Why is my car sputtering but not starting?

Why is my car sputtering but not starting?

Damaged Spark Plug The lowly spark plug could be the culprit for your car that won’t start. A spark plug allows a controlled spark to ignite the fuel in your engine. If your lights and radio will turn on but your car is sputtering or won’t start at all, you may have a defective spark plug.

What causes sputtering on startup?

Bad or Dirty Spark Plugs: Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel in the combustion chamber. If they are not working correctly or are dirty they don’t ignite the fuel cleanly and the car can misfire or sputter. Vacuum Leak: A leak in the vacuum system can lead to a sputtering or rough running engine.

What will cause a car to sputter?

One of the most common causes of a sputtering engine is an issue with the vehicle’s fuel system—the filter, pump, and injectors. Since the fuel filter, pump, and injectors work together as part of one interconnected system, dirt and debris need only clog one part to cause the others to fail.

Will a bad fuel pump work sometimes?

A weak fuel pump may still pump fuel, but the vehicle may experience difficulty starting from the lack of pressure. A weakened fuel pump can cause the vehicle to take more cranks to start than normal, and in more serious cases may even cause the vehicle to require multiple turns of the key before it will start.

Will a bad crank sensor cause no crank?

A bad crankshaft position sensor is indeed a common cause of no starts. The signal from the crankshaft sensor goes to the ignition module or the PCM, that switches the ignition coil (or coils) both off and on.

Will a bad ignition switch cause a crank no start?

Engine won’t start: The ignition switch supplies power to starter motor, ignition system and engine controls. A faulty switch can prevent these systems from getting power, resulting in an engine that won’t start.