Q: Why will my car crank but not start?

asked by on March 30, 2017

My car is cranking but not turning over the fuel pump relay is working i changed the fuel filter i checked the battery they said it had bad cells but when i try to jump it off it.still wont turn. Would the battery be the reason?
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

AC not blowing cold air in 2003 Toyota Matrix
If the AC light is flashing and the air is coming out warm the problem might be a faulty AC compressor clutch relay. There is a technical service bulletin published by Toyota that has an updated relay part number to...
Short-term fuel trim swinging plus or minus 10% during driving
Yes, this is normal when you accelerate and decelerate. Your vehicle will add fuel at times, and when you take your foot off the gas, it will subtract. This is normal for any vehicle, even my Toyota does this. Once...
VW Polo running on three cylinders?
This is possibly a sign of an intake air leak creating a lean fuel condition. When this happens, this causes an imbalance in the air/fuel mixture inside the cylinder causing the misfire, which can also cause the engine idle to...
I got a alternator replaced on my car and now the Check Engine Light is on with the Battery Light. My headlights are still blinking.
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. This sounds like there is a loose ground or a wire was not hooked up to the alternator correctly. Check all of the wiring when that was removed when the alternator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/alternator-replacement) and battery...
Steering rack problem 2005 Audi A5
Hi there - yes, the "D" unit is an updated steering rack (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-steering-rack-gearbox) ("F" updated models are already available, so the updates continue). However, remember that this is electrically power-assisted, and there is a software component to the equation. If...
My car drives in 1 and 2 but does not drive in d.. it does go into reverse Chevy Tahoe
Hello - most likely problem for this "no go (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/when-it-turns-on-it-does-not-move-forward-but-does-move-in-reverse-easily-by-joseph)" condition is a failure of the forward sprag (a one-way clutch) in the transmission. I would recommend a transmission inspection (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/gears-slipping-when-accelerating-inspection) by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from...
Engine surging on 2008 audi a4 Quattro
Hi There, What you are describing is a common problem with a dirty or faulty mass air flow sensor. The mass air flow sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/mass-airflow-sensor-replacement) monitors air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the...
How to change sparkplugs? 1997 Cadillac Eldorado
Hi there - your first move would be to carefully sketch or cellphone camera record each coil position, then removed the coil packs. Using a spray tube, hose down the spark plugs with rust penetrant (WD-40, PB Blaster or similar),...
2012 Tundra Crewmax 4x4 in need of Front and Rear Rotors/Pads. Any recommendation as to what to replace them with and why?
Hi Cris. Thanks for writing in today. In regards to replacement brake components, my general rule of thumb is that OEM is always the best solution. As much as I believe there are several great aftermarket components on the market...

Related articles

2007 Nissan Versa vs. 2007 Saturn Ion: Which One Should I Buy?
Compact cars as a class are generally meant to be commuter vehicles: with excellent gas mileage, an entry-level price point, and decent safety ratings for those who are on the road the majority of their time. These cars also make...
Saturn Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Car Program
Drivers Drivers who are shopping around for a used Saturn vehicle may want to check out cars under their certified pre-owned program. Many manufacturers have a certified pre-owned (CPO) program, and each one is set up differently. Read on to...
Understanding the Saturn Oil Life Monitor and Service Indicator Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Saturn Oil Life Monitor indicates when and what service your car needs.