Q: Engine cranks but won't turn on and it sputter

asked by on January 11, 2018

Hello I have a 1996 honda accord 2.2 liters non-vtec 4 cylinder engine and my car won't turn on it's cranks and everything but it sputter and make weird noise and have a bad smell,I'm guessing its the fuel pump or the spark plugs because there was oil in the tube and well or it could be a bad timing belt that's is worn out but before all this happen my engine had a very loud knocking sound but it would still run though

My car has 185000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Car is not starting Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

It sounds like you might have some engine damage. Knocking noises can be a sign of serious engine issues and it’s usually best to stop using the car until you can get it sorted out. With 185 thousand miles it really could be just about anything. I don’t recommend you start buying parts like fuel pumps or spark plugs until you can have the engine checked out by a professional. You can have that done at your convenience by contacting YourMechanic. They can send a technician to your home or office to check out your Honda and let you know what it will take to solve your problem.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car not starting.
I would say the most common problem if you reversed the leads would be a blown fuse. If it's not that then you may have melted a wire or even fried the ECM. I would suggest getting a technician such...
Tire wobbling when driving
Hello, it sound like the bearing or wheel was not installed correctly or has become loose. I would recommend not driving the vehicle since this created a hazard. I would take the vehicle to the shop that performed the repair...
Spark Plugs spark once
Either a failing crankshaft sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/crankshaft-position-sensor-replacement) or impulse wheel could be the cause of the fluctuating RPM reading. The crankshaft sensor signal is often used to start both fuel pump operation and start the ignition coils with the camshaft sensor...
Transmission selector shaft seal leakage. Does it need to be fixed and how expensive is the repair?
If you are referring to the "manual shaft" seal pressed into a bore on the transmission case, which seal is typically around an inch in diameter, it is repairable (replaceable) on the car if there is physical access to the...
Recently changed rear shocks, now one side sits lower than the other and bangs going over speed bumps
With a typical spring compressor, it would be difficult to over compress the spring to the point of damaging it so that seems unlikely. Nevertheless, if no other cause is found, you may have to measure the free height of...
Why the car stalls when put on Drive?
This may be a sign of a faulty MAP sensor as the vehicle responds adversely to a load put on the motor (i.e. putting it in gear) as you describe. The Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor senses engine load and...
I'm getting check engine light code P0446 and P0452.
Hello, thank you for writing in. The codes may be related, or they may be separate. When it comes to the P0446, you can try to clean the EVAP vent valve with some standard cleaner for it from your local...
2006 dodge charger abs light on with codes C1043,1027 what's the next step i should take... abs,bas,traction control lights on
Hi there. The first error code you've listed, C1043 is a Chrysler-specific error code that indicates a Left Rear Tone Wheel Performance issue. It typically is caused by a speed sensor failure. The other code is described as a Left...
My cars ac drains heavily, sometimes inside the car if its been on, theres high low-side pressure and poor cooling
It sounds like you may have a faulty AC Compressor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ac-compressor-replacement) or potentially a leak in the AC lines somewhere. Car air conditioners work on a simple principle of heat transfer, relying on the fact that heat will always transfer...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Realtor or Real Estate Agent
If If you make your living as a realtor or real estate agent, you may have a number of considerations when it comes to purchasing a used vehicle. The most common considerations are budget, ability to transport people, and comfort....
The Best Used Cars to Buy for Dog Owners
Dog Dog owners are a special breed of drivers. When they shop for a used car they have a list of requirements that can be quite different from other drivers, which tends to make the process a bit of a...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Just Had a Baby
Having Having a baby will completely change your life. Your activities and hobbies will change. Your sleeping patterns will change. Chances are good that you’ll also be looking for a change in vehicles. You need to ensure that your car...