Q: What’s wrong if the starter works, but the engine won’t crank?
What’s wrong if the starter works, but the engine won’t crank?
YourMechanic
While the most common problem with the engine is a dead battery, there are other things that could be causing a no start situation. If you turn the key and the starter engages normally but the engine doesn’t crank, here are a few things to consider:
Try pausing for 10 seconds before cranking the engine again.
Make sure the car is in park or neutral (neutral and with the clutch pushed in for a stick shift).
Make sure you’re pressing the brake pedal.
Is the immobilizer light flashing? If so, your master key needs to be reprogrammed (or the key being used is incorrect).
Is there gas in the tank? Check the gas gauge and make sure it’s not empty.
Check the fuse to the fuel pump (it may be blown, in which case gas can’t get to the engine).
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
How Do the Turn Signals Work on My Car?
The turn signals (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/how-do-you-operate-the-turn-signals) are sets of lights that use a flasher (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/hazard-turn-signal-flasher-replacement) or timer element to cycle the correct set of lights for both the front and rear of the car, to signal other drivers when you are turning...
What does it mean if the Check Engine light comes on in the dash?
Your car is pretty sophisticated. The computer systems are capable of monitoring a number of different aspects of operation, including the exhaust/emissions system, the engine and transmission, and more. If a problem is detected, the Check Engine light is turned...
How do I turn on the front fog lamps?
The front fog lamps are controlled with the exterior lamp control, which is located on the instrument panel, to the left of the steering column. To turn on the front fog lamps, press the exterior lamp control knob. To turn...
Window will not close
Hello. It sounds like the window motor failed. It is much easier for a failing motor to lower and window and not be able to close it. I would typically remove the door panel and first check the voltage at...
Clunking in rear
Hi, when does this occur? There could be multiple things involved. If it happens when you shift from reverse to drive or vice versa, the gearing in your rear differential may be misaligned creating a larger than normal gap between...
Vehicle shudders when starting and stopping. Runs fine at cruising speed
You may have a problem with the transmission's lower gears. There may be a shifting issue causing it to slip in lower gears. Problems like these can be hard to pinpoint if not seen in person. Have a certified mechanic,...
Engine light is on+ VSC Trac lights
The "VSC Trac light on" problem is related to a software problem with the yaw rate sensors calibration. This is documented in Toyota Technical Service Bulletin (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-use-a-technical-service-bulletin-tsb-to-diagnose-and-repair-a-car-by-valerie-johnston) TSB #BR005-03, which your Toyota service center can apply to re-calibrate this sensor....
Can I disarm my seat belt chime in Nissan Micra k12
Try to connect all the passenger seat belts even if no one is in it. Make sure you wear seat belts if in seat. Sometimes the seat sensor detects someone in the front seat passenger side even when no one...
I have a Hyundai Elantra Coupe and the check engine, oil and battery light came on. The battery and a heating coil were recently r
Be sure the parking brake is not engaged or perhaps stuck. Other causes of no movement in drive are large vacuum leaks, low fuel pressure, throttle body failures, and failure of key engine sensors. There may be stored diagnostic trouble...
Related articles
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Dodge Charger
If If you’ve always loved driving performance cars but you don't know how you’ll fit a baby seat in a Mustang or a Camaro, the 2012 Dodge Charger could be the car for you. While it has the room and...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe
The The 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe has a distinctive style that offers an agile and fast ride to its passengers. The goal with the Coupe is to provide buyers with an alternative to the Porsche Cayman, Audi TT Coupe, and...
How Do I Prepare My Car for Summer?
Summer's Summer's heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic will take their tolls on your vehicle. Follow these tips to ensure optimum wellness of your car: Air Conditioning: Have your air conditioning inspected (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/heating-ac-inspection) by a qualified technician. Newer models have cabin...
Browse other content
Cities
Estimates
Services