If your Anti-Theft light is flashing, the anti-theft system is disabling the fuel pump to prevent the engine from starting. Share FUEL RELATED CAUSES OF A NO STARTĪnti-Theft system issue. Even so, no fuel at the fuel rail would tell you fuel is not getting to the engine. You can also remove the plastic cap and press the schraeder valve test fitting on the fuel rail to see if there is any fuel pressure to the engine (not a very accurate test because fuel pressure must be at a certain level for the engine to start, for that you need a gauge). If you smell gas, the problem is likely not fuel but NO SPARK. You can smell the tailpipe for gasoline vapors after cranking the engine. You should hear the fuel pump inside the fuel tank buzz for a couple of seconds when the ignition is turned on (no buzz means the pump is not running and the engine is not getting fuel). TIP: Proper fuel pressure is critical for fuel injected engines to start and run. If you do not see a spark, the problem is in the IGNITION CIRCUIT. If you see a spark, the problem is not spark, but most likely NO FUEL or NO COMPRESSION. DO NOT hold the wire while doing this as it can shock you. Have a helper crank the engine while you watch for a spark. TIP: Another method to check for spark is to pull a spark plug wire off of a spark plug (if it has plug wires, coil-on-plug ignitions do not) and place the open end of the plug wire near a metal surface on the engine. If it does NOT start, it probably has NO SPARK. IF it has spark and compression but NO FUEL, it will start and run a few seconds before dying. TIP: To find why the engine won't start, remove the air inlet tube from the throttle body, push the throttle open and spray a small amount of aerosol starting fluid into the engine. The engine needs adequate fuel pressure, a properly timed spark and normal compression to start. If the engine cranks over normally when you attempt to start you car, but the engine does not start, the problem may be NO FUEL, NO SPARK or NO COMPRESSION. On some vehicles, placing the fob next to the push start button, pressing the Start button with the fob, or inserting the fob into a special slot on the instrument panel, steering column or center console may allow it to communicate with the ignition system so your engine will crank and start.Įngine seized due to bearing failure or internal damage (Use socket and long handle to see if engine can be turned by hand, if not engine is locked up).Įngine hydrolocked due to coolant leak from leaky head gasket (Use socket and wrench to see if engine rotates, remove spark plugs and see if coolant comes out or engine can not be cranked with plugs out).
Refer to your owners manual for emergency starting procedure if your Key fob won't start your car. For more information on Push Start Button diagnostics, Click Here.
Bypass switch with jumper wire to see if engine cranks, or use test light or voltmeter to check for voltage passing through switch when ignition is turned to start.īad Start Button or Smart Key Fob If nothing happens when you push the Start button, the battery in your key fob may be dead, or the fob may be defective, or there may be a problem with the push button circuit. Open P/N safety switch, or open Brake Pedal Safety Switch (automatic transmission) or open Clutch Pedal Switch (manual transmission).
If not, check for open P/N switch and brake or clutch pedal switch. Loose or corroded battery cables (Inspect, clean and tighten BOTH ends of BOTH battery cables).īad starter relay wiring connections or ground connection (Inspect, clean, tighten wiring connections).īad starter relay/solenoid (Check for voltage at relay, if relay has voltage but there is no "click" when key is turned to start, replace relay).īad starter (Jump battery voltage direct to starter to see if it spins, or remove starter and have it bench tested at auto parts store).ĭamaged starter drive or teeth on flywheel (Remove starter and inspect drive gear and flywheel teeth, replace damaged parts if necessary).īad ignition switch (Check to see if voltage reaches starter relay/solenoid when turn to start. Low battery (Check battery voltage, recharge if low, or jump start with another vehicle or battery charger). Below is a list of possible causes that can prevent your car from starting. What should you do when your car won't start? Diagnosing a no-start condition requires a logical approach to figuring out what might be preventing your car from starting. YOU TRY TO START YOUR CAR BUT IT WON'T START
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