Q: Fuel pump works, but I don't think it is getting fuel to the engine.

asked by on January 05, 2016

Engine cranks but will not start. I think I hear the fuel pump working, but I do not smell any gasoline odor when I crank the engine.

An engine that cranks normally but does not start is most likely not getting fuel or spark. If you hear the fuel pump working, it probably is not to blame. Checking for proper fuel and spark can be done using dedicated test equipment such as a spark tester, fuel pressure gauge, and no id light. A professional mechanic, such as one found at YourMechanic, will have this equipment and know how to use it. One last thing: you should not smell gasoline when cranking the engine unless there is a fuel leak.

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

Clicking sound upon startup
Hi there. I have come across this many times on this engine. If the clicking noise comes up when the vehicle is first started, then check the engine oil first and replace it if it is old. I have also...
Car shaking and not starting
Hello. There are many variables when it comes to a no start condition. Things like no fuel pressure, or a bad sensor causing a no spark condition are hard to diagnose with the limited amount of information given. Broken timing...
Loud roaring but turbo cannot be heard, no changes in horsepower
If you are not hearing your turbocharger while accelerating but the vehicle still accelerates as normal, I would not consider this an issue to worry about. However, if you don't hear the turbo and you feel that your vehicle is...
The alarm went off several times during the night
Hello. If this is happening randomly, it usually means that the battery (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-replacement) in the car is failing. If the voltage is getting low enough from the battery failing, then this will occur. If the battery is fine, then one...
My Yukon Denali is AWD. With front tires off the ground, should the drive shaft and both tires spin freely of each other?
Hi there, thanks for writing in. I'd be happy to help. This is a normal thing. Your front axle carrier has an electronic actuator that locks it in only when the transfer case is locked into 4WD. The fact that...
My radio and dash lights turn off once my vehicle has stopped and the driver door is open. Is this something you can repair?
Hi there. The wires to the dash and radio may have been shorted with the speaker wires that run to the doors. When the driver door is opened, the wires may short out causing a short to ground eliminating the...
Won't start and has spark, 49 psi in fuel pressure, and it ran when I parked the car. Why won't it start?
Hi there. Check the starter and see if is clicking when you turn the key. If the starter is clicking, then either the starter relay or the starter solenoid is not working. If there is no click and the starter...
When accelerating my steering wheel shimmers, like a slight wobble only while accelerating
Failure of the outer CV joints would more likely cause audible clicking or clunking on turns and not vibration. And, if the rubber boots are intact on the driveshafts (especially on the outer CV joints), it is not likely there...
After couple mins driving brakes make a deep squealing sound with pulsing in the brake pedal.
Hi there. In most cases, when the brake pedal pulses, it's due to either a problem with the ABS sensors or a brake rotor that is warped. A warped brake rotor can occur when the wheel is too tight on...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Personal Trainer
As As a personal trainer, you either operate out of a gym, or you go to your clients. Either way, you probably don’t have to haul any more gear than what fits into your gym bag, so your main focus...
The Best Used Cars to Buy for Highway Driving
Do Do you spend hours each week on the highway for work? Maybe you just live in a very rural area and have to drive for 30 or 45 minutes to get to the grocery store. Whatever the case, your...
Symptoms of Bad or Failing Points & Condenser
If your vehicle runs rough, the engine will not fire, or the vehicle will not start at all, the points and condenser system may be failing.