Few things can be as frustrating as “No Crank No Start.” It may seem a disaster for any car owner when you turn the key or push the start button and your car still won’t start.
But don’t worry! Every car problem has a solution, even if the issue is totally ghosting you! We can help you figure out the reason behind it and solve it.
Additionally, we will offer an in-depth insight on the no crank no start issue, so you hardly face it anymore.
Let’s get started today.
No Crank No Start Means,
Before we analyze more, let’s clarify what we mean by “no crank, no start.”
A regular car functions when you turn on the ignition key to engage the starter motor and crank the engine over.
When nothing happens when you turn the key, and the engine doesn’t even attempt to start, you’re dealing with a “no crank, no start” situation.
Markdown, crank, no start is different from no crank no start. The first one deals with cranks but the engine doesn’t start. Meanwhile, we are dealing with a totally off-an scenario.
A few factors are responsible for a no crank no start. Let’s define them first.
Common Factors Behind No Crank No Start
It may start with a dead battery or a faulty starter. But we don’t know for sure until we conduct a proper examination. And here it is,
- Dead Battery
The most common reason behind a no crank no start can be a dead or weak battery. The battery offers the electrical energy a starter motor needs. It also delivers surplus power to a vehicle when it’s on ignition.
A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts. This reading can vary based on vehicle types. In case you have a discharged or damaged battery, you can never engage the starter.
Troubleshooting:
If you suspect it’s the battery that’s having a problem, you will need a multimeter. Insert the multimeter’s positive probe on the positive terminal of the battery and the negative probe on the negative terminal.
But before you do, don’t forget to turn off the vehicle’s engine, lights, and all accessories.
In case the meter reads below 12V, you can charge the battery. If it still doesn’t work, you may need to replace the batter itself.
- Starter Problem
A starter is one of the most important components of your automobile. It’s also known as a self-starter. You can locate it near the back of the engine. The starter is the only part that cranks or turns the engine over during the starting process.
It delivers the necessary mechanical force to rotate the engine’s crankshaft, which, in turn, initiates the engine’s combustion cycle.
When we turn the ignition to the “start” position (or push the start button in modern vehicles), the starter solenoid receives an electrical signal.
Note Down: The solenoid is usually attached to the starter motor itself. It engages a small gear, called the “Bendix gear,” into the teeth of the flywheel or flexplate.
The starter motor is supposed to be functional and rotates the engine. But if it doesn’t, your vehicle won’t crank at all. How do you know you have a faulty starter?
It often starts with a clicking sound.
Troubleshooting:
In case, the battery is working just fine, you might need to check your starter. You can try tapping the starter lightly with a hammer while someone attempts to start the vehicle. If it starts, the starter needs replacement.
Notes to Take in Mind: Have a remote starter switch for your convenience. You can then bypass the ignition key to test the starter directly.
Sometimes, it might not be the starter itself, but the wires and connections related to it. Pay particular attention to the heavy gauge wires leading to the starter. Look for any damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
- Issue with Ignition Switch
The ignition switch in any vehicle determines the flow of electricity during ignition. It plays a critical role both when starting and stopping the engine.
The small circle you notice on the steering column or dashboard is the ignition switch of your car. You need to insert and turn a key to turn the switch on. However, in recent models, it’s a button or a knob to promote user convenience.
However, when this switch malfunctions, it can prevent the electrical current from reaching the starter motor and ultimately result in a “no crank” situation.
Troubleshooting:
There’s an easy catch to figure out whether the ignition switch is the culprit or not. When you turn the key, verify if the dashboard light comes on or not. Is there no change on the dashboard light? Then, you might need to replace the ignition switch.
Go to your nearest service shop and they will suggest you a quality switch. You can replace it yourself or a professional can do it for you.
- Crankshaft Positioning Sensor (CPS)
The CPS is responsible for monitoring the position and speed of the crankshaft. It also detects the rotation of the crankshaft and indicates that the engine is turning over.
This information is vital for the engine control module (ECM) or engine control unit (ECU) to ultimately determine the right timing for fuel injection and ignition.
Sometimes, this sensor can break and become faulty. When the Crankshaft Position Sensor fails completely or is sending erroneous signals, the ECM/ECU may not recognize that the engine is turning over.
As a result, it may not send the necessary commands to activate the fuel injection and ignition systems. It will ultimately lead to the “no crank, no start” situation where the engine does not even attempt to start.
Troubleshooting:
You can figure out whether the CPS is behind the no crank no start with a few simple examinations. If you have a highlighted check engine light, it can point out a CPS issue. You can also use an OBD-II scanner to read the trouble codes.
Last but not least, some security system malfunctions or poor wiring connections can also lead to the no crank no start situation. You have to be careful and observe carefully to troubleshoot and resolve the issues.
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