Cranks but will not fire

Tiny
CHEVYPUNKED
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
I drove the car and filled tank. Drove car back home now it cranks but won't start. It never showed signs of any fuel pump problems. There has been times I go out to start it then nothing would happen. I would pull the positive terminal put it back on then car would fire right up. Then there has been times where I drive the car loses power and dash reads service traction and no power esc. I pull over and undo positive terminal and car fires right back up. I have looked this up on YouTube and several of people have had this same issue but no body says what was wrong or any part they changed. I have changed out relays. One video the guy has same problem and shakes fuse box in trunk where fuel pump relay is but that didn't work for me. I've seen some where they say its anti theft and to turn key for ten minutes and repeat to reset the key but that didn't work. I feel its a electrical issue more than fuel pump went out because I never had any issue with fuel pump but several issues with something electric. I have read up on this car and apparently has several issues with something electric
Monday, December 17th, 2018 AT 8:04 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

When it does not start, can you hear the fuel pump run?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Did you check for spark at the plugs?

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

Did you check for fuel pressure?

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

Both of these need to be checked to find out where the failure is coming from.

Roy
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:54 PM
Tiny
CHEVYPUNKED
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I sprayed starter fluid in the air intake and it fires. So plugs get fire. Fuel pump will not lock on. I just recently went out to check if steering wheel will lock in park and no key in ignition and it won't. I have read that if the security system is failing it will not allow car to start. Also if the ignition is bad it will allow car to crank also but not fire.
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:54 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
The fact it starts with starter fluid eliminates those.

You have a fuel delivery issue. You need to check the actual fuel pressure with the key on to see if the pump is working.

Roy
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:54 PM

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