Q: Car won't start but cranks

asked by on February 16, 2017

After adding $5 of gas, the car won't start. All it does was crank. Could it be the fuel pump or a sensor? It crank before, because we changed the battery and took it out to auto parts to charge it to be safe and brought it back and I guess that's when the problem started happening. Car been set for two years I believe.

My car has 124769 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

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 do I control the windshield wipers?
Both the windshield wipers and the windshield washers can be controlled with a lever located behind the steering wheel. There are two levers, used to control a number of things on the vehicle, that stick out a noticeable amount from...
How do I change the air distribution mode?
Your vehicle has four available air distribution modes: floor level (air enters at the floor level), panel level (air enters at the instrument panel level), bi-level (air enters at the floor and instrument panel levels), and floor and defroster (air...
No cold air from AC
Hi, there are a few things that could be happening. The compressor for the A/C system may not be working properly due to the electronic clutch not engaging fully or the compressor not producing enough pressure for the system to...
Check engine light
The engine running lean could be due to using the wrong air filter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/parts/air-filter) and or the mass air sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/parts/air-mass-sensor) is defective. Check to see you are using the correct air filter and replace it if you are not...
Why does my engine turn over 5 - 6 times before starting?
A number of things can cause this but it sounds like the fuel pump check valve may be at fault. When you shut the car down, the check valve keeps pressure up in the fuel system. If it's faulty or...
My RPM's on my car keep revving up, but won't go past 2,000
Hi there. A rough idling engine can be caused by a number of issues, some of them are serious while others tend to be minor, but the symptoms remain pretty much the same. The car will feel rough and bouncy...
Engine light & engine power reduced
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle's warning light needs to be scanned so we can figure out what component may be causing the issue. Use the codes available to direct you to a probable component. If your codes...
I have an Acura RL 2005 with 140k miles, never the transmission fluid has been change. Should I change and do the three times flus
Your vehicle has a Maintenance Minder system, that provides automated reminders of when particular services should be performed. If Maintenance Minder code "3" displays on your instrument panel, you should replace your transmission and transfer case fluid. However, if you...
Stabilizer bar links/bushings
No they are not the same thing. Toe links are also called tie rods.

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
This This non-minivan, non-SUV, non-station wagon is nothing if not a class unto itself. Mercedes classifies it as a crossover but it reps more like a combination of all of the above. Its precise identity is really immaterial however, as...
A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
In In the world of full-size SUVs, Mercedes-Benz has made a name for themselves by offering unrivaled luxury in a field where the size of the engine is often the most important metric. While the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL Class definitely...
Top Automotive News & Stories: September 24-September 30
Angry Civic Type R, 350 special edition Ferraris, Infiniti variable compression tech, Mercedes' electric future, and more.