Truck suddenly wont start. Starter is good. Been diagnosed with intermittent issue. Need advice. No crank, no start.
I have had my truck starter tested. One of the bolts were corroded, but replaced after being cleaned. Truck was diagnosed with an intermittent starter issue. However, I had the starter tested. All is well with that. I drove today. Each time I would start the truck, it started fine. Suddenly now, it wont start. It makes no sound, other than the lights on the dash lighting up and the tone that it makes when you turn the key. However, when I try to engage the starter to turn the engine over, the lights go out and there is no sound, no movement. I thought about the Neutral Safety Switch being
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello, thank you for writing in. These issues can be very frustrating. The first thing to consider is that most automotive parts stores that test starters do not "load test" the starters. This means they test the ability of the starter to spin freely when supplied with power. The tests do not measure its ability to actually push over the engine. This will result in false positives. One way to test this is to test the power at the starter when cranking. If the starter has a full 12 volts to the solenoid (which then creates more power), then the starter has failed. If the starter is not receiving full power, there is another electrical issue going on with the circuit. For more help with diagnostics, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
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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.
Why won`t my car start but the battery is good? If your car won`t start but the battery is good, the most common cause is a faulty starter – though it could also be to do with your fuel. You may have insufficient fuel to get the car going.
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.
Broken or Damaged Ignition
If your headlights can turn on, but your car won`t crank, that means that your battery is charged, but either the starter or ignition is the problem. If the starter or ignition is the problem, a starter engine can be jumped by using a charged battery.
Problem Description. If the engine cranks but does not start, or starts and stalls, the fuses should be inspected, especially the power door locks fuse. The power door lock fuse provides power to a module that sends the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) the “OK to start” signal.
The most common reason a Chevy car (or any car) won`t start is a dead battery. If you have a battery tester, check your charge to see if it`s low. A dead battery can also be jumpstarted with jumper cables.
The battery can be fully charged but still not be able to start the vehicle if it is failing or has a dead cell. Other likely issues are the fuel pump, ignition switch, battery cables, starter, or a clogged fuel filter.
If you`ve replaced your battery but the engine still won`t start, it could actually be an engine problem. A seized engine won`t turn over, and that often resembles a bad starter or dead battery. If you suspect that your problem stems from an engine issue, it could take hours to diagnose and repair.
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).
A starter malfunction can have different causes: Electrical connections faulty. Solenoid switch (engaging relay) stiff or faulty. Electric motor damaged electrically.
One of the best ways to determine if a car fuse has blown is by using a test light. It should illuminate both ends of the fuse, and, if it doesn`t, it needs to be replaced. Sometimes, a blown fuse is caused by a damaged wire, motor, or other part.
The starter relay is one of the most critical and often overlooked components in any vehicle ignition system. The starting relay is a small electrical device located in the starting circuit of a large current motor. The relay is just a remote control switch that regulates the current in a high-current circuit.
If the car cranks when you turn the key, but the engine won`t start, it could be because fuel isn`t getting to the engine. One potential reason for this could be dirty fuel injectors. Over time, the fuel injector nozzles can become clogged with rust, corrosion or debris.
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.
When you have a brand-new battery but still can`t start the car, the alternator might be the issue. Cold and damp climates may increase wear on an alternator, causing it to fail. Flickering gauges and a burning rubber smell could indicate that the alternator overheated and requires replacement.
The O2 sensor will not cause the no start. The no start can be caused by the fuel pump or the ignition system. You should check the engine for spark and fuel pressure, when it is not turning on to help narrow the problem down. The ignition system may be the coil, module, or pick up in the distributor.
When you have a brand-new battery but still can`t start the car, the alternator might be the issue. Cold and damp climates may increase wear on an alternator, causing it to fail. Flickering gauges and a burning rubber smell could indicate that the alternator overheated and requires replacement.
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
Truck suddenly wont start. Starter is good. Been diagnosed with intermittent issue. Need advice. No crank, no start.
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. These issues can be very frustrating. The first thing to consider is that most automotive parts stores that test starters do not "load test" the starters. This means they test the ability of the starter to spin freely when supplied with power. The tests do not measure its ability to actually push over the engine. This will result in false positives. One way to test this is to test the power at the starter when cranking. If the starter has a full 12 volts to the solenoid (which then creates more power), then the starter has failed. If the starter is not receiving full power, there is another electrical issue going on with the circuit. For more help with diagnostics, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
Fuel pump engages. Batery good, alternator good volts, jump start helps when wont start. Temp does not matter. Intermittent?
ANSWER : Hello. Thank you for writing in. There are several reasons your vehicle may only start when jump starting. The first and most common is a build up of resistance that is causing you to need a boost of voltage to get the engine started. This may be due to poor battery cables, a bad ground connection, a poor starter solenoid, and a couple of other issues. The first thing you want to do is perform a visual inspection of the starting system. Make sure there is no corrosion build up in the battery cables. You can also check the resistance across these wires and make sure you have a solid connection between components. You then want to make sure the starter solenoid is doing its job. It is responsible for taking the small amount of electricity sent by the ignition and turning it into a huge electrical charge that is strong enough to push over the engine with the help of some gear ratios in its favor. Do some more testing, and stick to the basics before assuming its something seriously complicated.
I parked my truck for 5-10 mins. Tried to turn it on, now it wont start, called a tow tow truck 15-20mins later my truck turned on
ANSWER : It is very likely that you have a powertrain control module failure. This can happen often on many GM vehicles. I would recommend having the powertrain control module tested and replaced as necessary in order to resolve this issue. After the powertrain control module is replaced, a reflash procedure will be required so that the vehicle can relearn all of its primary engine data. Once the reflash is completed, your vehicle should no longer have this issue.
The car is having trouble starting up ,70 percent of the time it starts right up. the other 30 percent, it randomly won’t start its
ANSWER : Hey there thanks for writing in about your 1998 Honda Accord. This could be a few things. A faulty ignition switch, a failing crank sensor, or possibly other faulty sensors could be the cause. To have this taken care of, consider having a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, come to your car’s location to diagnose and repair the hard start issue.
Car will not crank after putting in a new starter. Forced starter to start up and engine starts but stalls out. Will the security continue to cut off fuel while force starting?
ANSWER : Hi there. Forcing the starter to engage to make the engine run without the ignition engaging the starter will continue to keep the security on. This is a safety feature that keeps people from stealing your vehicle. I recommend replacing the ignition switch and checking the wires to make sure that they are all tight and clean. If you need further assistance with diagnosing your ignition problem, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
When trying to start the truck it cranks and cranks, Wont start and when you stop turning the key, It shakes a little and smokes
ANSWER : I suspect your ECT (Engine Coolant Temperature) sensor is stuck at -40 degrees. When this occurs, the PCM dumps as much fuel into the motor as it can because it believes the outside temperature is -40 degrees Fahrenheit. You will need to connect a scanner to be sure.
You can do what is known as a clear flood. Push the gas pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there while you crank the motor. This is a really good diagnostic test for a flooded condition such as you might have. You will most likely need to crank the motor for an extended period of time and when it does begin to start, you will need to feather the throttle to keep in running until the excess fuel clears out. It may smoke a lot as well, so if your parked in a garage, I would move it out if you can.
It is possible the cylinders have been washed with fuel so much that compression is now too low to run the motor. This would seem to be improbable, but this actually occurs more often than most are aware of. If this is the case, you will need to squirt oil into the cylinder to help them build up compression. The rings actually need some oil around them to help them seal. This is part of the normal operation of an internal combustion motor.
A flooded condition can and often is difficult to deal with. Leaking fuel injectors or a broken fuel pressure regulator diaphragm can do the same. Remove a spark plug on the side that the smoke is coming from and see if the spark plug is wet.
If you should need further help with this, consider YourMechanic, as one of our mobile technicians can come to your home and diagnose your starting problem firsthand.
Good luck!
My truck tries to start with the key in the off position. Changed out the starter but is still doing it.
ANSWER : There may be a short in the starter / ignition system. If the starter solenoid was not replaced, that can be a culprit. It may or may not be the cause. I had one of my own vehicles engage the starter at highway speeds, damaging the starter and flywheel. Other causes can be a shorted starter relay, ignition switch, or broken/shorted wiring anywhere in the ignition circuit. The starter should not be receiving a power signal unless the ignition switch is in the crank position. This leads me to believe the relay, ignition switch, or wiring may be the cause. Have a certified technician look into electrical issues to find the exact cause before any damage is done.
An inconsistent starter motor that occasionally works perfectly now will not work. Then engine will not crank at all.
ANSWER : Hi there. It is possible for the starter to fail. But before replacing the starter, make sure that the battery cables are tight and clean. Then check the starter relay and make sure that the relay is clicking. If the relay is not clicking, then check for power to the relay. If there is power to the relay but there is no click, then the starter relay would need to be replaced. If there is no power to the relay, then either the wiring from the relay to the ignition switch has a break in it or the ignition switch is failing. If there is power to the relay and power to the starter motor, then the starter motor needs replaced. If you need further assistance with your no start issue, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
