Car or Truck Won't Start? Difference Between a Crank No-Start vs. Just Won't Turn Over

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So your car or truck won't start? Is it a crank no start, or not cranking or turning over at all? In this video, Andy explains the difference, and also what parts could be the source of the problem depending on whether the engine will crank or not! After ruling out a dead battery, Andy shows you how to check out things like the starter, alternator, fuel pump, ignition coils, and spark plugs! Check out this video to learn how to diagnose your engine problems and get back on the road!
0:00 Car or Truck Won't Start? Difference Between a Crank No-Start vs. Just Won't Turn Over
0:32 Doesn't crank or start, must be the battery right? Maybe not!
1:10 How to tell if there's a problem with the starter
3:37 How to tell if the alternator is the problem
4:30 Cranking no start? Here's what to check!
5:19 Check the fuel pump for problems
6:55 Check the spark plugs and ignition coils for problems!
8:40 SUBSCRIBE! | Shop 1AAuto.com Link Below!
🔧 List of tools used:
• Flat Blade Screwdriver 1aau.to/oa/1AXAA00013
• Pocket Screwdriver
• Complete Metric Socket Set 1aau.to/oa/1AXAA00043
• Ratchet 1aau.to/oa/1AXAA00016
• Test Light 1aau.to/oa/1AXAA00004
• Floor Jack 1aau.to/oa/1AXAA00068
• Jack Stands 1aau.to/oa/1AXAA00065
• Pick 1aau.to/oa/1AXAA00037
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⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[@1AAuto]

√ Watch the Video √ Buy The Part at 1A Auto 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ Do it Yourself √ Save Money

[@emc5933]

I wish we could hit the like button more than once. This was hands down the best video and couldn't have come at a better time. Thank you for sharing 😁🙌

[@johndorian4078]

Best videos i've found, i love it when they actually record the sound it makes vs just saying if it makes a sound... like... what kinda sound

[@peteavila-mb4jd]

Dude, these videos are very detailed. Great for somebody that’s trying to work on their own vehicle. Thank you for posting these.

[@WillGGG]

It actually was my battery

[@MatCendana]

A very informative video that makes it easy for the layman who knows just a bit understand much better. I'm going to share an experience with a similar situation several years ago with my 1999 Mercedes W210. One morning it failed to start. There was no cranking sound at all - just a click when I turned the key. Tested the battery, which was approaching five years. It showed 12.3V. Not high but "should have been enough". I assumed it's something else. Perhaps the starter, although I had replaced it less than a year ago. As with the alternator. I called a tow truck and had it sent to a workshop about 3 miles away. The mechanic attempted to jumpstart by connecting to a standalone puny-looking battery (the Mercedes' was DIN90). The engine cranked and immediately started! The mechanic tested the alternator and it showed the battery charging at 14.3V. So the battery's the culprit. Why then did the car not start despite still having 12.3V? I learned a useful lesson in basic electricity from the mechanic - volt doesn't automatically lead to enough cranking power (CCA), which the battery was lacking due to ageing plates. Some batteries might last more than 5 years, some less than 2. Or worse. The towtruck cost the equivalent of US$ 35. Not exorbitant but I could have saved that plus the embarrassment had I just bought a new battery and installed it myself. --Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

[@AntonioCunningham]

I needed this last week. A co workers car wouldn't start so we immediately thought it was the battery. We tried a portable battery jumper, but had no effect. I thought it was strange that the battery percentages on the portable battery didn't move, but I went in to try jumper cables. That didn't work. I tested the starter fuse and it was good. I tested the voltage and it was 12.4v (13.4v when connected with jumper cables) After that failed, I gave up. It never occurred to me to test the starter itself... I still have much to learn.

[@heisenfeis]

I might add check codes on newer cars before doing alot of work, one time it was the crank sensor. keep that in mind, and a engine needs air, exhaust, spark/compression and fuel. and on newer cars a whole lot of electric sensors too :) Edit: Stuck EGR valve is always fun, chokes the engine 5 seconds after start. i love being environmentally friendly.

[@britonmarrett796]

Incredible list of possible issues. Very well detailed and incredible information and temporary fix to some of the issues highlighted.

[@KC-xp9of]

Great video 👍But let's not forget about these other common issues. My 99 Honda accord had a choke no start. It had two issues. 1... it was VAPOR LOCKED. Had to hit the top of the fuel pump several times. 2... the RELAY SWITCH needed to be replaced. Which I was told older Hondas have relay issues. So this relay is found under the steering column to the left side. Second vechile is a 07 Tundra. Replaced the FUSES and RELAYS to the fuel pump. That worked for a week. Then replaced the fuel pump. And heads up if the fuel pump dies completely, your vehicle will shut off with no warning and leave you stranded right where you're at. Which could leave you in a deadly or unsafe situation. Replacing the fuel filter ofter helps protect the fuel pump. Luckily, I was on a quite street vs the fwy or hwy when the fuel pump went out. Lastly, the IGNITION SWITCH. It can get damaged from too much weight hanging from the ignition key ring. This also happened to my 99 Honda accord. Experienced an entire summer of the car shutting off in the middle of a turn in a very busy intersection. Absolutely no mechanic could figure it out. Thankfully, there was a recall for the ignition switch for this car. Otherwise this would have been very costly. Would have cost over 1k to replace the ignition switch. Hope this information helps you.

[@ifell3]

I knew most of these but it's always good to have a refresher. Should be part of a 101 series.

[@renostubbs8504]

You guys make everything so simple,I enjoy watching this channel

[@cw5118]

97 Nissan Sentra wasn’t pumping fuel to rail. Pump was working. It wasn’t even the fuel pump relay. Ironically, on this particular vehicle it was the ignition coil relay. $30 😂 Vrooom! 🚗

[@ADRI626.]

Did it crank or no sound?

[@oconnorcm]

Excellently clear first principles. Well done.

[@johnnolen1378]

Love it when people get straight to the point

[@totoriserd2nd764]

You are love from nigeria best explanation have ever come across on any KZbin channels

[@catzsmartzcutie9]

New subscriber 😊! You make a great teacher. It’s clear you are passionate about the science and understanding of the problem and solution. Thank you about the care of your delivery. ❤🎉

[@mayeri3083]

You're awsome. I really enjoy watching your vidz! Very clear and easy to follow cidz

[@tyronewalker5764]

Well done sir, all mysteries of my starter have been resolved. 😮

[@tylerudzinski]

Incredibly detailed video for learning. Thank you very much!

[@maboki2171]

You explain it so well...i had no clue

[@vicvic8168]

Thanks guys I greatly appreciate the tips and info

[@dalekundtz760]

This came out at the right time for me

[@jossefjossikajit4169]

Love your teaching ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Greetings from Maastricht The Nederlands

[@hengwang9132]

Thank you, this is very helpful. To add my two cents. My Mazda 3 was cranking but not starting and the reason was a faulty mass air flow sensor. No code was recorded. But the issue can be pinpointed by disconnecting the sensor and allowing the car to fire according to it's built-in timing. Worth checking if the car hesitated to start, dropped in mpg, or had thrown a P0101 code recently

[@hooplernono7033]

Thank you, the video was like a lesson, very professional I would say,because without music,could hear my thoughts. I think I have a fuel relay probler,or fuel switch cutted the fuel.

[@tomasituikoroni-lt5ew]

Thank u for the awesome tips.... really enjoyed watching your guys channel 👍👍👍👍👍

[@dcarter455]

Helpful video! Easy to follow! I would love insights from others if they have experience with the particular issue I’m having: Mazda 6 2010 with a brand new starter Few months back during the winter, we had a couple freezes. We did our best to keep the car covered and insulated (we don’t have a garage or carport) but we started having issues from time to time getting it to crank. It started with clicking when you turned it over, then silence. Didn’t happen every time we drove it, but as it became more frequent we eventually took it to the dealership. They couldn’t recreate the issue at first (again it wouldn’t happen every time, mostly just the second time after it had been sitting overnight or all day). We had them keep it another couple days and they eventually got it to do it. They replaced the starter and we brought it home working fine. It sat overnight again and I drove it somewhere nearby and brought it home. No issues. Then my husband drove it to run an errand an hour later and when he came out of the store it hesitated to start. This was more like the second issue mentioned in the video. Turns over and stutters but won’t ignite. Again, it doesn’t do it every single time, but mostly the second time after sitting for some time. We took it back to the dealership and explained this to them. They kept it another 4 days but were unsuccessful in recreating the issue. So we picked it up. I’ve had it back now since yesterday and did a lot of driving with it all day and it was fine. Today I didn’t drive it until late in the afternoon, and just like before, it started just fine first time to go to Pilates. Then after class to drive it home it turned over, stuttered, and hesitated to start again. It started when I tried it again but I’m wondering if anyone else has a similar experience that could help me figure out what to ask the dealership to look for? It feels like “boy who cried wolf” bc I can’t get it to do it consistently enough for them to diagnose so maybe someone else could give me some direction? The one mechanic they had staffed had a ton of cars this week so I don’t blame him for not being super granular about my issues when they don’t present 100% of the time. Thoughts oh wise and powerful internet?😂 Thanks!

[@vicoyfuentes]

Very informative! I do sometimes experience especially every morning, the 1st time I start it, long crank no start. Then when always on my 2nd attempt it starys. I could also hear my fuel pump sounding. I guess my probpem is battery right? Its going 2 yr 3 months already. I suspect i have no problem with sparklugs since no issues when driving or idle.

[@1AAuto]

+AboutTime Thanks for checking us out. Shop for high quality auto parts on 1AAuto.com: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@leonnegro4504]

Excellent video, thank you so much, I buy parts for my vehicles with you guys 👍🏻😎👍🏻

[@TyroneMaye]

What tool is used to test the fuel pressure at the valve you indicated in video ?

[@KhaosCats]

I would add ignition I had a no crank no start and my ignition was the cause of it

[@mauro.666]

I really appreciate all the great teaching that you doing. Thank you very much.

[@jerrythompson8532]

Great advice, Thanks

[@Kramzit1]

Hi, hopefully you can answer this question. While I was driving my 2016 sonata 2.4l around 40 mph the car loss acceleration and at the same time I noticed the Rpm needle jumped all the way up high to like 5000 rpm and a ding tone similar to seat belt came on and then stopped, so I came to a rolling stop and set the car on park, but then it wouldn't start. All I get is that clicking sound but won't turn over I put in a new battery and replaced the alternator wasn't thinking that it could be the starter. So do you think it maybe that the starter is bad? And can the starter actually cause this to happen while driving? Thanks in advance

[@goodtimejohnny8972]

I miss the days when you could tap a starter with a hammer. Too often starters are buried under other components such as exhaust, drive shafts or intakes.

[@GratefulOverlander]

You can still do that on any car

[@TyroneMaye]

Would a camshaft position sensor be in part reason why the high pressure fuel system line isn't able to pump or suction vaccum fuel into the line or build up fuel pressure to its required level triggering it to be pulled where it is required within the starting sequence process for the vehicle to not only turn over but ultimately start from it just cranking over ?

[@justpray365]

Or a good screwdriver between battery and start post has worked many times in a pinch.

[@WaynesAdventure]

Great video, very informative!!

[@CastBlastCamp]

2005 Buick Lacrosse crank no start. no spark, verified with the duralast in-line ignition spark tester. Had Autozone test the ignition control module, tested good. Replaced spark plugs and wires and coil packs about a year or so ago. Should I try to replace the coil packs again at 100$+? Any help is appreciated, thanks.

[@suriyawetzler2896]

great explanation and video...thank you

[@renegarza9750]

I changed everything you said spent over 2 k at the auto shop day after day I went back did another one and it was the battery the whole time thanks a lot

[@samkambaiye9231]

Well explained... I like this video. Watching from PNG

[@surfgod509]

Never forget ignition, this component can create havoc as well ! Thanks Again!

[@tiarahill4892]

Thank u I was trying to figure out if it was my starter or alternator but my starter has to be hit for it to start so that has to be the problem

[@user-xp7hh2wp6b]

My dude just took a huge bong rip before doing this video, regardless, thnx for the tips!

[@danieltenorio3559]

I have replaced my fuel pump (in the Honda civic 2012 the filter is built in) bec of long crank to start, but sometimes I still get a long crank ? Is there any help? (I have my sparks and coil replaced already )

[@steviepere1822]

Or maybe you need crankshaft sensor or intake camshaft sensor depending on the mileage

[@WokeUpDreamingg]

In my Peugeot it had no crank no start just silent excepta click coming from the starter, before that it blew a fuze for the starter contol fuze, what would it be? Starter motor or relay?

[@MississippiWopGenius396]

After replacing the fuel pump in my Jeep grand cherokee laredo 3.7 WK- Im now having a problem with a vapor lock and my new pump is making a ringing/humming noise off and on-is there a way to fix it with a inline check valve or inline filter of some sort. I have to release pressure on the fuel rail to re-crank it after it runs for more than 20 minutes/ which is a possible fire risk.

[@reetville]

One you missed water in a cylinder, blown head gasket. Causing water to flow into cylinder whilst engine stopped but rad pressurised

[@whatdadogdoin7531]

I had a situation where my car would not start all. Put the key in the ignition and the dash would light for 2-3 times each times I tried to crank then all of a sudden car went pitch black. Like dead as a corpse. Tried the ignition and it just won't respond. Later I had to jump the battery and it ran just like new.

[@zahemi914]

I drive 2001 Toyota MRS,only drive it occansionally, even with a new battery, smtimes it wont start (no cranking sound) & need to jump start it. After few spins (just to warm up the battery/engine) smtimes it wont restart, (smtimes it does), could it be bcz of the starter or voltage leakage?. It works everytime I jump start it but it does make you to think twice to make few stops before reaching to your destination. Tqvm in advance for any advice.

[@TyroneMaye]

How would i determine actual alternator voltage when i am unable to start vehicle ?

[@tarekrizk7919]

Thanks 😊 what if only when my engine is at normal temperature that my car cranks for 2 to 3 sec before it starts. No check engine light

[@christopherworkman6143]

My S10 doesn't want to cold start(cold engine), but once it has been running for a few minutes you can shut it off and it will start fine. My gauge on the dash says the battery is between 12 and 14 volts.

[@eo2436]

04 gmc envoy was cranking and key would remove normally i decided to hit the starter but accidentally hit the wire and i saw a spark. Now it wont crank at all and now key wont come out. battery seems working lights pop up. I replaced starter and relay and ignition switch and still does the same. No crank lights come on but key still gets stuck unless i press the copper button by the ignition switch🤷🏽‍♂️??

[@0skarJay690]

I have a 2000 Ford Ranger XLT V6 3.0Ltr. it cranks but no start, I checked just about everything, the sensor by the harmonic balancer, spark plugs are ok but I don't have the right tools to check for spark, the fuel pump comes on that I can hear, but I think the starter is going out cause I took it off and tested by ground it and positive connection and sounds good but when I put it back in, it sounds weird like its try to spin, I'm using another top post battery from my jeep commander. But I haven't check the coil pack and the timing rod that sits by the fire wall behind the engine. Plus there's little fuel in my tank as well, so what else should I do or check ??? ...I know I need new battery and at least half tank of fuel and possibly a new starter as well. Please Help Me!?

[@Khalid_Bin_Waleed]

I’m getting both symptoms. Crank and no crank with lights. Sometimes there’s nothing at all.

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

Thanks

[@wilsonhamunyela5813]

Can low engine oil make car not to start?

[@Thattb999]

Thank youuuuuuu 💕💘💕💘

[@dutchmasterallme6645]

So I might be out of gas .. because it was almost empty.. thought it was enough gas .. but gas gauge probably gave a false reading 🤔.. talking about my Dodge Magnum 2005 .. thoughts any before I buy gas?

[@condemn1214]

Can Sparks plugs can shut down your engine while driving in the road?

[@ffclee]

My car turns but will only start if I push accelerator also it’s fine if I have been on a longish drive but if I drive down the road and come back won’t go and have to hold accelerator down any ideas before I start spending loads thanks

[@jonvalero2628]

What is my vehicle (2013 Chevy traverse) was having trouble starting like the second sound but would start now it won’t even crank over just bought it a month ago had the problem the whole time threw a code for Evap

[@Trefuckor963]

I think what i did was try to cold start my truck after it sat for awhile. Battery was discharged a bit and then i tried cold starting. It would turn over at first but died off quickly

[@Mike45-47Q]

My explorer was clicking super fast, lights flashing, EVEN when I pull the key out. I was guessing the starter was sticking. Swapped the starter out.....no luck. Didn't fix it.

[@comictheories]

My car is hard to start in the morning like 4 to 5 tries before it start but after I drive it for some minutes and start it again it start immediately untill the next day or when the engine is cool

[@keithyarnell6951]

Years ago you could put a screwdriver behind the alternator on the bearing, and if it was magnetized, the alternator was putting out juice.

[@frankgarcia1851]

Awesome educational video 👍🏼

[@sexileomama1]

Neither….makes a click click click noise super fast from the fuse box….guessing starter or ignition relay???? 2006 Honda Civic……Thank You !! 😊

[@ElGhostPresents]

My car has no crank but all lights will work, you can hear the click on the main relay and humming sound for the fuel pump. After you jumpstart it, turns on like nothing ever happened. Then it turns on, on it’s own the rest of the day but after you let it sit for a while like a day or so, still has power but no crank again, then it works with a jumpstart. Could it be the battery? Last time this happened was last month then worked everyday like a charm until recently and this time it’s everyday.

[@fmita_]

If I have a no crank no start, but my car battery will turn on (I.e. radio, etc.), does that mean it’s for sure the starter?

[@concernedcanadian8460]

My pretty new truck wouldn't even turn over last year. Turned out it was the AC pulley wheel binding up so bad the motor couldn't turn over.

[@eliezerramosjr1017]

Not always though you can have a electrical issue as well.

[@tinacastillo1009]

🙏 THANKS

[@miguelsua-cu6tm]

What about starter relays or electrical problems missed sum things onthis vid

[@ruipongue8864]

I am having hard time starting my car. It's a Chevy Captiva 3.2 V6 240hp, 2007 4wD. Engine won't start. However the mass airflow, Throttle body, alternator, compressor, intake manifold are all disconnected from the engine. The first electrician said it's the faulty electric installation, and the 2nd electrician said it's the ECU module. Truth is the engine cranks but won't start. I am having a nightmare. Could you please help me

[@iReadFiction]

I have a 2012 Toyota Yaris that has completely STUMPED me! I let it sit in my driveway for 7 months because of a weak Alternator and after I decided to switch out the Alternator and installed a new battery I have my car crank, shake like its about to start, and ultimately not start. Since October I have: Changed out the spark plugs, changed out the fuel pump, changed oil/fluids, smacked the starter while cranking, changed out the fuses, changed out the serpentine belt, changed airflow sensor, sprayed starting fluid, and nothing. The weirdest thing is when I start cranking the engine and pressing the gas you can see the RPM rise and hear the engine churn but theres something preventing it from actually turning on! Theres not even ANY codes in the reader. I bought my Alternator from a junkyard but Autozone said the Alternator was good. Also it was sitting in the yard for 2 weeks so not old.

[@anendlessjourney325]

My car crank change plug. Change coil. And pump us working good. But still crank like hyumdai not start?

[@tylerrogers7887]

Mines just cutting out and dying while I'm driving changed out the alternator new battery I can't figure it out.

[@nexus_scar504]

I need help I put the key in my g35 and turn it no lights no crank nothing what should I do

[@alixandria7346]

What about the timing chain can you please explain

[@voidtransaction1147]

But what if it does the no sound crank but then attempts to crank and on another try starts but shuts off??

[@deftone4u]

My car one time just died. Turned it back on after cranking for 3 seconds and started. Then stopped as I accelerated. Did that 4 times and then it started to run again normal. Hasn’t done it since. Checked battery, alternator all normal. Cleaned battery terminals and tightened them. Still never figured out why it did that

[@1AAuto]

+@deftone4u Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@infinity.9994]

I’m not having these problems i can crank my car but once u let the key go it goes off not only that once u disconnect the battery from the other vehicle its goes back dead

[@Judaddy1]

Any guesses: transmission needs replacement, drove it from dealership after they diagnosed problem. A week later, failed to start. Cranking noise but no start.

[@1AAuto]

+@Judaddy1 We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@Gregnolaa]

I'm having an issue when my nostart is blowing the ignition switch fuse. I changed the starter and changed the ignition switch, but it still not working. It's not the battery or the alternator, we tried jumping starting but still nothing. I'm thinking it's maybe a wire that has grounded, but I have no clue.

[@1AAuto]

+Gregory Pabst We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@OldGamerPapi]

got a 2014 Sentra that has no click, no rev when turning the key. The lights on the display come on, the steering wheel unlocks, the doors lock.. everything does just like it should when the key is turned except it doesn't start or even try

[@robiimccann]

Or it could be my stalled to no crank no start. DTC p2534 start/stop low voltage ignition switch issue.

[@franckherrez4326]

excellent video..very professional explanation and easy to do it yourself Thank you ✨✨

[@friendofvinnie]

Cool that's for the video

[@GuruRinpoche888]

Hey , where you guys located ? Do you anybody at NYC? Pls let me know .

[@1AAuto]

+Jeremy Lin We are based out of Massachusetts. At this time we don't have any shops in New York.

[@cesarisactive6648]

4:41 my car was doing this but when I pressed the on button again it just completely died on me and now it won’t start any thoughts ?

[@Eatingsakurasass]

Will a fuse cause a crank no start?

[@James-jj6db]

When it’s cold it start’s right up when the engine warms up then it doesn’t want to start

[@rushanmahmood248]

what if it does neither it cranks once or twice but on the third crank dies?

[@danteinferno175]

good video but you might mention that the problem could just be corroded battery terminals

[@camiepizana8565]

Mine cranks won’t start.mead throttle body changed, oil cooler and gaskets and the PCM. Dealership has had it 3x and it runs temporarily then the engine and lightning bolt popped up again. I’m spent!,!