There could be several reasons for the engine not turning over despite the car starter working. The most common reason is a dead battery. If you left the headlights on or an interior light on during the night, it could have drained the battery by the next morning. Therefore, you’re not able to start the car. Another reason could be a faulty spark plug that can’t turn the ignition on. A spark plug will need replacement.
However, this may be even trickier if the fuel pump or fuel injector is at fault. The fuel pump is responsible for supplying enough pressure to run the fuel through the system. In contrast, the fuel injector supplies the fuel to the ignition. During this delicate process, all components must be functioning properly. Suppose the fuel filter also involved in cleaning the fuel of impurities is compromised. In that case, you’re looking at some serious damage too.
But what if the engine is fine, and your fuel gauge meter tricked you into believing you’ve got enough gas? It could be the same, and all you needed was some extra gas while you fretted over calling mechanics. No matter the problem, good motor oil ensures that you don’t have to go through repairs repeatedly. On the other hand, a diagnostic tool like a scanner will read your fault codes when the check engine light is on. Be sure to keep both things handy in your garage.
It cranks but nothing happens
An extremely cold temperature often calls for starting fluid. But sometimes, even this doesn’t help. If that is the case, take a look at the following possible reasons for your car’s condition:
- A dirty fuel injector
- A worn-out spark plug
- A timing belt went loose or worn out
- Bad fuel pump relay
- A dead car battery
- A dead key fob battery
- Not enough fuel
- Malfunction MAF sensor
Issues after sitting overnight
There can only be a handful of issues with a car sitting overnight and not starting in the morning:
- A dead battery – If you had some headlights or other electrical devices left on in the car throughout the night, this could have drained the battery. The battery must be recharged or replaced to power up the engine.
- A bad fuel pump – Sitting overnight can drain the battery to the extent that the car starts but doesn’t provide the right voltage to supply enough pressure. The fuel pump will then be unable to supply the right amount of air to the ignition system.
- Unclean fuel filter – If you’ve got some junk in your fuel filter, you’re going to have a hard time getting your vehicle on the road. There might be no problem with your fuel injector or fuel quantity. Still, if the filter is contaminated or full of gunk that can prevent clean fuel from getting through, your car will overhear. If it does that, it’s likely to break down.
It won’t start, but the lights come on.
The lights coming on are a sign that the battery is functional. It’s not a dead or drained battery causing the immobile vehicle. Rather, the issue is either the starter or the ignition system. When this happens, the spark plug must first be checked. The starter might be the issue if you can’t hear the clicking sound. Open up the engine and look for the starter and any possible defects. The ignition coil is also an essential part of the ignition system, which could immobilize the car if it malfunctions.
You can use starter fluid if the issue is the cold weather which freezes up the engine. If that also doesn’t work, the solution is to call up a professional.
Why trust us and how we picked?
Every piece of information that has been provided here is a result of personal experience as well as case studies of cars with such faults. All the products listed were personally tested by us to ensure the complete solution to the problem. That being said, several experts, also considered confirming our findings.
Factors to consider
Time
How old is your vehicle? Is it time to get rid of it? You must analyze that before you go ahead with other solutions. Sometimes, the vehicle is so old that all it does is just suck out money from our pockets. So always know when it’s time to send it to a junkyard.
Warranty
Any product that you buy to fix a car engine that cranks but won’t start should have some warranty. Read the label carefully before purchasing it. The warranty gives you some time to check the product practically in real scenarios and in case any discrepancy is found, it can be easily replaced free of cost.
DIY
Sometimes, the problem is not as big as it looks. It can easily be fixed at home. All it takes is just a good read of an article like this one and Voila!, now you can just simply order the product you want to replace and fix it on your own.
Compatibility
A digital code reader is a very good option to diagnose the fault with your car engine. But it can be an expensive affair. Before you go ahead and buy it, make sure that it is compatible with the model of car that you have.
How much does it cost to fix?
The cost of fixing a car engine that cranks but the car won’t start, if the problem is with the starter, you might have to shed between $400-$600, including labor costs.
Here is the full list to assess when the car doesn’t start:
| Sensors | Engine components |
| Mass airflow | Spark plug |
| Throttle position | Ignition coil |
| Crankshaft position | Fuel pump |
| Fuel pressure | Fuel pump relay |
| Brake pedal | Fuel Injector |
| Fuel filter |
