Car won’t crank, even after replacing parts.

My Chevy cranks, but doesn't start. There is no fuel coming out of the carburetor and no spark. I already replaced the battery, coil, fuel pump, fuel filter, ignition harness in the steering column, and the ECM.I had everything tested and it seems to be working correctly, but it still won't start.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
First, thing you need to find out is where you’re losing your spark from. That will consist of taking the wiring harness connector and testing voltages on the ignition control module in the distributor. I believe that may be where your problem is coming from. If that is not working your fuel pump won’t pump fuel either. I would suggest replacing the entire distributor after it has been tested. A mechanic for YourMechanic can inspect the car not starting to determine if it is bad.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

The cause of this problem is usually one of 3 things – a failed starter motor, a bad connection between the battery and starter motor, or a blown fuse (if present) in line between the starter and the battery.
If the engine cranks, but the car doesn`t start: Bad fuel pump: A faulty fuel pump won`t deliver fuel to the engine, even if you`ve just filled up. Bad spark plugs: Without hot sparks to ignite the fuel charge in each cylinder, there is no combustion and no expansion of the burning mixture.
The source of a “cranks, but no start” problem on your Chevy 350 distributor install is most likely incorrect distributor alignment with the harmonic balancer or a mismatched balancer and timing tab.
The most common reasons a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 key won`t turn are a binding steering column/lock, an ignition switch issue, or a problem with the ignition key.
Why won`t my car start but I have power? If you attempt to start up your car but the engine won`t turn over and the dashboard lights up, then you most likely have an issue with your battery. You could have a damaged or corroded battery terminal, which is stopping the engine from starting up when you fully turn the key.
In that day, a cranking, no-start condition could easily be diagnosed by testing the available spark at the spark plug. If there was no spark, we touched a test light to the coil negative terminal to determine if the distributor contact points were switching the coil on/off (see Photo 1).
It might be a battery or alternator problem.

A rapid clicking noise when trying to start your car could mean there`s something wrong within the electrical system. Perhaps your battery`s dead, or your alternator, which charges the battery, isn`t working correctly.

There are several possible reasons for a vehicle to crank and not start. A bad fuel pump, clogged fuel filter, faulty injectors, bad ecu, failed ignition coil, or a malfunctioning sensor. It will first be necessary to figure out if there is a lack of spark, low/no fuel pressure, or a mechanical problem.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Car won’t crank when it’s cold and now won’t start at all
ANSWER : Hi there:

Usually this issue is cased by low cranking amps inside the battery. If you’ve recently had the battery replaced, it’s possible that an electrical component that makes up the charging system might be damaged or faulty. It’s also quite possible that the main electrical relay or the starter relay is giving you fits. To know for certain what the exact issue might be on your 1989 Toyota Camry, you should have a professional mobile mechanic complete a car is hard to start inspection, so they can pinpoint the source of your issues and recommend the right repairs.

I just replaced the battery in my car and as I was driving I stacted to lose power and the car died it cranks but won’t start
ANSWER : The new battery that you bought should be fully re-charged. Confirm that the engine immobilizer system (security system) is not activated thus preventing the car from starting. Check for the characteristic, but momentary, whirring sound from the in-tank fuel pump at key "on" (this is not a conclusive fuel system test but just gives a quick indication of whether the in-tank fuel pump is dead or not). If the starter motor is turning the engine over rapidly, at sufficient RPM, but the engine does not catch and run, that means that there is an ignition, fuel or air induction fault in the engine that will have to be repaired. To obtain a diagnose and repair of the fault, the service to request is a no start diagnostic. Please let us know if you have further concerns or questions as we are always here to help you.

Car won’t start and won’t even crank when I turn the key.
ANSWER : You will need to see if you can put a socket on the front crankshaft pulley bolt and turn the motor by hand to see if the engine is free to turn over. Check the oil to see if it is overfilled and smells of fuel. If you have a leaking injector it could flood a cylinder and cause it to lock the engine from turning over with the starter.

If you cannot turn the engine then remove all the spark plugs and disable the coil. Then turn over the engine with a starter to blow out all of the fuel. Watch to see what cylinder had all the fuel in it. This is the leaking injector.

If all of the cylinders are full of fuel then your fuel regulator may be blown and needs replaced along with the oil and filter. To avoid any unnecessary repairs, consider YourMechanic, as one of our mobile technicians can come to your home or office to diagnose your starting issue firsthand.

Battery and starter problems, car won’t start even after replacing battery and starter.
ANSWER : I would check the fuses for the starter relay. You may have a blown fuse for the starter. I would have YourMechanic come and diagnose the starting problem further.

When I go to crank my car the key stays in the start position and the car is constantly trying to crank itself.
ANSWER : First, let’s make sure about some terminology before I proceed. I will assume the motor is actually turning over. If the car is trying to start, the motor has to be turning over or it is not trying to start. This is an important distinction when diagnosing the starting system. As a technician, I go to different parts of the system based on this description.

If the key is stuck in the start position, this is a ignition lock cylinder issue and the reason the starter continues to turn the motor over. If the starter is turning but the motor is not, then the starter is likely the problem. Either that or the teeth on the flex plate are all gone. This would require removing the transmission to repair.

If the car runs intermittently, this can be a big challenge. And it also means the starting system is working. It will need to be diagnosed when it is failing. A working car cannot be diagnosed because there is nothing wrong. Where you park your car should not have any affect. It certainly could be a wiring problem. Wiring problems hide really well and can happen anywhere in the miles of wires that are in your car. Isolating the system that is failing is really important here. At the moment I am unsure which system is failing. Starter system, ignition lock cylinder and or ignition switch electrical or something with the engine control system.

When the car is failing, you need to check for spark and fuel pressure. If neither is present, this is a clue. Usually the crank sensor will do this. Does your car have a tachometer? If so, does it move at all when cranking. This is a clue whether or not the cam and or crank sensor is working. Is there a Check Engine Light on with the key on? If there is a Check Engine Light, the code or codes can be used for specific diagnosis.

All of these concerns will send you down a diagnostic path. Be sure not to confuse yourself by misinterpreting multiple system failures. If the key does stick in the start position, this would be the first problem to solve. After that, does the motor actually turn when the starter turns? After that, the question of "Why won’t it start?" is first answered by finding what the motor is lacking. Fuel, spark etc… Good luck.

If you need assistance with these checks, contact a certified mechanic who has the tools and experience needed to properly diagnose this starting issue with your car.

Car died while driving so I replaced the alternator and battery and car won’t attempt to turn over. What else could it be?
ANSWER : The initial failure was likely caused by a sudden fuel system (e.g., failed fuel pump) or electrical (including ignition) faiure. Prior to performing diagnostics be sure you have a fully charged battery that passes a load test. Then, confirm that the engine immobilizer system (security system) is not activated thus preventing the car from starting. If the starter motor is not functioning, check for power to the starter motor when the key is held in the "start" position. If there a large voltage drop at the starter motor or no power at all, you may have a faulty ignition switch but you do have to check out the entire starter circuit, which includes grounds, wiring (some of which is very heavy cabling), fuses, relays, the ignition switch and terminations. On the other hand, if the starter motor is getting power but the starter doesn’t work, then the starter is condemned and replaced. If you desire that a certified mechanic resolve this, please simply request a no start diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will get the problem diagnosed and repaired for you. Please let us know if you have further concerns or questions as we are always here to help you.

Why won’t my car start now? What else should we look at?
ANSWER : Hi. This sounds like the engine timing may still be off and needs to be rechecked for proper alignment. Some of the wiring to the crankshaft sensor may be damaged as well causing it not start as well. Also, the crankshaft that the crankshaft sensor reads could have broken or missing teeth on it causing a no start problem. If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.

2004 Mitsubishi Galant just got the starter replaced brand new car won’t turn over I have an alarm in my car can that sensor the c
ANSWER : If your vehicle was not starting but was turning over, I would have advised against the starter replacement. If the engine will turn over, the starter is doing its job. If you have an aftermarket security system on your vehicle, are unable to start your car, and are unable to lock and unlock the doors, I would recommend having the aftermarket security system inspected. The best place to have this done would be the place that it was originally installed as they would have the best knowledge of the system. This could be related to wiring, control modules, or other related components. Once the security system has been inspected, the repair procedure will be more clear.