Q: My car died while I was driving and I can't get it started again. Fuel is being pumped and I have spark. What could be the issue?

asked by on January 09, 2018

I was driving home yesterday and my car died. I checked the fuel pump, the air intake, and the ignition coil and replaced the ignition coil it cranks but won't start.

My car has 124000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

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

It is possible that the timing belt has slipped or is broken which would cause loss of compression. You can check cylinder compression to get an indication of that. Also, you should check for fuel from the injectors, not just pressure on the fuel rail. Although you may see a spark, it has to be determined if the spark is really sufficient. You could still have an ignition system fault. I suggest checking the timing belt first (check engine compression). If no obvious cause of the no start comes into view, simply request a no start diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will resolve this. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

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

Door not locking or unlocking
The actuator is the most likely cause of the problem; if the actuator is bad, it may prevent the door from locking, or unlocking. I recommend that you have a mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, run an inspection to...
BAS/ESP light coming on
Your vehicle may be having an issue with the connections to the brake sensor. The connections may have corrosion which will make the system go into failure mode, intermittently causing the throttle to not respond. I recommend having your brake...
Transmission won't shift out of second gear
All three problems may be related. You will have to get the computer scanned (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-is-the-on-board-diagnostics-obd-system) to see if you have a bad speed sensor. The speed sensor will sense the speed in which you are going; the computer will use...
Noise above 40 mph
Many different things can cause a drivetrain noise above 40MPH. The most common are wheel bearings (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-bad-or-failing-wheel-bearings), driveshaft (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-driveshaft), U-joints (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-universal-joint-u-joint), or the differential. If you'd like some assistance with these checks, feel free to contact a qualified technician who...
My truck overheated - is it a bad water pump or something else?
The [water pump]https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-water-pump) should definitely be evaluated. If you start the car cold, once engine temperature gauge reads in the normal range, check to see if radiator is hot. If radiator is cool and you have a new thermostat and...
When I put my van into drive or reverse it doesn't move. But while in drive or reverse if I rev up the engine it will start to go
Hi There, This may be a sign of low transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) or a faulty transmission control solenoid. As you know, automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears. Every time a gear change is required, the car's computer...
Power steering is very hard at low speeds and in reverse.
Sounds like the power steering pump valve is failing or the pump veins are worn and causing aeration of the power steering fluid making the system not function at low engine speeds. Try putting the transmission in low and turning...
Hit a speed bump when driving and my car began stalling
When you hit the bump, it could be that the engine shifted enough to pull loose the connection at the Mass Air Flow meter. Look under the hood for a large rubber hose connected to the throttle body and be...
Car clicked when trying to start it so I changed battery and now it just shuts off when I try to start it
If the vehicle will not start with a good battery then you need to see if the theft system is activated? Try to hold your key FOB next to the push to start button before pressing button to see if...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Ford Flex
The The 2012 Ford Flex takes on a completely different look when it comes to a CUV. The Flex can tow up to 4,500 pounds and seat seven passengers comfortably. It also has lots of standard features that its competitors...
2012 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2012 Ford Focus: Which One Should I Buy?
The Hyundai Elantra and the Ford Focus are both offerings in the inexpensive compact sedan category, and both represent some of the best offerings in that class. Compact cars are slightly larger than a subcompact, but smaller than a mid-size;...
Understanding Ford Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) System and Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Ford Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor indicates when and what service your car needs.