The golden rule of engine operation is that you need three things: 1. Air 2. Fuel 3. Spark There is really a 4th item as well... 4. Compression You do not say whether this was a sudden onset problem or if the vehicle has been operating poorly and has decayed to a no-start condition. If you crank the engine and it turns over very fast, chances are you have a stripped or broken timing belt. These belts need to be serviced, depending on manufacturer and model, every 60-120K miles (see you cars service schedule for details). If this has occurred, there could be additional internal engine damage done to the valve train as the timing belt keeps the pistons and valves for colliding. If the engine cranks at normal speed, then you need to check to see if fuel is getting to the engine. Fuel pumps are located normally in the fuel tank. Have an assistant kneel down by the rear of the car and listen under the vehicle as you crank the engine. You should hear a humming noise from the area of the fuel tank indicating that the fuel pump is running. If this is not the case, you will need the check the fuse and relay for the fuel pump, and replace whatever is faulty. Lastly, check for spark. This is normally easy. At one of the spark plugs, remove the plug wire and with an insulated tool hold it near a grounded part of the engine or body as you crank the engine. Listen and look for spark. If no spark, then there are a number of possible issues...crank/cam sensors, engine module. Anti-theft systems can disable spark if they malfunction.
Answers & Comments
The golden rule of engine operation is that you need three things:
1. Air
2. Fuel
3. Spark
There is really a 4th item as well...
4. Compression
You do not say whether this was a sudden onset problem or if the vehicle has been operating poorly and has decayed to a no-start condition. If you crank the engine and it turns over very fast, chances are you have a stripped or broken timing belt. These belts need to be serviced, depending on manufacturer and model, every 60-120K miles (see you cars service schedule for details). If this has occurred, there could be additional internal engine damage done to the valve train as the timing belt keeps the pistons and valves for colliding. If the engine cranks at normal speed, then you need to check to see if fuel is getting to the engine. Fuel pumps are located normally in the fuel tank. Have an assistant kneel down by the rear of the car and listen under the vehicle as you crank the engine. You should hear a humming noise from the area of the fuel tank indicating that the fuel pump is running. If this is not the case, you will need the check the fuse and relay for the fuel pump, and replace whatever is faulty. Lastly, check for spark. This is normally easy. At one of the spark plugs, remove the plug wire and with an insulated tool hold it near a grounded part of the engine or body as you crank the engine. Listen and look for spark. If no spark, then there are a number of possible issues...crank/cam sensors, engine module. Anti-theft systems can disable spark if they malfunction.