Crank no start?

Tiny
CHRISTOPHER IVAN ROEDER
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 HONDA ACCORD
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 294,246 MILES
I went to the store yesterday car started fine, as I was pulling in to park but shut off as I did. So then wouldn't start back up had to get it towed then took battery out and recharged it, put it back in car started fine. But I let it idle for about 5 minutes or so and it shut off again and won't start back up. Any suggestions where to start?
Monday, September 1st, 2025 AT 11:45 AM

38 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

The most common cause is either loss of fuel pressure or ignition spark. Here is what I need you to try.

First, try to start it using starting fluid. If it does and then stalls again, we know it is a fuel-related issue. If there is no change, then I suggest checking for ignition spark.

If there is no spark, the most common cause is a failed crankshaft position sensor. Here are a few links that will help. First is a link that explains how to check for spark. Do this if nothing happens when using the starting fluid.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Also, read through this link. It explains the symptoms of a failed crankshaft position sensor. Check if it appears to mirror your experience.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

Try what I suggested and let me know the results.

Take care,

Joe

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Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025 AT 7:38 PM
Tiny
CHRISTOPHER IVAN ROEDER
  • MEMBER
  • 156 POSTS
One quick question before I go start these test. Could it be my main relay by chance or is that completely irrelevant? Thank you in advance.
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Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025 AT 2:26 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
When you mean start, do you mean the engine will not crank over, or the engine cranks over but will not start?

Please go over these videos to help us see what is going on:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXLJbuAZ4CE&t

And for not cranking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YRW8fyNudY

Please upload a videos in your response of the engine cranking so I can hear it.
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Thursday, September 4th, 2025 AT 10:22 AM
Tiny
CHRISTOPHER IVAN ROEDER
  • MEMBER
  • 156 POSTS
Here is the video and after I took the video there was a faint smell of gasoline I believe
Video (Click to make bigger)
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Thursday, September 4th, 2025 AT 6:17 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
I don't think the engine has compression. To be sure lets go over this guide, you can rent a gauge set for free at the auto parts store.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Please go over this guide and get back to us. Thanks for the video it helps.
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Thursday, September 4th, 2025 AT 6:47 PM
Tiny
CHRISTOPHER IVAN ROEDER
  • MEMBER
  • 156 POSTS
The 1st step says the engine should be warm but if it's not running how can I do the test
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Thursday, September 4th, 2025 AT 7:44 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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You can test it cold np.
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Friday, September 5th, 2025 AT 5:53 PM
Tiny
CHRISTOPHER IVAN ROEDER
  • MEMBER
  • 156 POSTS
Ok and also I did replace the main relay and it started up but it seemed to be sputtering a little but it didn't stall on me, didn't know if that would help at all thank you for your help and time
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Saturday, September 6th, 2025 AT 5:46 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
The fact that the engine runs is a good sign but we still need a compression test which will tell us if the timing chain has jumped. Let me know once completed.
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Saturday, September 6th, 2025 AT 1:21 PM
Tiny
CHRISTOPHER IVAN ROEDER
  • MEMBER
  • 156 POSTS
Ok
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Saturday, September 6th, 2025 AT 3:25 PM
Tiny
CHRISTOPHER IVAN ROEDER
  • MEMBER
  • 156 POSTS
I still need to go get the tester to do the compression test but this is a video of what it was doing when I started it this morning it was putting out some smoke not sure from what but it was coming out of the engine bay and the tailpipes. Didn't know if this would lead us anywhere
Video (Click to make bigger)
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Sunday, September 7th, 2025 AT 8:13 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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I would remove the air filter and try to run the engine again. Thanks for the video it helps.
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Sunday, September 7th, 2025 AT 9:13 AM
Tiny
CHRISTOPHER IVAN ROEDER
  • MEMBER
  • 156 POSTS
Thank you again for your help and time I'm sure I'm not the only problem you're helping with and I greatly appreciate it
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Sunday, September 7th, 2025 AT 10:43 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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You are welcome,, did you try it with out the filter, it looks like it is collapsed. Lets run the codes as well.

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

Do the compression test when you can. Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 8:47 AM
Tiny
CHRISTOPHER IVAN ROEDER
  • MEMBER
  • 156 POSTS
I did without the air filter and it wouldn't start again I have to wait until payday to do the compression test but as soon as I do I'll let you know also I don't have any check engine light on and the only code that's popped up was P1491, N0101
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 9:15 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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You can rent a compression gauge from Autozone for free fyi. YES! I think we found the problem, the EGR valve is stuck open.

Code P1491 - EGR Valve Lift Sensor Circuit High Voltage

The codes to the rescue. remove the EGR and use this test to confirm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqUCbbKdWf4

Also, the MAF sensor might be having an issue, the N0101 code converts to a MAF issue. So if the valve checks good, unplug the sensor to see if it changes.
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 11:23 AM
Tiny
CHRISTOPHER IVAN ROEDER
  • MEMBER
  • 156 POSTS
I replaced the MAF sensor since that code popped up but as soon as it stops raining I'll go check the EGR thank you
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 11:49 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Sounds good, I am pretty sure this is the problem.
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 12:04 PM
Tiny
CHRISTOPHER IVAN ROEDER
  • MEMBER
  • 156 POSTS
I believe you're correct would that cause it to start sometimes and then sometimes not?
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 12:34 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, it sure would.
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 4:53 PM

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