Why Does My Diesel Crank and Not Start?

The good news is that it cranks. Now to find out why it doesn't start. I know it's frustrating when you go out to your vehicle, and it will not start. It happened to me recently too. Let's chat about a few things that you can troubleshoot before you call the tow truck.

 

First, let's make sure that you have fuel. Check the fuel gauge to see how much fuel is in the tank. If it's on empty, then fill her up and try again. If the problem persists, then move on to the next step. Diesel engines do not like to run low on fuel and this could be one culprit.

 

Next, check all of your fuses and make sure they are not blown. A blown fuse can cause all sorts of problems, including a vehicle that won't start. If you find a blown fuse, replace it with a new one and see if that fixes the problem.

 

With a diesel that cranks and does not start that is about all you can do before you need to have it towed in. It could be a fuel delivery issue, where it is not making enough fuel pressure. It could also be an oil pump issue. Give us a call and let us take care of you.

 

Happy Adventures,



Heather

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By jhautoinc February 3, 2026
You want this to work properly.
By jhautoinc January 30, 2026
These are vital to keep you safe on the road.
By jhautoinc January 27, 2026
Your engine will thank you.
By jhautoinc January 23, 2026
They help keep your engine cool.
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They need maintenance to keep them running.
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It's better for your engine. 
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They are more important than you know.
By jhautoinc January 10, 2026
A spark plug gap can cause a misfire.
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They're important to keep you safe on the road.
By jhautoinc January 3, 2026
It's more often than you think.