Q: My car cranks but doesn't turn over

asked by on November 07, 2016

I went to drive my MDX but when I turned the key to start it it just cranks and doesn't turn over. it has a new starter and alternator less then a year ago. What could the issue be?

My car has 160000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Battery Replacement $247.05 - $377.49 Get a Quote
Car is not starting Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi there. First, we need to determine what is going on. Does it crank and not start? or does the engine not crank/turn over? Cranking and turning over mean the same to technicians. You described it as cranking and not turning over, but it sounds like you meant that it’s cranking and not starting. There could be many possible reasons for this, but it depends on if the engine is turning/cranking or if nothing is happening. It could be a battery, no fuel, failed sensors, or a number of things. Before guessing at what could be going on, I strongly suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection to avoid replacing unnecessary parts. YourMechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a no-start inspection so that this can be repaired correctly.

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

How Does a Clutch Work?
A clutch for a manual transmission is not a single part, but many parts put together to form the clutch assembly that is part of the clutch system. The parts in a clutch assembly are the clutch pressure plate, clutch...
How do you use the satellite radio menu system?
The menu system in your car’s satellite radio helps you navigate through channels, categories and more. Using it is easy, too. Here’s how: Turn the key on. Turn the audio system on. Press the SIRIUS button. Press the menu button...
What does the shift P Warning Light mean?
The shift P Warning Light is located on the instrument panel. This light illuminates when the vehicle is turned off, but the shifter is not in the P position. Either turn the vehicle back on, or move the shifter into...
AC not working at idle
Your symptoms lead me to believe you may have a problem concerning your cooling fans at the front of the vehicle. While the engine is running and the car sitting still, both fans should come on when the air conditioning...
Hit deer; car damaged
It seems like there has been extensive damage that has taken much of the safety away from this vehicle. I would recommend consulting the services of a collision center. The twisted metal and broken parts will cause wear on the...
Vsa light came on and also the brake light what does this mean?
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle illuminates these warning lights when there is an issue with the braking system, wheel speed sensors, the electronic modules and motors associated with these two features, or a communication error between them....
Whenever I turn on the climate control system, I hear a high pitched whine
Hello, thank you for writing in. Your symptoms appear at first to be an issue with the blower motor. It is used to control the fan speed regardless of temperature. It is also located near where you report hearing the...
I have a 1980 c10 it's starts up with starting fluid or when I am pumping on the gas, but it will randomly have a rough idle and w
I would recommend having all of the vaccum lines checked first since those are a much less expensive repair than carburator issues. If any vaccum lines are old, brittle, cracked, or broken, I would recommend having them replaced. If this...
Have a 91 Lincoln town car and it stalls when I put in park and while driving.
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, making turns (which makes use of the power steering pressure switch) turning on...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Acura MDX
The The Acura MDX is one of the favorite SUV among consumers. It has room enough for seven passengers, has great handling, and is accommodating to all types of weather conditions. With its advanced technology and performance capability, it is...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re an Athletic Coach
If If you are an athletic coach, you need a used vehicle with tons of room to transport gear. Once in awhile, you may have to take a player or two along with you as well. What this means is...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Fisherman
What What do anglers look for, specifically, in their vehicles? Lots of room, plenty of cargo space, and sometimes, the ability to handle rough terrain. Some fishermen also want the option of towing a boat. With that in mind, we...