Car Engine Turns Over But Won’t Start

Causes

There are many possible causes for a car engine to turn over but not start. Some of the most common include:

No fuel
No spark
Bad starter
Faulty ignition switch
Dead battery
Clogged fuel filter
Faulty fuel pump
Bad spark plugs
Worn out distributor cap or rotor
Faulty ignition coil
Bad crankshaft position sensor
Bad camshaft position sensor

Troubleshooting

If your car engine is turning over but not starting, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

Check the fuel level. If the fuel tank is empty, you will need to add fuel before the engine will start.
Check for a spark. You can do this by removing a spark plug wire and holding it close to a metal surface while someone cranks the engine. If you see a spark, then the ignition system is working properly.
Check the starter. If the starter is not working, you will need to replace it.
Check the ignition switch. If the ignition switch is faulty, you will need to replace it.
Check the battery. If the battery is dead, you will need to recharge it or replace it.
Check the fuel filter. If the fuel filter is clogged, you will need to replace it.
Check the fuel pump. If the fuel pump is not working, you will need to replace it.
Check the spark plugs. If the spark plugs are worn out, you will need to replace them.
Check the distributor cap or rotor. If the distributor cap or rotor is worn out, you will need to replace it.
Check the ignition coil. If the ignition coil is faulty, you will need to replace it.
Check the crankshaft position sensor. If the crankshaft position sensor is faulty, you will need to replace it.
Check the camshaft position sensor. If the camshaft position sensor is faulty, you will need to replace it.

Conclusion

If you have tried all of the troubleshooting steps above and your car engine is still not starting, you should take it to a mechanic for further diagnosis.