Q: Why does my car start one day and the next day it wont start? The car will crank but wont turn over

asked by on December 27, 2016

My car shifts gears & locks up on me sometimes. It has its days when it will start & wont start. One day it will crank and turn over then other days it wont turn over
My car has a manual transmission.

Car is hard to start Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello, thank you for writing in. With intermittent symptoms, diagnosis can take longer but is typically the same as diagnosing any other starting problem. The main issue is that you can only perform the testing needed when the issue is occurring. If the vehicle starts and works normally, all of the components are likely going to pass their tests. There are several components that will work intermittently. They include the fuel pump, charging system, a number of sensors, and any electrical connection that is loose. When the vehicle is not starting, test for fuel pressure, spark, and the electrical connection on any of the sensors that effects starting (air intake, camshaft/crankshaft position sensors). 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

Engine tries to start, but then makes a grinding sound instead of starting.
From your description it sounds like your starter and/or flexplate (flyhwheel if you have a manual transmission) may be damaged. A professional technician, such as the ones at YourMechanic, will be able to give you a definitive answer (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-hard-to-start-inspection) when...
Car makes no sound when trying to start.
I would still look at the battery and see if the cables are corroded. I recommend having a technician come inspect your vehicle (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-not-starting-inspection) and clean the battery terminals and check voltages from the switch. If the battery is OK,...
Ticking and white smoke
Hi there. Overfilling the oil can cause issues, but in most cases it has to be an extreme overfill. Often leaks can develop along with noise and smoke. Worst case scenario, it can cause mechanical damage to the engine. The...
AC leaking and not holding charge
The AC system is a sealed system, so you are correct to believe your Cadillac may have a leaky AC if you are experiencing a problem. The more common leaks are usually found right behind the front grill where the...
Car will intermittently not start
You should check the starter relay in the distribution panel box behind the left headlight in the engine compartment. This relay will relay power from the ignition switch to the starter solenoid. If you turn the ignition switch when the...
Connect battery up to car, car then tries to start by its self without key in ignition. What can be problem
Hello, thanks for writing in about your Oldsmobile Aurora. A bad starter solenoid could make the starter run, but would not activate the ignition switch, so the engine could crank but not run on its own. I would recommend testing...
My car cranks but won't start sometimes
This may be caused by a number of things such as leaking fuel injectors or potentially a faulty ignition coil(s). Coils are coated with a varnish-like insulation that becomes brittle over time after being stretched then contracted repeated as the...
Dead battery
This depends on the engine you have in your Ford F250. As you may know, this truck had an option available with a diesel engine which generally would require much more cranking power than the 5.3L motor that would have...
When I start my car, it turns over fast, but has issues. I often have to give it a little gas to get it to run normally.
Hi there. There is a possible pin hole leak on the fuel system that is drawing in air into the fuel system. This will make the engine stumble as it is trying to start, but when the fuel is moving...

Related articles

Can a Bad Sensor Prevent a Car From Starting?
If your car isn't starting or has a hard time starting, a faulty sensor may be to blame. Car sensors monitor data to keep your car running smoothly.
2012 Ford F-150 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado: Which One Should I Buy?
When you’re ready to really get some work done, there’s nothing like a full size pickup truck. These trucks are ready to haul a big load and really get in there and get busy. SUVs are great for moving people,...
The Top 5 Selling Cars in Alaska in 2012
Alaska Alaska requires a different kind of vehicle to handle both the terrain and the wintery conditions. While some of the most popular options for the Alaskan terrain in previous years included options such as the Subaru Forester and the...