My engine cranks but will not start up?

Good evening,

If it is cranking over, you will need to check for fuel pressure and for spark.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

A fuel pressure test needs to be done to verify the fuel pump is working. Can you hear it run for 2 seconds with the key on?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

When you crank it over, do you see an RPM reading on the tach inside the car? That will tell me if the crank sensor is working.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Is the check engine light on? If it is, do you have a code reader to check the codes?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Roy

Hi,

I have a 2005 Chevy Malibu and I am stumped, becasue the engine won't start. The fuel pump is kicking on and I hooked a pressure tester to it and it shot fuel everywhere (Tester was missing an o-ring). So I checked for spark and it was getting spark at the coils. So I changed the plugs. When I pulled the plugs they were drenched with fuel and the insulators were burnt, and yet after replacing the car still won't start. There are no codes. I have called on a fuel pressure regulator and the GM dealer says it must be combined with another component because they don't list one. Help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Okay, you have proven that there is fuel pressure. If there is enough, we don't know because of the o-ring problem. However, If the plugs were wet, That tells us it was getting gas. Did the new plugs do the same thing? If so, I want you to try something. Remove the fuel pump relay from the power distribution box under the hood so the pump doesn't work. Try to see if it will start. Also, if it doesn't, see if it will start with starting fluid. If it doesn't, recheck for spark. It it has it, then you either have a compression issue or a timing issue.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

I rebuilt the engine in my car and reinstalled it. Now that it is all back together and in the car, I cannot get it cranked. The motor turns over but will not fire up. Firing order and timing are all accurate but it does seem to have some backfire when turning over. any suggestions help me get it cranked.

Hello,

When the engine is turning over does it sound normal? Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can see what's going on, that would be great. You can upload it here with your response. Also does the engine have spark? When you turn the key to the on position without cranking the engine over can you hear the fuel pump run in the tank for 5 seconds?

This guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Please run down this guide and report back.

I crank it and it cuts back off. Is there a fuel filter outside the gas tank.

Hello,

No there is no external fuel filter it sounds like the fuel pump is out. I would start by checking the fuel pressure.

Here are a couple of guides that should help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

and if bad

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

This guide should help as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start


Please let us know what happens, we are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken

Have to push the gas pedal once before the car will start. It runs with no problems after that. I was told to change fuel filter but not sure. Any help.

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

Based on your description, the first thing I would suspect is the idle air control valve (IAC). The IAC allows air to enter the engine at a metered amount. On fuel injected cars, when your foot is off the throttle, the throttle plate closes completely. This would cause the engine to stall. That is where the IAC comes into play. It is a small component located on the throttle body of the vehicle. Often times, carbon from the engine or corrosion begin to block the air passage for the IAC or the pintle valve on the IAC sticks and does not allow air to enter the engine. When you touch the throttle, you open it allowing air to enter.

I have attached a picture if the IAC for you to see. It is mounted on the throttle body. I would remove it and inspect it and where it mounts to make sure it is clean.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,
Joe

The car will crank, but won't start every time, and sometimes when it does-- in the middle of driving-- it stops and the steering wheel and breaks lock up: the car looses power.

At first, the anti-theft light came on, so we thought it was the key switch. We replace the key switch cylinder and this didn't fix the problem, but the light does not come on anymore.

We then thought it might be the fuel pump relay. We replaced that AND the fuel filter, and that didn't work.

What could be the problem and what should we get and have repaired to fix it?

Hi EricLeMaster,

Thank you for the donationa and sorry for the delay in replying.

I have checked through the TSB and recalls and did not find any mention of such a problem so it should be something that is isolated.

The first thing to do is to check for trouble codes. Most parts outlets provides the scanning either free or for a nimonal fee. Get it scanned and see if any codes are found.

The next is to test for sparks when engine could not start. This will let us know if it is electrical.

Test injector power supply with a noid light attached to any of the injector wire harness and crank engine. It should blink. This would confirm injector pulsing.

Test the fuel pressure to confirm the fuel pump and regulator are working correctly.

Above need to be verified to diagnose the problem.

Thanks! It was the ignition switch causing problems, so it was electrical. As it appears, many on the Malibu forum have had the same problem! Hope this helps them some.

Thank you for the input. It is much appreciated and would be of help to other members.

Have a great weekend.

I have a 2004 Chevrolet classic and it will not start in hot weather or if it does it will sometimes die but only happens in hot weather. I have replaced the fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, fuel relay, spark plugs and fuel filter have also cut the wire to security system so it cant turn of the fuel pump. when it is cold it will start right up, what could it be now?

When it doesn't start, check to see if there is fuel and spark to the engine. One will be missing. From there, you will know which circuit is the problem.

There is a spark but sometimes i here noises fom where the relays areand then thats when it wont start and when this happens the fuel pump also does not prime

Check ASD relay.

I have a malibu classic cranks won't start. no spark no fuel. fuel filter changed, spark plugs changed. all fluids full. Is there a computer thingy stopping from starting? Where? No trouble codes.

It sounds like a computer problem or wiring problem.

Sometimes a tap test on the computer can jar it into working or change symptoms anyways.

You can see if there are any software upgrades for the computer here:

#7 is the computer

Hi, I have an 04 classic and the car tries to start will kick over and soon as it engages it dies. We have not had problems with this other then the normal. I was told it was possibly the fuel pump. It does have pressure in the line but was told it might not be enough pressure. How can I check this to know for sure if its the pump.

What type security system? When it fails to start, is the security lite on the dask, on or flashing? One some models, a start and stall, might point to a problem with the security system.

Don't wonder about the fuel pressure, use a gage and check pressure. Some of the national brand autostores used to loan out a fuel pressure gage, if you don't have one. You can call and ask.

[quote:07a696f26c="jdl123"]What type security system? When it fails to start, is the security lite on the dask, on or flashing? One some models, a start and stall, might point to a problem with the security system.

Don't wonder about the fuel pressure, use a gage and check pressure. Some of the national brand autostores used to loan out a fuel pressure gage, if you don't have one. You can call and ask.[/quote:07a696f26c]

The cars security system is factory. Its the Passlock system. my battery is dead I will charge it then try the 10 minute reset to see if that works. we went out of town and car was fine sat for a few hours at a concert came out and car wouldnt start. it does turn over but immediaty dies. I did not know about the reset I did research and will try it. If that doesn,t work any sugestions would be helpfull.. Thanks

When I try to start it, it turns over and fires but won't stay started. like it's not getting fuel, but everything I've checked says it is getting fuel.

Hi,


Have you checked fuel pressure? If it is low, this can happen. Also, prior to this happening, was the check engine light staying on while the engine was running?

Here is a link that explains how to test fuel pressure. If you haven't done this, try it and let me know the results. You will need a fuel pressure gauge, but most parts stores will lend one to you for testing.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Here are the fuel pressure specifications:

Fuel Pressure (Key ON, Engine OFF) .................... 384-425 kPa (50-60 psi)

Also, here is a link that explains the most common causes of a crank no start condition. Take a look through it as well.

Once we confirm fuel pressure is within the manufacturer's specs, then we can move on. However, it sounds like that could be the problem.

Let me know

Joe

Well, I think I failed to mention that this happened after I programmed a new key for the car. So I think it may have something to do with the computer, but I can't figure out how to reset it.

Is the anti theft light flashing or staying on?

Hey I wanted to thank everyone for there help. I ended up having to keep my battery in charge while I did the programming for the new key. After I did the, leave key on for 10 minutes until the anti theft light goes off then cut key off for 5 seconds three times while my battery had plenty off charge. It started right up. Thanks again for everyone's help.

You are very welcome, and thanks for letting us know.

Take care and let is know if you need help in the future.

Joe

i have a 2004 malibu classic that won't start. will turn over and over but not starting, also somthing strange when this occurs, when you move the blinker left or right the flasher buzzes and the lights do not flash. it does this when driving down the road or when it is just sitting, most of the time i seem to be able to move the turn signal switch around till it acs normal then it will start, now i can't get it to work, any ideas.

Do you have a security light on and or blinking
leave key in ON position for about ten min
and then try



possible ignition switch

light comes om but when you try to start it is goes out and dosn't ccome back until you turn the key to the off position

light comes on but when you try to start it is goes out and dosn't ccome back until you turn the key to the off position

2nd step is to scan for codes




check for spark check for fuel


(you may check the video on how to )

why does the blinker buzz when this problem ocurs but when the blinker goes back to normal it will start, found it easyer to start when i turned the four ways on

the only link I can think of is the BCM (body control module )
u need a scanner to access it
OBDII reader will not

Electrical problem
2004 Chevy Malibu 4 cyl

the car cranks but does not start, it will momentarily start with starting fluid. It has fuel & pressure at fuel rail. this problem appeared in morning after running fine the night before. The anti-theft light is on but we don't recall it being on before, it has stored no codes, we disconected battery for hours then reconected, still no start.

have u had the fuel system tested for the correct pressure just because u have fuel at the rail u have too have the correct fuel pressure ( 38-45 psi ) be careful with starting fluid as u can do damage too the engine by useing it too much, hope this helps lsauto