Q: Car cranks but wont start ?

asked by on October 02, 2016

My 2002 1.8T vw passat turns over but wont start. Befor it went out it would turn over once and wouldn't. Start. Second. Time i turn it over it would start. I parked it last night came out this morning and turns over but wont start at all now ?

My car has 200000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Hi. There could be a couple reason why your car is not starting. One there could be a problem with the camshaft sensor or crankshaft sensor being faulty causing the car not to have spark which will cause the car not to start.

There also could be a problem with the fuel pump not working properly causing the car not to start now and giving you the hard start before. If the fuel pump is weak or coming on intermittently it will not send the proper fuel or fuel pressure to the injectors causing no start.

The worst case scenario is the timing belt has broken making the engine out time which will cause the car not to start.

I suggest you have highly qualified technician, like one from YourMechanic, come to you and diagnosis your no start problem for an accurate repair.

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


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Ignition clicks but won't turn on
Hi there. If the engine was starting to vibrate and will no longer start then you can have a number of issues occurring. It can be anything from a failing sensor to a timing chain problem, which is common on...
Leaking issue
The fuel filter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-can-i-keep-my-fuel-system-clean) and power steering system (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-does-power-steering-impact-a-vehicle-s-handling) are in two completely different parts of your car. The power steering pump, rack and lines are located in the engine compartment and the fuel filter is located on the cross...
Knocking noise - 2005 Scion xA
Hello. Assemblies such as power steering pumps can often be rebuilt or repaired, but the economics of it are usually only attractive to car enthusiasts or hobbyists. That is, IF there is something wrong with the pump, it is much...
Maintenance light - 2003 Honda Pilot
Hi there. There are numerous reasons this could be happening. The most likely reason a light may come on is that it is due for oil change (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/change-oil-and-filter). If you can, check your mileage since your last oil change and...
My car is having repeated problems with the batteries going dead quickly
Have you had your alternator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/alternator-replacement) checked? Make sure the charging system is working correctly. Does the vehicle work after you jump start it? If the charging system checks out, the next thing is to check for a parasitic draw....
I just had my tires changed and now my abs light is on
Your car is equipped with wheel speed sensors at each of the four wheels which monitor wheel speed while relaying this information constantly to the ABS and traction control system which are controlled by the car's ECU. When the ECU...
What is that black thing in front of my car that's hanging?
Hi There, A number of things are black in color and may drag from the front of the vehicle if they happen to be loose or broken. There are many different under carriage guards that help to protect various engine...
Bought used 11 Nissan Sentra. VDC lite is coming on and the car is jumping repeatedly upon acceleration. Only hapns somtimes
Hi Ashlea. The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) Warning Light is located on the instrument panel. When this light illuminates, there is an issue with the VDC system, and the system will turn off. You can still drive your vehicle, but...
Lightning bolt traction control
Hi Lindsey. Thanks for contacting us today. The lightning bolt light typically indicates an issue with the charging system, such as an alternator fault, battery fault or electrical sensors related to this system. This could also trigger some of the...

Related articles

Top 10 PZEV Cars for Eco-Friendly Drivers
Teddy Leung / Shutterstock.com The whole idea of a PZEV (that is, a partial zero-emissions vehicle), seems paradoxical. You’d think it’d have to either be zero-emissions or not in the category at all. But as contradictory as...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
The The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg provides an appealing combination of style, performance and drivability. This all-wheel drive SUV delivers a satisfying driving experience at a more affordable price than some of the comparable options available in its class. Key Features...
How to Replace a Fuel Pump Shut Off Switch
The fuel pump shut off switch may be faulty when the Check Engine Light comes on or if the engine suddenly turns off while driving.