My car will crank but no start?

Tiny
BRIANNA ALETA
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
So, I have the car listed above. I got it about a year ago and haven't been driving it due to a broken windshield and my catalytic converter was cut off. Well, I finally got the windshield put in and drove it and it wasn't running excellent because the exhaust is still not completely fixed but I noticed I was running low on gas and parked it. I went to crank it the next day and it wouldn't do anything. I put gas in it and still nothing but then when I turned the key it wouldn't do anything at all, the lights would come on and everything but I noticed the fuel pump wouldn't come on. I also noticed that that night it rained and when I got in my car that the i/p fuse box inside the car in the passenger side kick panel had gotten soaked so I took out all the fuses and dried everything off and still nothing, I don't believe there is fire from the spark plugs either I tried the spark test but not 100% I did it the right way. I checked the battery, the terminals, the fuses and relays all is okay. And also, the car will turn over but still not start if you touch the starter relay in the fuse 'box but still won't start as if I try to start it with the key I get nothing but lights coming on. I am so lost, I'm not sure what to do next.
Monday, November 27th, 2023 AT 8:56 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,119 POSTS
Brianna,

Hang in there. I'll help get you going. As far as the problem, when you turn the key, does the starter engage and turn the engine, or does nothing happen? If nothing happens, first make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight. Also, make sure the battery hasn't been drained. Here is a really simple battery load test, try it and let me know the results:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

I'm asking because you mentioned no spark condition. That can only be checked if the starter motor is engaged and turning the engine.

If the starter does engage but the engine fails to start, I need you to try something. See if it starts if you use starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, we know there is a fuel related issue. If there is no change, then suspect there is an ignition-related issue.

Here is a link that explains how to check for spark at the plugs:

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

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, November 27th, 2023 AT 9:32 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,119 POSTS
Hi,

Okay, I need to better understand what you mean by pressing the starter relay. Do you mean you simply push it in further? If that is the case, it sounds like the issue is in the fuse/relay box.

Have you removed it to see if there is a corrosion issue or even a pushed-in connector pin? If there is another relay with the same part number, switch them and see what happens.

If you are doing something other than simply pressing on the relay, let me know. Also, if it is cranking and does nothing with starting fluid, I need you to check for spark at the plugs.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

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

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Wednesday, November 29th, 2023 AT 8:17 PM

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