Said It Here

Vehicle cranks after fuel pump replacement but won't start

A replacement fuel pump can deliver pressure while flooding the engine with excess gas, preventing it from catching. This leaves the vehicle cranking normally but refusing to start or run.

What people tried

Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.

  1. 1
    replacing the battery
  2. 2
    Jumpstarting the vehicle
  3. 3
    Checking fuses
  4. 4
    replacing the fuel pump
  5. 5
    checking fuel pressure at the rail valve
  6. 6
    verifying psi with a pressure gauge
  7. 7
    taping over drilled holes in the airbox to compensate for a lack of a remap
  8. 8
    testing compression manually using a finger over the spark plug hole
  9. 9
    Using a battery charger
  10. 10
    Using a battery warmer wrap
  11. 11
    Removing fuses to stop parasitic draws
  12. 12
    Checking fuse continuity using a multimeter
  13. 13
    Replacing the large strip fuse
  14. 14
    guessing at parts
  15. 15
    checking fuel pressure after shutdown
  16. 16
    looking for check engine lights or codes
  17. 17
    Replacing the starter
  18. 18
    Checking for a bad ground
  19. 19
    Giving the engine a tiny bit of gas while turning the key
  20. 20
    Waiting for the glow plug light to go out before starting
  21. 21
    Checking timing alignment
  22. 22
    Plugging the distributor back in
  23. 23
    Checking ground wires on the thermostat housing
  24. 24
    Performing a compression test
  25. 25
    unplugging the fuel pump wire to start the engine on residual fuel before quickly reconnecting it
  26. 26
    putting a switch on the fuel pump wire as a temporary fix
  27. 27
    testing pressure at the fuel rail
  28. 28
    Check for a dead battery
  29. 29
    Bridging the main battery cable post and the solenoid spade terminal
  30. 30
    Using a screwdriver to manually connect the starter terminals
  31. 31
    changed the battery
  32. 32
    put it on the oscilloscope
  33. 33
    cleaned the sensors
  34. 34
    took it to a mechanic to change spark plugs, clean the accelerator body, and clean the injectors
  35. 35
    checked the battery charging and fuses
  36. 36
    Disconnecting and reconnecting the battery
  37. 37
    Replacing the battery or alternator
  38. 38
    Cycling the key a second time
  39. 39
    Jiggling the key on the first turn
  40. 40
    Turning the key to 'on' for a second before cranking
  41. 41
    Replacing the ignition switch
  42. 42
    Replacing ignition components like the module, cap, rotor, and coil
  43. 43
    Jumping the electronic spark control and pink wire
  44. 44
    Considering distributor replacement
  45. 45
    Checking the main fuse for starting on the driver side fuse box
  46. 46
    Checking spark plugs and replacing ignition coil pack
  47. 47
    Checking fuel pump pressure at the fuel rail
  48. 48
    Replacing the crankshaft position sensor
  49. 49
    Testing electrical connectors at the fuel injectors with a noid light and multimeter
  50. 50
    Taking the car to a mechanic shop for repairs.
  51. 51
    checking distributor timing multiple times
  52. 52
    checking top dead center (TDC)
  53. 53
    taking the carburetor apart
  54. 54
    letting the battery charge longer on the jump
  55. 55
    using a battery charger overnight
  56. 56
    checking for loose or bad connections
  57. 57
    Charging the battery overnight
  58. 58
    Replacing the old battery with a new one
  59. 59
    Checking spark plugs for spark
  60. 60
    Listening for the fuel pump to hum
  61. 61
    Scanning for OBD-II trouble codes
  62. 62
    Replacing components sequentially
  63. 63
    Pulling plugs and coils to check for wet or dry conditions
  64. 64
    Checking spark, fuel delivery, injector pulse, and compression
  65. 65
    checking relays
  66. 66
    hitting the starter solenoid while someone cranks the car
  67. 67
    testing battery voltage with a multimeter
  68. 68
    taking the battery to an auto parts store to be charged and checked
  69. 69
    Replacing parts like the fuel pump, fuel filter, and crank position sensor
  70. 70
    Using starting fluid or gas-soaked rags on the air filter to get the engine to catch
  71. 71
    Using a jump-start to get the car running daily
  72. 72
    Taking the battery to an auto parts store for testing
  73. 73
    Try starting with jumper cables.
  74. 74
    Check battery terminals and grounds for looseness.
  75. 75
    Trying to jump start the battery multiple times
  76. 76
    Removing the starter to test it at an auto parts store before replacing
  77. 77
    Replacing spark plugs, alternators, regulators, batteries, distributor caps, and rotors based on guesswork
  78. 78
    Planning to change the oil and speculating about various potential sensor, fuel, and timing issues
  79. 79
    Replacing fuel injectors
  80. 80
    Guessing potential issues like a fuel pump or electrical problem
  81. 81
    inspecting the alternator, loose battery terminals, or the ignition switch
  82. 82
    Using a jump start to see if it fires
  83. 83
    Ensuring starter connections to positive and ground are clean
  84. 84
    Replacing multiple parts sequentially (spark plugs, fuel pump, crankshaft sensor)
  85. 85
    Trying to jump-start or boost the vehicle
  86. 86
    Attempting anti-theft reset procedures
  87. 87
    Checking or replacing the starter
  88. 88
    Checking for spark or fuel issues
  89. 89
    Checking if the fuel filter is clogged
  90. 90
    Waiting 5-10 minutes for the car to start back up
  91. 91
    Taking it to a mechanic
  92. 92
    moving the ground wire to an incorrect engine connection to force starting
  93. 93
    cleaning ground connections and checking starter wiring
  94. 94
    replacing oxygen sensors
  95. 95
    letting fuel pump prime multiple times
  96. 96
    spraying starting fluid directly into the intake
  97. 97
    considering checking or replacing the starter
  98. 98
    Trying to prime the fuel system using a hand pump
  99. 99
    Towing the vehicle to get it started
  100. 100
    Checking live diagnostic data for engine speed and rail pressure
  101. 101
    getting the battery tested
  102. 102
    cleaning battery terminals
  103. 103
    checking the ground strap with a jumper cable
  104. 104
    jump starting with battery pack
  105. 105
    trying in park and neutral while wiggling shifter
  106. 106
    pressing brakes harder
  107. 107
    wiggling key in ignition
  108. 108
    inspecting fuses
  109. 109
    replacing parts like the fuel pump, crankshaft position sensor, fuel rail pressure sensor, spark plugs, and purge valve
  110. 110
    checking for spark, coil pack resistances, and throttle body operation
  111. 111
    testing with starting fluid
  112. 112
    unplugging the MAF sensor
  113. 113
    Trying to jump the car
  114. 114
    Cleaning battery acid and corrosion
  115. 115
    Cleaning terminals with a wire brush and baking soda and water mix
  116. 116
    Checking and cleaning the ground cable at the frame
  117. 117
    Tapping on the starter with a hammer while trying to start
  118. 118
    using a jumper to start the car
  119. 119
    Keeping the engine running manually to prevent it from dying
  120. 120
    Attempting to start the car multiple times until it catches
  121. 121
    Trying to diagnose and test EVAP components at home to avoid shop fees
  122. 122
    attempting to jump start the vehicle
  123. 123
    checking for diagnostic trouble codes
  124. 124
    planning to tow the vehicle to a mechanic
  125. 125
    check grounds and battery post connections
  126. 126
    lightly tap the starter motor on the side with a hammer
  127. 127
    Replacing the key fob battery
  128. 128
    Measuring battery voltage with a multimeter
  129. 129
    Holding the key directly on top of the start button
  130. 130
    Using jumper cables with another car
  131. 131
    Trying to jump start the battery with a portable device

In their words

Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.

It’s been having trouble starting, it cranks and cranks and cranks until it kills the battery.source ↗

On its last drive, 5 days ago, it died a quiet death while in motion. No dramatics. Just powered down, wrastled to the roadside where it now rests.source ↗

The air filter (which we just outright removed before even changing the distributor) is soaked in gas (and dead bugs steeped in gas), the oil smells like gas, the spark plugs smell of gas.source ↗

No_Rhubarb6592 · r/AskMechanics · 4 upvotes

1977 c10 with a sbc 350. New built motor, checked timing on the distributor like 5 times as well as checking tdc and no movement on the valves for cam timing.source ↗

Fuel is old which could be a factor but still doesnt fire up with starter fluid.source ↗

Backfires through the exhaust and carb sometimes.source ↗

Oaktree050 · r/AskMechanics · 3 upvotes

drove it home one night and when i went to the car the next day it wouldn't start. put a new battery in it tried to start it and this is all i get. I'm assuming it's a starter at this point...but a friend mentioned to check my relays.source ↗

casualkenny · r/MechanicAdvice · 3 upvotes

I’ve just gotten home from getting my fuel injectors replaced (original diagnosed issue with the car) and this problem is still happening.source ↗

For more context, this happens when the engine seems to be sitting in the sun for a bit or generally just hot, when I start it cold after a night of it not being in use, it starts first time with no lag!source ↗

total_ankle · r/MechanicAdvice · 3 upvotes

Car wont start when a ground wire is in the correct place which is from the chassis to the engine cover ( yellow arrow ) but it will start when its in the wrong place and connected to the engine ( blue arrow )source ↗

When the car is running its running rough and im getting a P0131 code for Primary 02 Sensor low voltage and ive tried 3 different sensors and hooked up a OBD scanner and watched the voltage change so i dont understand why im getting this code?source ↗

Jay_15219 · r/MechanicAdvice · 3 upvotes

Things ive tried: jump starting with those powerful battery operated ones that instantly start big trucks, trying in park and neutral while wiggling shifter, pressing brakes harder, wiggling key in ignition in all kinds of ways.source ↗

Fuses looks good visually, in video you see that the green 30 amp one doesnt connect a circuit but the metal inside looks visually perfect which leads me to believe that it is something going on with whatever is under the fuse..which i have no idea how you fix that.source ↗

Shevahli · r/MechanicAdvice · 3 upvotes

When I tried to start it, the engine light was flashing and the car started shaking.source ↗

Yaboipalpatine · r/MechanicAdvice · 3 upvotes

my 97 cobra went from starting like a top to cranking only.source ↗

Fuel is getting to injectors, 40psi, but fuel is not being shot into the cylinders and injectors are receiving proper voltage.source ↗

1moreProjectCar · r/AskMechanics · 2 upvotes

2012 Ford Focus automatic with a 2.0l and 227k mikes cranks but won't start with no (relevant) codes.source ↗

At this point I'm kind of at a loss on where to go, does anyone have any ideas or advice that might help us get on the right track here?source ↗

Shad0wFa1c0n · r/AskMechanics · 2 upvotes

Hi I have a vw passst b7 2014 and can’t start it sometimes. It cranks and sound like it’s gonna start then just dies.source ↗

Dysletik · r/MechanicAdvice · 2 upvotes

now it cranks but doesn't turn over and the engine bay smells like gas when I crank it.source ↗

hawaii-visitor · r/MechanicAdvice · 2 upvotes

My 2015 charger rt will not start and it just keeps turning over for about 10 seconds before stoping.source ↗

Such-Musician4490 · r/MechanicAdvice · 2 upvotes

It either cranks but stops, or will not do anything at all on the first key turn. second key turn is always a perfectly fine start up.source ↗

SordidStoic · r/MechanicAdvice · 2 upvotes

today i went to go start my truck and it was dead after i jump started it and it turned over and i heard a loud pop now the truck wont start at all.source ↗

my instrument cluster had stopped working the day prior when i was driving it apart from that the truck was acting finesource ↗

Background-Corgi-334 · r/MechanicAdvice · 2 upvotes

I have a 2009 Mercedes e350 with crank no start condition I change fuel injectors spark plugs crankshaft sensor fuel pump fuel injectors is when it all started when I had bad misfires on all cylinderssource ↗

BrotherInternal4835 · r/MechanicAdvice · 2 upvotes

Dash lights up but the car doesn’t turn over when I turn the key. It just clicks heaps. I also just got a new battery.source ↗

WorkingAd5219 · r/MechanicAdvice · 2 upvotes

Car taking long to start when turning keysource ↗

Commercial-Bunch9389 · r/MechanicAdvice · 2 upvotes

I have a problem with my car. Two months ago, when I got in, it was hard to start—you turn the key, the car struggles, and nothing else happens.source ↗

the car stalled right at a traffic light and barely started; it probably took about 20 attempts cranking the starter.source ↗

On the 3rd lap, the car started losing power. Even when pressing the gas pedal, it kept losing power, then after 2-3 seconds it started picking up, but exactly as I was turning around for the 4th lap, the car stalled and wouldn't start anymore.source ↗

mitaka31 · r/MechanicAdvice · 2 upvotes

pulled over, and the bike just died completely on its own. Not even sure when the tape ripped off during the ride. Now it won't start at all.source ↗

there is a spark, but the plug keeps coming out completely soaked in gas like crazy. When I crank it it just makes occasional pop sounds and refuses to catch.source ↗

ProfessionalC47 · r/AskMechanics · 1 upvotes

Over the past 3 years, my kia has been dying constantly.source ↗

Even after replacing the starter it died again and again.source ↗

Recently its been dying every couple of days again and i dont know what to try anymore.source ↗

Im tired of jumpstarting and charging my car and being shocked when it actually starts.source ↗

Feisty_Cockroach_621 · r/AskMechanics · 1 upvotes

No crank at all, no starter clicksource ↗

Everything electrical works but very weakly (windows, central locking, fuel pump)source ↗

Interior and trunk lights stay onsource ↗

Same problem with different batteriessource ↗

fakeanimeguy · r/AskMechanics · 1 upvotes

07 VW Passat cranks strong but won't start — began after rear brake jobsource ↗

Ok-Editor-8647 · r/AskMechanics · 1 upvotes

So my 2005 2.0 liter Jetta was slow to start for a day or two. Then it just wouldn’t. Heard it trying with a click or two.source ↗

Nothing happened except some chugs and a click or two. Now it hardly chugs at all and is only one single click.source ↗

redbeardnohands · r/AskMechanics · 1 upvotes

I got it tested and it said goodsource ↗

Deeneroo · r/AskMechanics · 1 upvotes

Nope. Spotless.source ↗

Deeneroo · r/AskMechanics · 1 upvotes

Tried to jump it, got the battery tested and was told it looked good. Have accessory power.source ↗

Not sure where to go from here. At this point likely a tow to a mechanic as I’m out of my realm heresource ↗

MaybeLithuanian · r/AskMechanics · 1 upvotes

I replaced the fuel pump on my 06 jeep liberty 3.7l was able to drive it around for about 2 weeks no problem. I was stopped at a stop sign and when I accelerated it lost all power and went totally limp, as if someone took the key out of the ignition. It cranks but won’t turn over now, I did some troubleshooting and I think it is still fuel related.source ↗

Acceptable-Prompt516 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

I did check the pressure valve and it is getting fuelsource ↗

Acceptable-Prompt516 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Accidentally shorted while installing new battery. Car won’t turn over, engine fan blows hard.source ↗

Not getting power to F22 and F23 fuses.source ↗

Car displays ECM fault, but Code reader won’t connect to car so I can verify (it powers up but can’t link).source ↗

rob0369 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

recently noticed that its taking a little longer to start than it used tosource ↗

sometimes it cranks for about 1-2 seconds before actually startingsource ↗

The weird thing is it doesnt seem to happen all the timesource ↗

if I leave it parked for around 3-4 hours thats when I notice the longer cranksource ↗

Realistic_Elk3865 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

If I drive it, turn it off for about 10 minutes, and then try to restart it, it sometimes refuses to turn over right away. It takes 4-5 seconds of cranking on the starter and multiple attempts, and it might not even start.source ↗

Antique-Blood-5511 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

On the next attempt, it cranked normally but would not start. The battery is good and the engine cranks at its normal speed/sound. An OBD scan showed P0301 . Can a P0301 by itself cause the engine to completely refuse to start, or would a crank-no-start usually indicate another underlying problem as well?source ↗

ChaliseScorpi · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

I can unplug the wire and get it to crank somewhat easily on the remaining fuel in the rail and then quickly reconnect the wire and it will run.source ↗

There does seem to be a bit of a weak fuel pressure when I do get it to run and the wire reconnectedsource ↗

Fir3Fox87 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Still doesn’t start too happily but for a “temporary” fix it might have to do.source ↗

Fir3Fox87 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Unfortunately this is a stock relay. It absolutely clicks on and off, quite loud. The used to work absolutely fine but I redid the head and now that it’s all back together it does thissource ↗

Fir3Fox87 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

When I try to turn it over it just sputters. Help please!source ↗

just_trying-tomakeit · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Key in ignition, turn it, absolutely nothing happens. No clicking, no sound, no lights, nothing.source ↗

soopadook · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

I have a 2006 Honda Accord Euro R with a K20A(JDM) and the car won't crank. How do i jump the starter? I don't know which two bolts to bridge...source ↗

noob_investornz · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Can I just use a screw driver to bridge the two bolts to start it ?source ↗

noob_investornz · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Are you able to circle the bolts i need to bridge ?source ↗

noob_investornz · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Thank you I had it for a few months and was hoping it's not the startersource ↗

Intelligent_Art_6076 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Have a new job starting this week and it’s stressing me out thinking the car is gonna leave me sit!source ↗

SordidStoic · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Still have no spark. Can't figure out what's going on.source ↗

Fabulous-Molasses482 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

No fire at all. Sat a plug on the frame and cranked and got no spark at all.source ↗

Fabulous-Molasses482 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

i forgot to mention my gas pedal also stopped working is that a sign it jumped time too?source ↗

Background-Corgi-334 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

I have a 2009 Kia Spectra ex that stopped turning over over night.source ↗

Everything electric seems to be working but I'm not achieving combustion. I can hear the engine trying to start but it fails every time.source ↗

I checked all of the spark plugs after attempting to start the car and they were dry and only smelled like the engine.source ↗

I'm running out of ideas as to what the issue may be. Any help would be appreciated.source ↗

Consistently-Bad-615 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Just today my Ford focus died. It started as usual but after a few seconds the engine stopped. I tried to start it again but it won’t start.source ↗

bloodywheelchair · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

So my car usually starts rough on Monday’s after sitting for a couple of days but today it just won’t start at all I checked the spark plugs and they all have spark I can hear the fuel pump humming when I first turn the car to on.source ↗

mutedcontacts801 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

multimeter showed my battery was at a 6 and that was after we tried to jump it. bought this battery yesterday and it read 12.6 or sosource ↗

casualkenny · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

starter was my fear from the...startsource ↗

casualkenny · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

When warm the car is turned off (i.e groceries) and when coming, sometimes the car cranks and cranks but will not start.source ↗

devst8n · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Car would run fine when cool, would start acting up when warmed/idle/ sitting for a while.source ↗

Comprehensive-Ad7262 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

My car has been unable to start recently and I'm looking for some advice before I go into a shop.source ↗

When I press the brake pedal and hit the start button, nothing happens. The dash stays black, no clicking/cranking.source ↗

The car starts immediately when jump-started, and runs fine until the next day.source ↗

Since it starts up fine with a jump, is this a battery failing despite the store test?source ↗

PeanutRNut · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Whenever I turn the key to the start position, the dash lights up and everything seems fine, but whenever I try to crank the engine, the dash goes black except for the check engine light. There is no noise whatsoever whenever I try to turn the key all the way. I changed the battery and starter/starter solenoid.source ↗

snazzy_bro26 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Went to go to work, crank no start. Tried boosting it. No changes. Replaced the spark plugs and housing. No changes. Replaced the fuel pump. No changes. Replaced the crankshaft sensor. No changes.source ↗

Aggravating_Start503 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Pulled into a parking spot, parked and turned the car off, tried to start the car a few minutes later and it does this.source ↗

No engine code this time and won't start at allsource ↗

ZebraJS · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

2018 Kia sorento AWD FE v6. This usually happens when the car has been sitting a while, it doesn’t start for about 5-10 minutes and then it starts right back up like nothing happenedsource ↗

It’s been happening on and off for a few months anyone know what could be the issue?source ↗

redstoner42069 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Scion TC 2008 , car won't start after pumping gas. Help mesource ↗

GamerMonkey25 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Pulled into a parking spot, parked and turned the car off, tried to start the car a few minutes later and it does this.source ↗

This time there is no code and it won't start at allsource ↗

ZebraJS · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

My boyfriends truck will not start.source ↗

The lights come on but when we turn to key to start ignition all the lights shut off and it does not crank.source ↗

We went to Oreily, picked up a new battery, installed and same issue. Will not crank or start, lights come on but shut off when trying to start ignition.source ↗

soorahkayanna · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

After refueling, the car usually won’t start on the first or second attempt.source ↗

On the third attempt it will start, but it doesn’t want to idle and dies unless I keep it running.source ↗

GamerMonkey25 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Nope, it never would crank.source ↗

Yaboipalpatine · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

My MX5 (2019 ND) won’t seem to start, it “ticks” as if it wants too however there is no successful start.source ↗

Formal-Brother7940 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

I was driving my civic earlier but suddenly the brake pedal is locked tight and when I crank the key there is no noise at all. I tried jumping the battery but no luck.source ↗

Ok-Shake37 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

When I crank the key it is completely silentsource ↗

Ok-Shake37 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

I have a portable device I triedsource ↗

Ok-Shake37 · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Very occasionally, when I press the start button, the starter just slowly chugs once, like it would if it had a dead battery. But then it continues on and starts with no problem.source ↗

SirKiwiTheBrave · r/MechanicAdvice · 1 upvotes

Hey y’all I’m new to everything cars but i figure I’d try to fix this ol boy up.source ↗

It recently had a really bad throttle body that a mechanic shop fixed up for me but few days later it crapped outsource ↗

it’s making this noise right now and I’m not sure how to diagnose itsource ↗

MessageDense347 · r/autorepair · 1 upvotes

I have a blower motor issue which I’m diagnosing a bad blower motor but just wanting to get advice. I have an ECM motor which I checked for 240V going into the motor and a 24V signal and I get both. Condenser comes on but furnace does not. Any advice or I’m good to change out the motor?source ↗

Alexxander10 · r/hvacadvice · 1 upvotes

it would stall for no reason and tick all the witnesses, I changed the battery and it worked fairly normally for a day or so, then in the evening it just stopped again, but the odd thing was that it would start up but it would not tick any revs.source ↗

FinalSoft9917 · r/AskMechanics

I have a 2006 Honda Accord Euro R (JDM) and there's no crank when i try to start it. How do I use a screwdriver to jump the starter?source ↗

noob_investornz · r/AskMechanics

I went away for a few days and I came back to this when.i started my car. I have tried to jump it but it doesn't help at all.source ↗

I think it's a dead battery but the fact jumping from my neighbours car doesn't help makes me worried.source ↗

DMZAAD · r/MechanicAdvice

since a week almost every night when i start the car it wont start.. i have to use the jumper to start it ..source ↗

Nova-2050 · r/MechanicAdvice

Where this came up

People with this problem also raised