2008 Hyundai Elantra won't start

Factual Questions
1

Paging all mechanics…

My 2008 Hyundai Elantra won’t start. It has half a tank of gas, the oil was changed earlier this month, and the battery was replaced last fall. I recorded a video of the sound the starter makes when I try to start it: - YouTube

Any ideas as to what it might be?

2

Could be any number of things:
Engine is cranking, so that leaves:
Fuel: bad fuel pump, relay, or blocked filter (or any number of other, subtler problems).
Spark: bad ignition module, blown fuse, bad cam position sensor.
ECU: any number of bad sensor inputs.

You need to get the engine “code scanned” and see where the error is.

ETA: this may even be part of the anti-theft system (i.e. - not reading the key ID, if it has one).

3

it’s cranking, but it doesn’t sound right. It sounds like more than one cylinder has lost compression. How many miles are on it? Does this engine have a timing belt or a chain?

4

It has 90,000 miles. Timing belt was replaced at 60,000 miles, per maintenance schedule.

5

Update: I tried starting it again tonight, and after a couple of seconds of hesitation, it started. I drove it on the freeway for about 10 minutes and it drove fine, with no check engine light on. After I parked it, I tried starting it up one more time, and it started right up. I’ll take it to the dealer in the morning to see if they can pull any stored codes, I guess.

6

Unless the dealer will check it for free, I recommend you go to an Autozone or Advanced Auto Parts, etc instead. All those type of places will read the code for free.

7

just knowing the code won’t tell you how to fix the thing.

8

When I had a car problem 3 years ago, I called Autozone and was told they no longer did code reading. Fortunately, a mechanic lived down the street, read it and fixed the problem (oxygen sensor) for me.

9

If you don’t have any lights (error) the code reader isn’t going to tell you anything.
When I am faced with a problem like yours

  1. Ilook for spark while cranking.
    I use an induction timing light, but their are other ways short of having your mother in law hold a plug wire.
  2. I check for fuel, or failure to provide fuel.
    I do this by spraying carb cleaner or starting fluid into the air inlet while cranking.
    Your car is looking like the dreaded intermittent failure to start. There are probably 25 different sensors, switches, and actuators that could be your problem!
    Oh, and with all those, you could very likely not have spark AND fuel :smack:
    One of the first checks I make is to simply listen for evidence that the fuel pump is running when the ignition is turned on. Sometime listening with the fuel cap off and someone else turning key helps. The fuel pump may only runs for a few seconds and then shut down normally so you have to listen carefully.
    Good luck and vist your local auto parts store. We have soft stools so that when we chat about what might help you that we have for sale you will have a bit of comfort in your agony. :slight_smile: