Q: My car cranks but it won't turn on.

asked by on January 11, 2017

I own a 2003 Toyota Corolla It cranks but it doesn't turn on. I checked my fuel pump I changed it. I went and I replaced it with a new one. I have checked my starter reply and it's okay. I have replaced the air flow mass sensor. I don't know what else I should do to try to get it to turn on. I haven't brought it in to the Toyota dealer ship because I have already spend about $500.00 on parts,fuel injector liquids and much more. What can I do to turn on my Toyota Corolla 2003 ?

My car has 180000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

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

Hello, thank you for writing in. When dealing with a cranking, no-start situation you always need to think about the basics. The first three things you need to make sure you have are fuel, air, and spark. If you are not receiving spark, which is one of the only things you haven’t addressed, then your vehicle will not start. The safest way to test or spark is to use a spark tester and have someone crank over the engine. If the light illuminates, your spark plugs are receiving the voltage they need. If the light does not illuminate, then you are likely needing an ignition system update. Also check your spark plugs and make sure they are in good condition (although not likely a reason for a total no-start). If you have all of these things, you may be looking at a more complex issue that will need more invasive testing. For more diagnostic help, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

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

Valve gaskets need replacing.
Hi. Your cooling and oil systems would need to be checked for leaks. These are two separate issues. The cooling system should not be getting low, except for a very small amount over a six to twelve month period. The...
Car cranking, but not turning over
There are a number of things that could be the cause of a no start condition. Remember, an engine requires 4 things to run: Air, Fuel, Compression, and Spark. Your vehicle has a complex computer controlled ignition system and relies...
Motor missing while accelerating
In older vehicles, misfires during acceleration or under load are usually due to faulty spark plug wires. Other things like carburetor not adjusted properly, or weak valve springs can also cause misfires during acceleration. I would suggest seeking help form...
AC compressor problem
If the compressor is failing it is hard to say if you can still drive the car. If the compressor is failing internally and only acts up when the AC is turned on, then you can still drive the car...
clutch feeling softer
Hello! This can depend on a variety of factors, but specifically, your driving style can cause this. If you tend to drive harder than normal - meaning you tend to transfer a lot of power through the clutch by releasing...
Leveling kit using simple bolt on strut extensions
The strut extensions are the least expensive kit to level the front of the truck. This kit is installed by putting a 2 inch spacer on top of the strut without taking the strut apart. It should not change the...
Getting error codes P0599 and P0171. Ive cleaned the O2 sensors but have no idea where to go from here.
Hello. Code P0599 is the code for an issue with the thermostat heater control circuit, while P0171 is for a lean condition on bank 1. P0599 is set when the computer detects that there is an issue with the electronically...
Car makes a loud noise when turned on and while accelerating
Hi there, All these symptoms point to a slipping serpentine belt. It needs to be replaced ASAP. Driving it further will damage your car further. The serpentine belt relies on pulleys and a tensioner to keep it tensioned. If any...
Rubbing noise coming from the front driver's side tire. What could be the problem?
The wheel hub bearing could be getting noisy or the scraping noise could be caused by the brake pad material. The most common cause of such noise is when the metallic material in the brake pad makes a scraping noise...

Related articles

2012 Toyota Corolla vs. 2012 Honda Civic: Which One Should I Buy?
Compact cars are the unsung heroes, slightly larger than a subcompact, but not quite big enough to be classified as a mid-size sedan. These vehicles have a small wheelbase of no longer than 109 inches with between 100 and 109...
The Best Used Cars to Buy That Can Be Towed Behind an RV
Summer Summer is a great time for a road trip, but often travelers like bringing all the conveniences of home along, in the form of an RV. Then they tow their car behind it – sometimes this practice is called...
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.