Car will try to crank but it will not actually crank up

JWILSON0

MEMBER
2016 FORD FUSION
2.5L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
29,200 MILES

The other day I was getting gas and I got about a mile down the road when it started sputtering. So I pulled over and it hasn’t been able to crank since. I’ve put some heet and seafoam in the gas just to see if that would help as I was thinking it was bad gas, but I’m not sure at this point. It does seem as if the engine isn’t getting enough gas but I could hear the fuel pump engage when I turned the key.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,355 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Although you hear the fuel pump, it may not be producing enough pressure to run the engine. Based on your description, I agree with you. It seems fuel related. What I need you to do is check fuel pump pressure. Here is a link that shows in general how to test:

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

The attached picture indicates the manufacturer's pressure specifications.

If you are unable to test the pressure or find pressure is within spec, see if it will start for a couple seconds using starting fluid. If it does, then the problem is fuel related. If it doesn't, then it is most likely ignition related. Here is a link that shows how to check for ignition spark:

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

Here are a few other links you may find helpful when checking for spark:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Joe

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