Q: Car won't stay crank

asked by on August 04, 2016

When I get in to crank the car and won't stay started

Car is hard to start Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

I would need more information in order to give you a precise answer. It is impossible to determine what is wrong with your vehicle with just this description, but there are a few possibilities that I’ll list. The starting issue could involve many things including, the built in anti-theft system going wrong, a problem in the fuel system, a bad battery, faulty sensors, and more. A few questions that would help: is the battery good? is the Check Engine Light on? Are there any existing diagnostic trouble codes? What is the make, year, and model of the car?

If you want to have the car checked more thoroughly, I would recommend having a certified professional, such as one from YourMechanic, diagnose the starting issue in person to let you know what needs 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

How do I unlock the seat belt?
The seat belt will occasionally lock, which will keep you from being able to pull it any further. When this happens, release the seat belt until it has fully returned to the retractor. Wait a few seconds, then slowly pull...
Knocking when engine warms up
When the engine is cold, the viscosity of the oil is higher along with the internal bearing clearances in the engine. As the engine warms both the viscosity of the oil lowers and the engine bearing clearances can increase dropping...
Gasoline pours out of the almost empty gas tank
Hi there. This is typically caused by one of two things. The most common being a bad fuel tank vent valve. This valve should open while fueling allowing the fuel vapor to be released to keep the fuel from backing...
The car won't start, battery and starter replaced
Thanks for writing in about your 1997 Lexus SC300. Power at the starter needs to be checked along with all of the connections. When checking connections to the starter, the battery will need to be disconnected to prevent a dangerous...
Service ABS/Traction control/Active Handling messages on DIC
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...
Battery Light is on - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
Hello. The symptoms you describe (an illuminated battery light, along with flickering lights and stalling) are commonly caused by an issue with the alternator. The alternator is the component that generates power for the vehicle's various electrical systems, and can...
I was driving my 2012 Chevy traverse 2 wheel drive... And all of the sudden my check engine light comes on and shorty after that t
Hi there. Unfortunately, this appears to be another auto parts store misdiagnosis issue. The charging system of your vehicle is much more than just the battery. It is likely that a different component such as the battery cables, battery temperature...
Mercedes 380SL starting up, rough idling, then cutting off and dying
The mileage is not that high but due to the age, before attempting further diagnostics, you should test cylinder compression and intake vacuum (to check for stuck valves). If you determine that the engine is basically mechanically sound, there are...
I accidentally put 5W-30 in my 2016 Camry instead of 5W20. Is it OK to drive it until I change back to 5W20?
Synthetic oil with a viscosity rating of 0W-20 is specified for your vehicle. 5W-20 is acceptable as well. 5W-30 will not harm your engine. Use of 5W-30 might add some additional cost in terms of reduced fuel economy due to...

Related articles

Can a Bad Sensor Prevent a Car From Starting?
If your car isn't starting or has a hard time starting, a faulty sensor may be to blame. Car sensors monitor data to keep your car running smoothly.
The Most and Least Expensive Cars to Maintain
Luxury cars, such as BMWs, are the most expensive and Toyotas are the most cost efficient. Driving style also affects car maintenance costs.
How to Troubleshoot a Car That is Hard to Start
"Car not starting" is a common complaint among car owners and is caused by faulty car batteries, spark plugs, car starter, or fuel pump.