Car or Truck Won't Start? Difference Between a Crank No-Start vs. Just Won't Turn Over

So your car or truck won't start? Is it a crank no start, or not cranking or turning over at all? In this video, Andy explains the difference, and also what parts could be the source of the problem depending on whether the engine will crank or not! After ruling out a dead battery, Andy shows you how to check out things like the starter, alternator, fuel pump, ignition coils, and spark plugs! Check out this video to learn how to diagnose your engine problems and get back on the road!

0:00 Car or Truck Won't Start? Difference Between a Crank No-Start vs. Just Won't Turn Over
0:32 Doesn't crank or start, must be the battery right? Maybe not!
1:10 How to tell if there's a problem with the starter
3:37 How to tell if the alternator is the problem
4:30 Cranking no start? Here's what to check!
5:19 Check the fuel pump for problems
6:55 Check the spark plugs and ignition coils for problems!

🔧 List of tools used:
• Pocket Screwdriver

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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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[johndorian]

Best videos i've found, i love it when they actually record the sound it makes vs just saying if it makes a sound... like... what kinda sound

[KnightensLady]

I wish we could hit the like button more than once. This was hands down the best video and couldn't have come at a better time. Thank you for sharing 😁🙌

[peteavila-mbjd]

Dude, these videos are very detailed. Great for somebody that’s trying to work on their own vehicle. Thank you for posting these.

[MatCendana]

A very informative video that makes it easy for the layman who knows just a bit understand much better. I'm going to share an experience with a similar situation several years ago with my 1999 Mercedes W210. One morning it failed to start. There was no cranking sound at all - just a click when I turned the key.

Tested the battery, which was approaching five years. It showed 12.3V. Not high but "should have been enough". I assumed it's something else. Perhaps the starter, although I had replaced it less than a year ago. As with the alternator. I called a tow truck and had it sent to a workshop about 3 miles away.

The mechanic attempted to jumpstart by connecting to a standalone puny-looking battery (the Mercedes' was DIN90). The engine cranked and immediately started! The mechanic tested the alternator and it showed the battery charging at 14.3V. So the battery's the culprit. Why then did the car not start despite still having 12.3V?

I learned a useful lesson in basic electricity from the mechanic - volt doesn't automatically lead to enough cranking power (CCA), which the battery was lacking due to ageing plates. Some batteries might last more than 5 years, some less than 2. Or worse.

The towtruck cost the equivalent of US$ 35. Not exorbitant but I could have saved that plus the embarrassment had I just bought a new battery and installed it myself.
--Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

[AntonioCunningham]

I needed this last week.

A co workers car wouldn't start so we immediately thought it was the battery.

We tried a portable battery jumper, but had no effect. I thought it was strange that the battery percentages on the portable battery didn't move, but I went in to try jumper cables.

That didn't work. I tested the starter fuse and it was good. I tested the voltage and it was 12.4v (13.4v when connected with jumper cables)

After that failed, I gave up. It never occurred to me to test the starter itself... I still have much to learn.

[heisenfeis]

I might add check codes on newer cars before doing alot of work, one time it was the crank sensor. keep that in mind, and a engine needs air, exhaust, spark/compression and fuel. and on newer cars a whole lot of electric sensors too :) Edit: Stuck EGR valve is always fun, chokes the engine 5 seconds after start. i love being environmentally friendly.

[KC-xpof]

Great video 👍But let's not forget about these other common issues. My 99 Honda accord had a choke no start. It had two issues. 1... it was VAPOR LOCKED. Had to hit the top of the fuel pump several times. 2... the RELAY SWITCH needed to be replaced. Which I was told older Hondas have relay issues. So this relay is found under the steering column to the left side. Second vechile is a 07 Tundra. Replaced the FUSES and RELAYS to the fuel pump. That worked for a week. Then replaced the fuel pump. And heads up if the fuel pump dies completely, your vehicle will shut off with no warning and leave you stranded right where you're at. Which could leave you in a deadly or unsafe situation. Replacing the fuel filter ofter helps protect the fuel pump. Luckily, I was on a quite street vs the fwy or hwy when the fuel pump went out.

Lastly, the IGNITION SWITCH. It can get damaged from too much weight hanging from the ignition key ring. This also happened to my 99 Honda accord. Experienced an entire summer of the car shutting off in the middle of a turn in a very busy intersection. Absolutely no mechanic could figure it out. Thankfully, there was a recall for the ignition switch for this car. Otherwise this would have been very costly. Would have cost over 1k to replace the ignition switch. Hope this information helps you.

[britonmarrett]

Incredible list of possible issues. Very well detailed and incredible information and temporary fix to some of the issues highlighted.

[ifell]

I knew most of these but it's always good to have a refresher. Should be part of a 101 series.

[AndrewG-hc]

My dude just took a huge bong rip before doing this video, regardless, thnx for the tips!

[renostubbs]

You guys make everything so simple, I enjoy watching this channel

[oconnorcm]

Excellently clear first principles. Well done.

[johnnolen]

Love it when people get straight to the point

[totoriserdnd]

You are love from nigeria best explanation have ever come across on any YouTube channels

[cw]

97 Nissan Sentra wasn’t pumping fuel to rail. Pump was working. It wasn’t even the fuel pump relay. Ironically, on this particular vehicle it was the ignition coil relay. $30 😂 Vrooom! 🚗

[dalekundtz]

This came out at the right time for me

[fmita_]

If I have a no crank no start, but my car battery will turn on (I.e. radio, etc.), does that mean it’s for sure the starter?

[KhaosCats]

I would add ignition I had a no crank no start and my ignition was the cause of it

[dcarter]

Helpful video! Easy to follow! I would love insights from others if they have experience with the particular issue I’m having:
Mazda 6 2010 with a brand new starter
Few months back during the winter, we had a couple freezes. We did our best to keep the car covered and insulated (we don’t have a garage or carport) but we started having issues from time to time getting it to crank. It started with clicking when you turned it over, then silence. Didn’t happen every time we drove it, but as it became more frequent we eventually took it to the dealership.
They couldn’t recreate the issue at first (again it wouldn’t happen every time, mostly just the second time after it had been sitting overnight or all day). We had them keep it another couple days and they eventually got it to do it. They replaced the starter and we brought it home working fine. It sat overnight again and I drove it somewhere nearby and brought it home. No issues. Then my husband drove it to run an errand an hour later and when he came out of the store it hesitated to start. This was more like the second issue mentioned in the video. Turns over and stutters but won’t ignite. Again, it doesn’t do it every single time, but mostly the second time after sitting for some time. We took it back to the dealership and explained this to them. They kept it another 4 days but were unsuccessful in recreating the issue. So we picked it up. I’ve had it back now since yesterday and did a lot of driving with it all day and it was fine. Today I didn’t drive it until late in the afternoon, and just like before, it started just fine first time to go to Pilates. Then after class to drive it home it turned over, stuttered, and hesitated to start again. It started when I tried it again but I’m wondering if anyone else has a similar experience that could help me figure out what to ask the dealership to look for? It feels like “boy who cried wolf” bc I can’t get it to do it consistently enough for them to diagnose so maybe someone else could give me some direction?
The one mechanic they had staffed had a ton of cars this week so I don’t blame him for not being super granular about my issues when they don’t present 100% of the time. Thoughts oh wise and powerful internet?😂
Thanks!