Q: The car won't start
Hi my name is Henry I check the battery the starter and the alternator I can hear the fuel pump running but the car won't start?
My car has 149000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Recommended Services
| Car is not starting Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
There are several possible causes for a vehicle to crank and not start. There could be a bad fuel pump, faulty plugs, bad timing belt/chain, faulty ignition, failed camshaft/crankshaft sensor, or any number of other possible causes. It would first be necessary to determine if there is sufficient fuel and/or spark. From there, you would then need to figure out what part of the affected system is causing the problem. There are some tests that will need to be performed to figure these out. If this is something you will need a hand to diagnose and/or repair, contact a certified mechanic, like those available at YourMechanic.com.
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
What others are asking
OBD not working
Hi there. If the OBD port is not working then most of the time this is caused by a loss of power to the plug. The fuse to the plug needs to be checked first to see if it is...
Interior electronics don't work
It sounds as though the electrical part of the ignition switch is loosing contact internally; this will need to be verified, and the switch will possibly need to be replaced. I recommend you have a mechanic, like one from YourMechanic,...
What causeing a car spit and pudder and wants to die
Hi there. There are multiple reasons why a car can have issues sputtering, running smooth, and eventually shutting off. The most common include vacuum leaks, bad fuel sensors, dirty fuel injection nozzles, worn out air filters, damaged spark plugs, and...
Transmission intermittently won't shift to next gear
It is very possible that the transmission may require a full rebuild or a replacement in order for it to perform properly. Although you are able to shift into other gears, if certain gears are not working correctly, transmission damage...
My car won't start.
Hello, thanks for writing in but you did not mention the make, model, or year of vehicle. However, this problem is most likely caused by the ignition switch not making good contact. Check and replace the ignition switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-switch-replacement) if...
No spark on cyclinder 1 and 5
PCM's rarely fail excepting cases where there is a whole model year, or production run, where a known issue arose in the field (e.g., bad capacitors being one example in certain Toyotas but even that was a long time ago)....
Should there be power steering fluid in the rubber boot of the rack and pinion?
Hi there. No, there shouldn't be any fluid coming out of the boot on the steering rack. If there is fluid, then the seal inside the rack has failed. The steering rack end seal is non-serviceable and requires steering rack...
Car starts after a few tries, but then dies as soon as I take my foot off gas pedal.
Clean any debris on the battery posts using a mixture of baking soda and water. Under your battery is a pedal that connects to the PCM. Make sure that it is pushed down hard so that your battery does not...
How can you tell if the timing chain is causing a noise only when the car is cold? 2004 Nissan Maxima
Hello - more than likely, the noise you hear when the engine is cold is the camshaft timing actuators (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/variable-valve-timing-vvt-switch-replacement). These components utilize engine oil pressure to operate. The engine oil drains off overnight, and it takes a few seconds...
Related articles
2012 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Dodge Charger: Which One Should I Buy?
Technically these two vehicles have wildly different classifications: compact for the Ford Mustang and large car for the Dodge Charger. However, who would consider either one anything other than a muscle car? These cars are meant for speed, fun, and...
2012 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Ford Focus: Which One Should I Buy?
One of the best ways to cope with pain at the gas pump is to look at downsizing your vehicle, and today’s compact cars are a great option that allow you to keep the space that you need to move...
The Top 5 Selling Cars in Arkansas in 2012
Arkansas, Arkansas, like many other states, has to deal with a wide range of weather, from the stifling to the icy. This means drivers need vehicles that can handle the heat while also helping them get through slippery conditions. In...
Browse other content
Cities
Estimates