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No start

Cranks but won’t start, or doesn’t crank at all. Split the problem into power, crank, spark, and fuel.

HIGH RISK

Common symptoms

  • No crank / click
  • Cranks but won’t fire
  • Starts then dies
  • Intermittent starting

Cost expectations

DIY: £0–£80. Garage: £80–£250+ depending on diagnosis.

Note: prices vary by car and region. Use this as a planning range.

Most likely causes (ranked)

  1. Battery/terminals — Low voltage or bad connection.
  2. Starter/relay issue — Clicks or slow crank.
  3. Immobiliser/key issue — Cranks then cuts, or no crank.
  4. Fuel delivery — Pump, relay, pressure, injector pulse.
  5. Crank sensor / ignition — No RPM signal or no spark.

Quick checks (fast, low-cost)

  • Check battery voltage and terminals; try jump start.
  • Listen for fuel pump prime (2–3 seconds) with ignition on.
  • Scan for codes and live data (RPM while cranking).
  • Check for spark with a spark tester.
  • Check fuses/relays relevant to fuel and ignition.

Recommended tools

These tools make diagnosis faster and stop you buying random parts.

Related fixes

If your symptoms don’t match perfectly, check these next.

Hard start (cold)Check engine lightBattery drain

What to do next

  • Rule out battery and connections first.
  • If cranks but won’t start, check spark then fuel.
  • Use live data to avoid guessing.

AutoSolveHub helps you narrow possibilities. Always confirm critical repairs with proper testing and safe procedures.