try putting a flathead screwdriver on top of each injector (with the handle next to your ear) while the car is cranking. If the injectors are firing, you will hear a faint ticking sound from each injector, transmitted by the shaft of the screwdriver.
Some cars have a safety feature called an inertia switch which shuts off the flow of fuel automatically after an impact. If your vehicle recently sustained an impact, check your owner’s manual to see if this feature is present in your vehicle and learn how to manually switch it to allow fuel to flow again.
Related: What to Do if Your Car Breaks Down
#3 – Low compression
Each cylinder needs compression for correct engine function. The compression ratio compares the maximum cylinder volume to the minimum cylinder volume during each stroke of the piston. If one or more cylinders have low compression, air from the combustion cycle leaks past the piston rings which limits the amount of work that cylinder can do to spin the crankshaft.
Compression problems can be caused by a broken or loose timing belt or chain or a snapped overhead camshaft. An overheated engine is another severe problem that can prevent your car from starting.
Try using a compression gauge or tester to see if you have a problem with the compression in your car. If so, a leak down test is a secondary test to check for leaks in the cylinder. A professional mechanic can perform these tests and examine the cylinders if you don’t feel comfortable checking yourself.
#4 – Power Supply Problems
Another possible problem is a weak starter motor that uses a lot of amps to crank the engine, then doesn’t have much juice left to switch on the fuel injectors and ignition system. In this case, you will probably notice that the starter makes an unusual noise when you attempt to crank the engine or it doesn’t turn over at all.
Weak or corroded battery cables or a dying battery can contribute to the problem as well. Check the voltage of the battery with a multimeter while cranking the engine. It should show over 10 volts.
Check for blown fuses by visually removing and inspecting the wiring of each fuse when the car is shut off. If they appear to be in good condition, put them back in then try turning the car ignition into the “on” position and using a test light to check each fuse for electrical current flow. Replace any damaged fuses with new ones from an auto supply store.
Related: 7 Reasons a Car Starts Then Immediately Dies
Troubleshooting Advice
If the engine cranks but won’t start, turn the car off and remove the air inlet tube attached to the throttle body. Then spray a small quantity of starting fluid into the engine after gently pushing the throttle open. With that done, try cranking the engine once again.
If the engine starts but dies after a few seconds, this means that it has no fuel but the spark and compression are okay. However, if the engine does not start, it almost certainly lacks spark.
Avoid repeatedly cranking the car engine to try to make it start, as this can wear out the starter or drain the battery.
If you must try multiple times, wait several minutes for every 15 seconds of cranking performed to allow the starter to cool down. It shouldn’t take more than a couple seconds per attempt to know if you’ve resolved the issue.
Checking sensors and actuators for problems is critical, as modern cars have a variety of electrical components that can cause failure in the engine starting process.
The best way to do this is to check the car computer for codes (faults in the electrical system) with a scan tool that can be found at most auto supply stores. Most of these problems will also cause the check engine light to illuminate, but not all of them.
How to Tim a 320i BMW ,,what can cause a car to damage head several
Can I still drive my Isuzu rodeo 2004 when the immobilizer light comes on? Sometimes it won’t start I take the key out and put the key back in several times and it does start. But is it dangerous to drive it after that?
It’s not dangerous per say while driving, but you run the risk of not being able to start it when you are away from home. Definitely something you should get taken care of so you don’t have to stress every time you try starting it.
I have a 2005 Malibu classic
It has been sitting for about a year. I just put a brand new battery
It won’t start but it turns over
A year is a long time. Was the fuel already old before it sat? Gas does go bad after a certain amount of time.
I would check the basics. Check the air filter to make sure there’s nothing clogging it like a rat’s nest. Next make sure there is fuel and spark getting to the combustion chamber.
I have a VW Crafter 2006. My key broke off in the ignition. A locksmith removed the broken key and cut a new key. With the new key the engine cranks but don’t start. Should I replace the whole ignition.
It shouldn’t have anything to do with the key so I wouldn’t just replace the entire ignition system. You need to determine whether the problem is fuel, spark, or compression related.
If you feel comfortable, you can test for spark by removing a plug wire, inserting a long screwdriver into the plug wire boot, and placing the end near the engine block. Have another person crank the engine and look for a spark. If there is a spark, the issue is likely fuel related.
Have the new key programmed to PCM and security system that’s why it doesnt start it’s not recognized by PCM or security so it wont start until it is immobilizer in sec system is shutting down its start capabilities right now had same problem with a focus I had lost key had new one made it was transponder key and was programmed at locksmith to PCM but only specific makes dealer can program it to sec system though hope this helps
You can programme keys to your car yourself on my focus you turn it so many times lock doors manually etc then press unlock on the key and it’s programmed into that specific car. Saves some money .
What if when you put the key in the ignition (Honda civic 2009 exl) the security light does not turn on. I mean not even blink it never turns on I don’t even know what color is it. Every other light turns on but the security light. And my car is just rolling over and just wouldn’t start.
I have a nissan Altima crank no start good fuel pump changed crank position sensor, tried starting fluid , still nothjng
I have an older car, so simplistic it could only be one of 3 things wrong. Same symptoms, cranks great, start briefly, then stop. Wouldnt start more than a second. Eventually I narrowed it down to the battery not grounding enough. It did ground, did crank, but as soon as the engine started, conked out again. Figured out the ground has to be super solid. It did ground, but, with a load on it, would jump right out again. Try grounding until there is no possibility of the battery negative cable pooping out. A good fake when it cranks again and again but never runs an idle or even start. New cables, maybe a better ground location, and maybe add a 2nd ground to it if that unsure.
Also, if youve already cranked an engine enough times, you can flood it with gasoline from the carburator, which wets down the spark plugs, making it even more difficult to start it. You may have to let it dry a bit before trying it again.
So I do have a 4runner 1997, 4cyl and 2.7 engine that don’t want to starts. It crank and swing but wont start. The fuel filter and the fuel pump have been change, the crank sensor also change, the testing to see if there is any sparks from the spark plug wire. But it still won’t start. what could be the problem?
3.4 chevy venture cranks but no start can spray ether in and still no start ? Answers please
I’d lean toward a lack of spark issue (bad plugs or wires).
Ford fiesta 2007.
car no crank and not start at all
and immobiliser light flash 4 time faster than normal.
help please
It’s possible your car can’t detect the key. Do you have another key you could try? Are you able to replace the batteries?
I have a 2007 Ford Ranger with a 2.3l engine. My problem I’m having is it cranks fine but starts real hard when cold or letting it sit over night after running it. I’ve changed plugs and wires,throttle position sensor,massive air flow sensor and fuel filter. I have no codes and the check engine light is off. The only thing I haven’t changed is the fuel pump. It runs great after it starts. I can shut it off after running a minute or so, and it will start right back up. It idles around 850 to 900 rpms when warm. It has plenty of power when I drive it. It doesn’t hesitate or miss when I run it. I check the oil once a week and fine no signs of antifreeze in the oil. I do hear the fuel pump cycle when I turn the key on. The truck has on 85,452 miles on it. Not to brag, but it has no rust on it. I’m about to get rid of it because I can’t figure it out. Can anyone give me more idea’s of what it can be. I should check the fuel pressure but I don’t have a fuel gauge to use. I know a lot of people will say it’s a Ford LOL. It would make me happy if someone could lead me in the right direction on what could be wrong with it.
Did you ever figure out the issue I’m having the same problem
2006 Mercedes E350: 1. It may start right away 2. It takes several attempts to get it started. 3. It starts after you leave it for some time. The fuel pump, crank and cam shaft Sensors have been changed but the problem remains. How can I resolve the problem? Please help!!!
Hey I would say battery issues. I had same issue. I changed + battery cable and cleaned all connections with wire brush. You’d be amazed how much that helps
2004 pon grand am crank but no start. i tried starting fluid in the injectors and nothing. bypassed the security that wasnt it. fuel pump wont engage. want to make sure its the fuel pump before i drop the tank. i was also told theres some kind of relay switch or something under the back passenger side seat that could be the problem what is it?
2015 kia soul spin bearing and rebuild engine crank and not starting, was getting that kick to start sound but after scan and erase a trottle/ pedal sensor code that was found no longer getting that kick to start sound. Anyone can help?
I have a 2013 Hyundai Elantra it turn over but won’t stay on I changed the starter and spark plugs but it still won’t start.
I added a comment elsewhere. Be sure your battery negative cable is super grounded. It can fake good ground by cranking but not grounding enough to carry a running engine load. New cables and/ or a better grounding location to test this out.
Have you also checked the air intake hoses for leaks, especially the big one coming from the air filter box. Might not start or run if it has any loose areas, or open cracks.
I have a 1988 Gmc 350 the motor turns over good but won’t crank it started today what does it sound like to you
Hi I have 08 Mitsubishi Lancer and I charge oil and filter and the after that the car doesn’t want to start a crank but weak can someone help me I check every single fuse and nothing and a check if the is a cable lose and nothing I trying a new fuel pump to see if this is the problem
It sounds like there’s something else going on here. Perhaps something was bumped while you were changing the engine oil and filter? Make sure the battery terminals are tight. Changing the engine oil and filter should not affect the vehicle’s ability to crank and start.
hello. i have a 99 nissan truck. The engine blew. i swapped engines only the longblock. everything else is original that i put back in. Now it cranks but no start. I checked everything including distributor spark plugs battery ground cable fuses.etc etc. still no start but it acts like it wants to start. What do u think?
Check to make sure everything is plugged in. Check ground straps too. Any codes?
Old wiring that’s been disturbed could’ve caused an open circuit somewhere. First thing I’d do if I had no codes would be to poke around the engine bay with a multimeter to make sure I was getting the expected voltages to each of the sensors.
2013 renualt trafic diesel 2 litre customer left ignition on for 30 mins switched off went to start turns over wont fire.cam and crank sensor codes so fitted new sensors still no start.found if you unplug the cam sensor and the airflow sensor vehicle starts revs and runs you can plug the cam sensor back in while running seems ok but when you 0lug airflow sensor back in vehicle stops.will only restart when both sensors are unplugged.tried to get wiring diagram for cam / airflow sensor renualt in australia are not intrested unless they charge and check vehicle themselves no one seems to have info as renualts not a big seller in aus
I have Opel Vauxhall 1996 1.4i. The car cranks but does not start. I had the cambelt and water pump changed. However if I spray starting liquid into the air box it starts immediately but engine light remains on. What could be the issue here.
Scan the codes first, as they will help you narrow down the problem.
If it starts with starter fluid it’s probably a fueling issue. You know it has air and spark because it was able to start at all, then you introduced some fuel with the spray. I would approach the problem in this order:
Check fuses and relays. Could it simply be a bad fuel pump relay?
Take a look at your injectors. Are they all plugged in?
Perform a fuel pressure test.
I was driving my car down the road it got over heated notice that someone more likely put a screwdriver hole in my hose for my radator so now the coolant leaked all out. it got over heated so i pulled over and when i did i had a hard time starting it back up finally got it started back up when i did i was only able to drive it for like 4 minuets then the car turned off on me completely i got it off the road tried to restart it and it would crank over but it would not turn over after a few times of doing that it decided to make a big knock now i cant get nothing what will that be and how can i go about fixing the issue thank you
You shouldn’t drive a car without coolant. Since you overheated the engine and tried to drive it, any number of things could be wrong. I’d take it to a shop you trust and tell them what happened, then go from there with their diagnosis.
car cranks but cannot start
A car needs fuel, air, spark, and compression to run. You’re missing at least one of these. One of the easiest things to check for is spark. Are your spark plugs firing? You could perform a fuel pressure test to check for adequate fuel pressure, and a compression test to check compression. If your car won’t even fire, it’s likely not a problem with air.
You could have a bad sensor or timing issue (the latter affecting compression) as well.
One more suggestion for crank, no starts. Besides checking super good battery grounding, try checking the main wire that sends power through to the main system. There are other wires that can cause a power drop when the engine is actually trying to run (past the cranking stage). I found 1 wire running into my firewall that was loose. Once I fixed that, the whole dashboard went on, including the crank system. In other words, the whole thing blinked on, then off, then on again. It is an older, simpler car, but the system is basically the same idea for all cars.
I have a 1991 Chevy Lumina Euro Sport. I left it parked for over a year and when I went to drive it again the battery was dead. I put a new battery in and it wouldn’t start back up. I’ve replaced the spark plugs and the fuel filter. It finally started but shut right back off and wouldn’t start again. I’m at a lose at what else to do.
Check your battery terminals. Although they may look like they are connected to the battery, if they are loose or corroded they may not make a good enough connection to power the starter and crank the engine.
I have a 2009 caravan.I swithchEd the ignition box and it’s trying to crank.but dosent Wat could be the issue
Double check your work, and double check that you have the right box. If you can test the box to verify that it is good, that will help narrow the scope of the problem as well.
Great list, I follow the advice does this apply to diesel vehicle?
Some of it. Diesel engines don’t have spark plugs, but some have glow plugs instead.
I have a toyota quantum d4d 3litre enjine,the problem now is it cranks but wont start . At first i used to press the button on top of the deisel pump en it culd start but now its not working so i bought a new pump and still cant start i have to kickstart everytime i need to start it .please i culd b glad to hear your opinions.
I have ford fiesta 2014 model the car overheated several times which made me to buy 2nd hand engine they did put the engine and remove the old one but theres no spark in the car what could be the problem
That sounds like an issue for the mechanic to sort out with the replacement engine.
It could be a number of things. Maybe they forgot to plug something in, maybe they missed a ground strap, or maybe the ECU is not compatible between the two engines. Did they replace the engine with the same year, make, and model engine as the old one, or at least the same generation?
I have a 94 honda hatch and recently replaced the dizzy cleaned injectors, getting a pulse through injectors and replaced most of the gas. The spark plugs and wires are new I can spray ether and it runs for 2 sec then dies. Not sure what the issue is. Also the fuel pump works and took the filter cap off to see if gas comes out it does. There’s a little bad gas in there as I couldn’t fully drain the tank. Put 7 good gallons in.
Have you checked the timing belt and ignition timing? My guess is the timing is off enough that it’ll run when you spray ether but is too out of sync to run on its own.
I have a kia ceed and the engine is crank but not start. Showing that the crankshaft sensor is the problem.i replaced with new one but the same problem. What can be the problem?? And if it’s the immobiliser antenna from where I can buy new one??? because I didn’t find on Internet anything.
Crankshaft sensor and immobilizer antenna are two completely different parts. If you think both are bad, it may be a wiring issue.
Please i have Rio kia 2009 buy the car is just rolling but not starting,what could be the possible problem
Does the engine crank?
Hello,
I am having some intermittent issues. The engine will have a crank no start condition. Sometimes it will start right away with no issues, sometimes it will start the second time I try, sometimes it does not start after 4-5 attempts, but then will start if I try it an hour or so later.
What could be causing this?
Thank you,
Connor
You’ll have to narrow down the problem a bit. Are there any check engine light codes? Have you noticed any other issues while the vehicle is running? Have you made any observations as to when it is likely to start, and when it isn’t?
Hello,
There is no check engine light. I have ordered an OB2 reader to see if it can see anything, but it hasn’t come in yet.
The car drives perfectly fine when it does start. Good gas mileage. No vibrations or weird sounds.
I have not been able to find a pattern to when it doesn’t start. It has had the crank no start symptom in the cold morning, afternoon (~75F), after not being run for a couple of days, and after not running for about 6 hours.
It has always started if I turn it off and then immediately turn it back on.
Thank you,
Connor
I wonder if it’s a mechanical issue with the engine or a problem with the ignition? I was thinking the former, now I’m leaning toward the latter; I would expect some issues driving normally if there was a problem with the engine that was preventing it from starting. See if you can start it easier after inserting and removing the key several times, and maybe wiggling the key around inside the ignition.
Hello,
Thank you for the tip. I will try it the next time it happens. Should I turn the key to the on position each time I insert or just insert and remove?
I tried the OB2 reader on the car and I had a Pending P0304 code (cylinder 4 misfire). I cleared the code and kept checking to see if it came back, but it didn’t.
I had a crank no start again and then it started right after that. I checked with the OB2 and it had a Pending P0335 code (Crackshaft position sensor).
Could these codes be the cause of the crank no start or just a symptom of it?
BTW. The car is a 2012 Hyundai Elantra if it matters.
Thank you,
Connor
Sounds like your crankshaft position sensor is working intermittently, or the wiring leading to the crankshaft sensor is bad. That would definitely cause a no start condition where it just cranks.
If you replace the sensor and still experience issues, you will have to do some electrical diagnostics to see if you can find where the break in the signal is. The factory service manual will have wiring diagrams for your car that will tell you what each pin on the crankshaft position sensor does. You may also be able to google for this information if you don’t want to purchase a repair manual.
I have a Toyota belts after changing the battery it is failing to start but cranking with a weak sound.when you continue to crank it almost starts but fails.what could be the problem
Check the connection at the battery terminals. Are the cables clean and tight?
I have a 300 E series BMW salon car(koja)Has slight jerking engine sound and has no force when turtled.even with new plugs lately i tried to start but it won’t start, it does like it want to start but it won’t till my battery went out. Please what do I do, mechanics around here seems to be confused Cuz they aren’t much BMW mechanics here
I’m not sure what you mean by “turtled”. I think the mechanics in your area should be able to diagnose that whether it’s a BMW or not.
Renault Trafic LWB. 2007. Running fine then went to shops, came out and wouldn’t start? Turned over fine. It was very hot. Coolant tank was empty. Filled it. Still won’t start. Repair shop say it’s nothing to do with coolant but immobiliser. They’re waiting to check my second key and looking for a Secondhand ring? On the ignition. Been in there a couple of weeks and they go on a months holiday in a week. Should I get it towed to a Renault repair shop in town?
Hi i need help my car swing strong but it dont wanna start i put new crank and bearings new belt and tensioner plugs oil what can be the problem
Is there any fault codes
So my 2005 Jeep unlimited tried to start but wouldn’t but kept trying even after the key was removed. Brand new starter, good compression, battery is fine. Any ideas?
Sounds like you might have a bad ignition switch. Good on you for checking the starter, battery, and even compression.
07 Camry will not start after overheated weeks ago
Any codes? If not, consider a leak down test. I would probably recommend having the car towed to a shop for a diagnosis if you’re not sure.
Kia Soul had issues this morning it would crank but wouldn’t start. I waited 20 min then started it again and it worked. I’m thinking maybe the fuel pump but I’m no professional. Any ideas?
I’m not sure. Were there any other symptoms? Did you scan for codes?
Hi! My toyota yaris verso had starting issues it starts fine on the first try but when using it then switching off the engine on the 1st start it only cranks but it will not start the engine. But when you start it again for few seconds it will start on the 2nd try..
See if there are any stored codes. That should help you narrow down the problem.
If there are no codes, do you have an easier time starting the car when you give it a little bit of gas while you crank the engine?
Hey Sean, I have a 2010 Kia Forte with an intermittent crank no start, the car will crank for ever so I have to usually stop, and try a few times then it starts. I notice it happens more in the summer and almost never in winter. I do notice also that it starts easier when pressing the gas. We replaced ignition coil, spark plugs, cam sensor as per manual. Only thing left the manual says is ignition switch, but it could be a million things. Any ideas? Thanks
That’s a good start. Does the car idle OK after you get it started? If the idle is rough at all, I might check the timing.
Hi, Hyundai Veloster turbo, Swapped a bad ignition coil. Removed the coil lead while cad was running to confirm. Car shut off, cranks but won’t start. Fuses and power have been checked.
Thanks
The car still won’t start with all ignition coils in place?
Thanks for sharing with us its quite interesting and informative information which is very useful to take .
My car keeps on cranking but wont start…it is not sparking…checked all the fuses and crankshaft sensor but still not sparking..please help…its a toyota corolla 1.5 auto..VVTI
Any codes? How are the ignition coils?
Put a new engine in my BMW 135i after the engine stopped working and when I put the new engine in it would not start. It’s cranking and started once but died quickly after and has not started since then. I plugged up the wires correctly and everything, but I can’t seem to figure out what going on.
Check all grounds, check the timing, make sure you have fuel and spark.
My toyota corolla spacio went off on me last week as i was driving home. i turned it on after a few second and it started and i drove home fine, however the following day when i tried to start it the car was just cranking but wont start. what could be the problem?
I don’t know. I would scan for codes, because that could quickly tell you if a sensor is failing or some wiring that leads to that sensor may be bad.
If there are no codes, make sure you have air, fuel, spark, and timing. The car won’t start if the timing belt has snapped, for instance. Good luck, hope this helps.
Hi I have F10 523i BMW 2011 model,it’s just swing it can’t start no spark I need your help,the injector open,I checked crankshaft sensor, computer box,fuse box,key wirering,timing,I don’t know what to do now it’s been 4 months
I thank you
Regards
Shadrack
Hi, my Toyota echo 2001 model not starting at first spark…keeps cranking and later sparks after constant cranking. What’s the cause?
I don’t know. Remember that a vehicle needs air, fuel, and spark at the correct time in the correct amounts in order to start and run properly. I would start by checking the spark plugs. Consider changing the fuel filter if it’s never been changed. Low compression can cause issues with starting as well.
Does it start easier when the vehicle is warm?
My car just shut down while running and now it only cranks but doesn’t start..what might be the problem?
The car is a 2kd diesel
Thanks very much for your help. Continue assisting us.
My f150 shut down when I was driving, now it won’t start, wats wrong
I don’t know. Did you try scanning for codes? What happens when you try to start it? Can you hear the engine crank?
I have a Mercedes,so is bringing light but is not starting
Could the battery be dead? What happens if you try to jump it?