Q: My Car cranks but will not start and it came out of the no where

asked by on July 16, 2016

1997 Dodge Neon. It was working fine for a couple of weeks but then suddenly stopped working. It cranks but will not start. Ive had a few family members who have worked with cars take a look and they all have determinded that there is no spark. The spark does go into the disrupter cap but will not go into the spark plugs. We tried replacing the D cap but still wouldnt work. We replaced spark plugs still didnt work. Battery was checked as good. We are complete lost and are in desperatly need to get this car fixed but without spending a thousand for it to go into a shop for months. Jumping the car wouldnt even work. Please help.
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

What does it mean if the warning message “tire pressure monitor fault” is displayed?
Your car comes standard with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). This system is responsible for monitoring the pressure in all four tires (but not the spare). If it detects low pressure, the Low Tire Pressure Light on the dash...
Warning lights coming on.
Hello, With all those Warning Lights and the Check Engine Light on, the car needs to be connected to a scanner to see what faults are present. You will need the help of a mechanic with a scanner, such as...
I have to turn the ignition twice
Hello. It sounds like an ignition switch or starter relay problem with your vehicle. I would have a certified mechanic accurately diagnose your car's starting issue (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-not-starting-inspection) so that you do not waste any time or money on unnecessary repairs....
Car running hot; won't keep coolant
Coolant leaks are serious problems because the entire cooling system pressurizes as it gets hot. There are many possible sources: radiator, water pump failure, heater hoses, freeze or expansion plugs in the block. I would suggest hiring a top-rated mobile...
Whining sound accelerating
Hi there, thanks for writing in about your 2007 Volvo V50. On vehicles similar to yours, a whining or whistling noise coming from the engine can be the result of a malfunction in the positive crankcase ventilation system. When the...
P2402
Hello and thanks for your question. The code P2402 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p2402-obd-ii-trouble-code-evap-leak-detection-pump-control-circuit-high-by-jay-safford) is usually caused by EVAP control system pump current goes higher than specified. The evaporative system pump could be drawing too many amps or the pump motor has a short...
I'm told I need my timing belt for my 2011 Hyundai Accent replaced.
Under ordinary service conditions (i.e., as opposed to "severe" which would be lots of city driving and idling, trailer towing, etc.), Hyundai recommends that you replace the timing belt (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/timing-belt-replacement) on your vehicle once it reaches 90,000 miles. At that...
What does the car do when anti theft is activated? does it have no compression kind of like head gasket?
The head gasket and/or other mechanical components of the engine are NOT involved in this fault you are experiencing, at all. Cavaliers have quite a few electrical and instrument panel problems. If you search the NHTSA database (http://www.safercar.gov) for complaints...
Car cranking but won't start also battery keeps dying
If the engine cranks at adequate RPM, be sure there is adequate fuel in the fuel tank and that the fuel is not old. Download any OBD-II trouble codes that have been stored and examine those codes for diagnostic clues....

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Dodge Avenger
The The newly redesigned 2012 Dodge Avenger is a really impressive addition to the mid-size sedan market. This model is Dodge’s answer to the likes of the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry, and while it may not have quite...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2011 Dodge Dakota
2011 2011 marked the final year of production for Dodge’s venerable Dakota pickup truck. It was a compact pickup, not quite the size of the Ram, and competed with similar models like the Chevy S10 and the Ford Ranger (both...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're Towing a Boat
If If you’re towing a boat, the vehicle that you buy is largely going to depend on the size and weight of your boat plus trailer. Most cars, realistically, aren’t cut out for the job. We recommend a pickup truck...