engine not running

2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU
163,452 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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CARLIEANN FISHER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
We have replaced the fuel pump and the crankshaft sensor, but the car still wont start.
Oct 13, 2020 at 10:15 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

Have you confirmed proper fuel pressure and ignition spark to the plugs?

Take a look through this link and let me know:

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

Let me know. Also, see if it starts for a couple seconds using starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, we will know it is a fuel related issue.

Take care,
Joe
Oct 13, 2020 at 10:40 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
We need to start with finding out if we have fuel and spark. We need compression as well but we can come back to that.

Here is a guide that will help:

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

To check for fuel use starter fluid in the intake and see if the engine starts. Then to check for spark, we need to remove the spark plug and hold it against the block and crank the engine to see if there is spark.

Lastly we need to find out if the theft light is on. Also, just to clarify when you turn the key the engine is cranking but it is not actually starting? Or when you turn the key the engine does nothing?
Oct 13, 2020 at 10:42 AM
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CARLIEANN FISHER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
It's not getting fuel. We put fuel in the intake but nothing happened. It is trying to crank but wont actually start.
Oct 13, 2020 at 11:12 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. So if it is not getting fuel but still will not start with starter fluid in the intake, then we have to assume no spark either. How are you confirming that there is no fuel and have you confirmed there is no spark?

If we don't have either then is the security light staying on or flashing?
Oct 13, 2020 at 12:04 PM
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