Engine Cranks but Won't Start? Common Reasons Why Your Car or Truck Won't Start and the Parts Needed

If your car or truck engine will crank, but not start, there are a few possibilities for why. In this video, Andy explores the common causes of a cranking no-start. Some of those reasons involve spark plugs, ignition coils, and fuel pumps. Check out the video to find out more!

🔧 List of tools used:
• Inline Spark Tester
• Spark Plug Socket

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⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

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[normjr]

No, I couldn't not tell difference

[abcd]

That smacking of the gas tank just saved me a tow truck fee. THANK YOU SIR

[tj]

The computerized vehicles of today may have solved one problem, but definatly have created many, many, more !

[tommydelwadley]

Why can't all mechanics and people who work on vehicles be as good as this guy

[JohnShalamskas]

Thank you for the troubleshooting suggestions! This afternoon my 1998 Ford Explorer cranked with no start. Checked owners manual for fuel pump fuse location. Fuse tested good (about 3 ohms.) Owners manual showed the fuel pump relay location in the same fuse box. I unplugged the relay and gave it a few taps against the car body in various orientations. Plugged relay back in, and car started up immediately when I cranked it. Probable cause: Relay stuck in open position. Drove car about 6 miles to recharge battery. Ordered new 5 pin relay from O'Reillys.

[bseriesvqjohn]

What if the battery light came on before the car started dying, and then you can no longer start it, but it still cranks, would it still be spark or fuel, could that be a main relay

[billarenz]

You can also hear if the fuel pump motor is working by removing the gas cap and putting your ear by where the gas is pumped in and listening for a buzzing noise while the ignition key is in the run position without the engine cranking. Also there could be a fuse an/or relay for the fuel pump that could cause the fuel pump to not function.

[josephtrunk]

My car cranks will not start. I was told to look at the fuel pump relay first make sure the fuel pump is turning on when you turn the key because it cranks like no fuel is getting to the motor. Problem literally started today, car has run and started perfectly fine for the last 5 years.

[andresrenderos]

My car has these symptoms but once it starts is good. Is usually early in the morning when is cold.

[EmilIy-ci]

I changed the fuel relay and fuel pump and I still don’t hear my pump turning on. Waiting for my main relay to come in and see if it’ll turn it on. Car Cranks. Won’t start if I spray starter fluid

[jamesmacdonald]

Interesting vid, there are more reasons than the basics covered... Injector relay, cam sensors, poor earth, becm/ecu comms, etc.. etc..

[bornfree]

Last week i ordered my parts from 1A Auto, coilpacks, plugwires, serpentine belt and shocks, installed it all today, works great, thank you 1A Auto.
👍😁👍

[twoshedsjackson]

Before you fire the parts cannon. Lift the car and check the Ground (Earth) strap low down on one side of the engine or the other (you can find out which side on Google). Down there they get exposed to weather and salt, corrode and break, usually where they bolt on. If your ignition system is grounded there and the ground strap is damaged/broken, it will turn over and won't start and you may have other mysterious electrical problems too. Its a VERY common problem often not considered until hundreds has been spent on unnecessary parts.

[dgefive]

I just had a nightmare of a time and I want to share my story with everyone so maybe they won’t make the same mistakes. TLDR: new fuel pump might have been no fuel and faulty fuel pump float. My 05 suburban stalled out while driving and it seemed to correlate with a bump in the road. Stranded I was luck enough to find a shop a few blocks away. Mechanic was nice enough to walk with me and give me a brief check. He brought starter fluid and after testing said bad fuel pump. I bought the cheapest eBay pump and just finished replacing. Mistake #1 I didn’t think of maybe my truck was empty. When I had everything apart I noticed little to no fuel but my gauge said I had just under 1/4 tank. And the only pump had some obvious signs of burn on the float connections. Mistake #2 the pump from eBay was not an exact match and I don’t know enough to say it will last. All is connected and first start was a bust but walked to the gas station filled, put 2 gallons in and it started and ran great but fuel gauge had not moved which I think is a good thing because I think my truck is finally reading correctly.

[worldofwonders]

No difference. I have the problem, but if it sits a 1/2 hr after it won't start but cranks, then sometimes it starts. 2004 Toyota Corolla SE. I don't wanna change out fuel pump if it's not that. I did change plugs a year ago, and seen a mouse chewed some of the coating from coil pack wire. Might need new coil pack? But Tks for great Videos! Save slot of money DIY and your parts are A1 !!!! No pun intended! 😂

[hippopotaman]

1 is no fuel 2 is no spark, ive found when you have no fuel it almost sounds hollow and echos were as with fuel it almost sounds smoother like it might start.

[joeneri]

My car cranks and take awhile for it to completely start.

[e_estep]

Now what happens when you have spark (new plugs also), adequate fuel pressure at the fuel rail, no codes and still just cranking?

[jim]

I’m gonna take a hard guess and say the first one was no fuel and the second was no spark