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Car cranks normally but refuses to start: Causes & How to Fix It

If your vehicle is showing car cranks normally but refuses to start, here are the most likely causes and the parts you'll need to fix each one.

Most likely causes

Failed Fuel Pump or Relayurgent

The engine is not receiving fuel from the gas tank. You may notice the absence of the typical 2-second humming sound from the rear of the car when turning the key to the ON position.

Faulty Crankshaft Position Sensorurgent

This sensor tells the engine computer the exact rotational speed and position of the engine internals. If it fails, the computer will withhold spark and fuel to prevent damage.

Disconnected or Failed Ignition Systemurgent

The engine is getting fuel but no spark to ignite it. This is frequently caused by ignition coils or wires being left unplugged after a recent tune-up, or total failure of the ignition components.

Immobilizer or Anti-Theft Lockouturgent

The vehicle's security system does not recognize the transponder chip in your key or fob, intentionally disabling the fuel injectors or ignition system to prevent theft.

Broken Timing Belt or Chainurgent

The belt or chain synchronizing the engine's valves and pistons has snapped, resulting in zero compression. The engine will often sound like it is cranking unusually fast or with an uneven rhythm.

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