Q: No start, no crank

asked by on March 31, 2017

My car will not even crank. I have tested the starter and it's getting power but the ignition wire to the top is not getting power when the key is in the crank position.
I have replaced the neutral safety switch, the ignition switch and the actuator pin. I can jump the starter by jumping the 10 and 11 pin in the starter relay in the fuse box.

What else could be wrong?

My car has 138000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Check to see if there are any stored diagnostic trouble codes. Be sure you have a fully, 100% charged battery that passes a load test. Confirm that the engine immobilizer system (security system) is not activated thus preventing the car from starting. If the immobilizer system is on, you may see a security warning light. If the warning light is on, to temporarily override the immobilizer system, see these instructions. If there is no starter motor operation at all, that is if there is no starter operation with the key held in the "start" position, the procedure is to test for power AND voltage drops to the starter motor/solenoid. If there is no power, OR a large voltage drop is measured in the circuit, then the electrical circuit supplying the motor has a fault but the exact location of the fault cannot be determined until the entire circuit is traced. That circuit begins at the battery and includes grounds, wiring (some of which is very heavy cabling), fuses (and possibly fusible links), relays, the ignition switch, neutral start switch, and terminations. Keep in mind, the issue could be due to a voltage drop and not necessarily a clean wire break or an open. Regardless of the underlying cause, if you request a no start diagnostic the responding certified mechanic will get the problem diagnosed and repaired for you promptly. Please let us know if you have further concerns or questions 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

How do I replace the battery in my key?
Your key is electronic. That’s what allows the remote to communicate with the various systems on the car. Like all batteries, it will eventually die and need to be replaced. It should last for several years between replacements, though. Here’s...
Water in engine
If you have driven through a large amount of water, to the point where the engine has inhaled water, the engine may have been damaged. It is possible that only some basic maintenance services alone may fix your issue; I...
oil pump drive
Hello there, thank you for asking about your 1993 Pontiac Grand Prix. The pump is self priming. If the red Oil Pressure Warning Light is not on, there is sufficient oil pressure. When engines are assembled, the oiling system is...
Car Inspection for Driving1500 Miles in 4 days
Hello, thank you for writing in. Taking a ten year old car on a that long of a trip should be fine as long as the vehicle is in good condition. There are absolutely a few steps you should take...
Starts then dies.
Hello there, many common problem will cause your 2002 Volkswagen Passat to start the die and have the check engine light illuminated. You have done well in diagnosis so far and in replacing common failure components. Before any more parts...
Flat spots and stuter at low speed and smelling petrol
Hi there. White smoke is sometimes an indication of coolant finding it's way into the oil inside the motor. This can be caused by a blown head gasket or shortly after experiencing an overheating issue. It can also be caused...
Car accelerates very slow when it hits 20 mph and neutral shift on dash starts to blink.
Either the transmission has thrust bearings or bushings that are worn causing the internal parts to go out of balance or there is an issue with the fluid is low causing the gears to slip. If the fluid is full...
Hello, I have a 2006 mazdaspeed 6 with 100,000 miles and a "blown third piston" is it worth fixing?
It's too bad that it failed this early in the game, but I don't think there's any future in fixing it. Just remember that an engine is only one of many very expensive parts on a car and once you've...
Hard to shift gears in traffic jam
The clutch and transmission on your vehicle are fairly straightforward systems. If virtually all of it has been replaced and yet it still doesn't work, that is frankly a guarantee that the cause of the problem is faulty, inept, careless...

Related articles

2012 Toyota Sienna vs. 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan: Which One Should I Buy?
The battle of the minivans: Toyota Sienna versus the Dodge Grand Caravan. Both of these comfy people-movers provide options galore, and the minivan is meant to get everyone where they need to go safely and quickly, at a reasonable cost...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Don’t Have Kids
Buying Buying a used car is rarely a simple process, but if you don’t have kids, you have many more options than those who have to account for additional passengers. There are plenty of choices out there, depending on your...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Caterer
If If you are in the catering business, you need a reliable vehicle that will provide you with what you need to transport your food, linens, and other supplies. Generally speaking, you're better off buying gently used, because you will...