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All Symptoms

Engine cranks but won't start

Serious - act right away

engine turns over but does not fire · cranks no start

Symptom description

The starter motor spins the engine normally (you hear it turning over) but the engine never actually catches and runs.

Common causes

  • Empty or near-empty fuel tank
  • Failed fuel pump not delivering fuel to the engine
  • No spark from a failed ignition coil or spark plugs
  • A timing belt/chain that has broken or slipped (more serious, especially on interference engines)

What to check

Confirm there is actually fuel in the tank first - it sounds obvious, but a broken fuel gauge causes this more often than people expect.

Can you keep driving?

The car will not run, so it cannot be driven. If you suspect a broken timing belt, do NOT attempt to force-start it repeatedly, as this can cause further engine damage.

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Find a repair shop

Run a shop? The OBD decoder, fuse box diagrams and parts catalog are built into the Motoro dashboard. See Motoro for workshops

Descriptions are for guidance only and do not replace a workshop inspection. If you are ever unsure whether it is safe to keep driving, pull over in a safe spot.

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