Car won't start: Codes, Causes & Fixes
First tell the two cases apart: if the engine does not crank at all, the battery, battery terminals, starter or a security/immobilizer lockout are the usual suspects; if it cranks but won't fire, look at fuel delivery, crankshaft position sensor and ignition. Codes such as P0335 (crankshaft sensor) or immobilizer messages narrow it down, but a no-crank fault may leave no code at all. Check battery voltage and terminal connections before anything else.
123Codes
3.2Average severity
28%High or critical
21%DIY-friendly
Severity distribution
Most viewed
P0335
Powertrain
The engine computer lost the crankshaft position signal. Expect stalling or a crank-no-start.
High
P0340
Powertrain
The computer lost the camshaft signal on bank 1. Expect long cranking, less power…
Moderate
P0562
Powertrain
The engine computer sees too little supply voltage – usually a charging, battery or ground…
Moderate
P0606
Powertrain
The engine computer failed its own internal self-test – check its power and grounds before…
Moderate
U0073
Network
A module saw so many errors on CAN bus A that it shut off its own transmitter.
High
U0100
Network
Another module stopped hearing from the engine computer on the CAN network.
High
All codes (123)
B1318
Ford · Body
A Ford body or chassis module saw its supply voltage fall below roughly 10 volts while it was…
Low
B1325
Chevrolet · Body
A GM body module saw its supply voltage drop too low or rise too high, usually a battery issue.
Low
C1241
Toyota · Chassis
The ABS/stability control computer saw its supply voltage drop too low, so it shut the systems…
Low
P0001
Powertrain
The PCM can't drive the solenoid that meters fuel into the high-pressure pump. Often a no-start…
High
P0016
Powertrain
The bank 1 intake cam and the crankshaft are out of step, most often from a stretched or jumped…
High
P0087
Powertrain
Measured fuel pressure has dropped well below what the engine computer is asking for.
High
P0090
Powertrain
The engine computer sees an electrical fault in the wiring or coil of the fuel pressure control…
Moderate
P0093
Powertrain
Rail pressure is dropping faster than injection explains: fuel may be escaping. Stop and check…
Critical
P0115
Powertrain
The ECU can't get a usable coolant temperature signal; the sensor circuit is open, shorted…
Low
P0123
Powertrain
The throttle position signal is stuck near 5 volts, so the PCM sees wide open throttle even…
Moderate
P0190
Powertrain
The signal from the fuel rail pressure sensor has dropped out or become unusable to the engine…
Moderate
P0191
Powertrain
The rail pressure reading is electrically valid but doesn't make sense for how the engine…
Moderate
P0192
Powertrain
The rail pressure sensor signal voltage has fallen below the lowest value a working sensor can…
Moderate
P0193
Powertrain
The rail pressure sensor signal is stuck near the 5-volt limit, above anything a working sensor…
Moderate
P0200
Powertrain
The ECU found a fault in the injector control circuits that it can't pin on one cylinder, often…
High
P0216
Powertrain
The ECU can't control or confirm injection timing, usually on a diesel with an electronic…
High
P0230
Powertrain
The engine computer found a fault in the circuit it uses to switch the fuel pump relay or pump…
Moderate
P0231
Powertrain
Voltage on the wire feeding the fuel pump is too low while the pump is supposed to be running.
High
P0232
Powertrain
The fuel pump feed wire has voltage on it when the engine computer has switched the pump off.
Moderate
P0316
Powertrain
The engine misfired right after starting, when the catalytic converter is cold and emissions…
Low
P0320
Powertrain
The computer lost the engine speed (rpm) signal. The engine can stall suddenly or refuse…
High
P0335
Powertrain
The engine computer lost the crankshaft position signal. Expect stalling or a crank-no-start.
High
P0337
Powertrain
The crank sensor signal line is stuck near 0 volts, usually a wire shorted to ground. Often…
High
P0338
Powertrain
The crank signal line sits at 5 or 12 volts and stops switching: open ground, open wire…
High
P0339
Powertrain
The crank signal drops out for moments at a time. Classic sign: stalls when hot, restarts once…
High
P0340
Powertrain
The computer lost the camshaft signal on bank 1. Expect long cranking, less power…
Moderate
P0342
Powertrain
The bank 1 cam sensor signal stays near 0 volts. Often a weak battery, a pinched wire…
Moderate
P0343
Powertrain
The bank 1 cam signal is stuck high: an unlatched connector, broken ground or open wire after…
Moderate
P0344
Powertrain
The bank 1 cam sensor signal keeps dropping out for short moments, which can cause random…
Moderate
P0350
Powertrain
The shared coil feed, ignition module or coil wiring is faulty. Often set with several…
Moderate