Q: Car turns over but won't start

asked by on February 11, 2016

My car is overheating. The fan controls on the dash don't power on.

Car is not starting Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. I strongly suggest checking the pressure of the fuel system to verify that the fuel pump, fuel filter and fuel lines are in good working order. By doing this check, it will ensure they are receiving the proper PSI. Though those parts have already been replaced, I have seen some come faulty right off the shelf so its always best to test them if your having issues. I would also suggest testing the inertia switch. The inertia switch is designed to cut off fuel only in an accident but they have been known to go bad and randomly shut off fuel supply. I suggest having a technician test the starting issue and test the inertia switch. YourMechanic provides on site vehicle evaluation and repair per customer’s request.

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

How long should the tires last?
You expect your tires to provide you with a long use life. In most situations, that’s what happens, but there are times that you might experience premature wear and tear. There are a lot of different factors that go into...
Clutch pedal sinking to floor
You might be right. The slave cylinder is a hydraulic component. When it leaks either internally or externally, it will cause a symptom such as the one you are describing. In your vehicle the transmission need to be removed to...
Float valve stuck
Hello. If the engine is running rich or flooding from too much fuel then the flaot may be stuck open. If it is not closing then it will barely run, if at all. It this started right after this carburetor...
What is the best fix for a catalyst system efficiency below threshold (bank 2)
Trouble code P0430 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0430-obd-ii-trouble-code-catalyst-system-efficiency-below-threshold-bank-2-by-spencer-clayton) is for a catalyst on the drivers side. The sensor after the converter may be bad and not responsive enough or the catalyst itself may be bad. The catalyst (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/catalytic-converter-replacement) should be replaced if the converter...
Possible blown head gasket?
I believe you are on the right track. Anything mixing with coolant or oil is a definite blown head gasket. However, you may even have a cracked head due to the fact that you are running out of coolant. Check...
My car trembles or idles hard when I'm at a temporary stop. It feels like the car wants to move before I'm ready.
This problem may be related to a dirty or faulty idle air control valve. This valve is a unit that reads the air intake as it is mixed with fuel, prior to being injected into the motor. The computer then...
New power steering pump still hard to turn with white smoke and fluid leaking
Hello. Can you tell where the power steering fluid leak (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-steering-fluid-is-leaking-inspection) is coming from? The smoke is likely just the power steering fluid burning off on the hot engine. The steering is likely hard because you are low on power...
My check engine light is on and the autozone said it's the fuel rail pressure sensor and its high. I am supposed to drive to Texas
Hi Kelly. A check engine light is typically triggered when a senor detects a mechanical or electrical failure within an engine or transmission component. It usually will be accompanied by symptoms. In the case of a fuel rail issue, the...
How do I find the ignition switch
I would need to know the model of your 2002 BMW to know where the ignition switch is on your vehicle. If the vehicle has a key start on steering column then the switch is on other side of column...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If Your Kid's On the Soccer Team
If If you are a soccer mom (or dad), you know that you need a lot of space to transport your budding World Cup contenders, along with their gear. From time to time, you can also expect to be bringing...
How Long Does a Fuel Pump Relay Last?
The The fuel pump is among the most used parts on any car. Each time the car is started and ran, the fuel pump will have to perform. There are a variety of parts that help the fuel pump to...
How to Test a Starter Solenoid
Starter solenoids are attached to the starter. Test the solenoid with jump cables - when the solenoid fails, the car starter needs to be replaced.