2018 Toyota 86 Cranks But No Spark: Won't Start Fix

Car cranks but won't start due to no spark 2018 Toyota 86

Few things are as frustrating as turning the key or pushing the start button on your 2018 Toyota 86, hearing the engine crank vigorously, but having it refuse to fire up. This specific scenario, where your car cranks normally but doesn't start because there's no spark, points directly to an issue within the ignition system. The engine is turning over, but without the crucial spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture, combustion cannot occur, leaving you stranded.

What drivers notice on this 2018 Toyota 86

When your 2018 Toyota 86 experiences a "crank, no spark" condition, the primary observation is the engine spinning over at a normal speed, just as it would if it were about to start. However, you won't hear the characteristic rumble of the engine catching or running. Instead, it will simply continue to crank without any signs of ignition. This isn't a slow crank due to a dead battery, nor is it a complete silence; it's a persistent, healthy cranking sound without the engine ever coming to life.

At a glance: difficulty, repair cost, and diagnostic workflow

• Difficulty Rating: 6/10 — Easy to moderate
• Common Symptoms: Engine cranks normally but fails to start: The starter motor engages, and the engine rotates, but it never ignites.; No ignition sounds: There's no "chugging" or firing noise, indicating a lack of combustion.; Potential smell of unburnt fuel: If the fuel injectors are still operating, you might detect the odor of gasoline from t; Check Engine Light (CEL) may be illuminated: While not always the case, a fault in a sensor or ignition component can tr
• Estimated Repair Cost: $80–$900 (parts + typical shop labor)
• OEM Tooling Required: Standard OBD-II scanner and hand tools

Diagnostic workflow:

1. Confirm the symptom on your vehicle.
2. Scan for stored or pending codes with an OBD-II tool.
3. Inspect the most common causes in this guide (visual checks first).
4. Run verification tests before replacing parts.
5. Repair, clear codes, and verify on a test drive.

Symptoms and warning signs

Identifying that your 2018 Toyota 86 is cranking but has no spark involves recognizing a specific set of symptoms:

• Engine cranks normally but fails to start: The starter motor engages, and the engine rotates, but it never ignites.
• No ignition sounds: There's no "chugging" or firing noise, indicating a lack of combustion.
• Potential smell of unburnt fuel: If the fuel injectors are still operating, you might detect the odor of gasoline from the exhaust as it's being pumped into the cylinders but not burned.
• Check Engine Light (CEL) may be illuminated: While not always the case, a fault in a sensor or ignition component can trigger the CEL.
• No tachometer movement during cranking: On some vehicles, if the crankshaft position sensor isn't reporting engine speed, the tachometer may not move even while cranking.

How to verify and confirm the issue

Confirming a no-spark condition on your 2018 Toyota 86 requires a few practical tests:

• Spark Test: The most direct way to verify no spark is to use a spark tester. An in-line spark tester connects between the ignition coil and the spark plug. If there's no spark visible in the tester window while cranking, you've confirmed the issue. Alternatively, carefully remove one spark plug, reattach its ignition coil, ground the plug's metal body against a clean metal part of the engine, and have someone crank the engine. Exercise extreme caution to avoid electric shock. If no spark jumps across the plug gap, the problem is confirmed.
• Scan Tool Check: Connect an OBD-II scan tool to your 2018 Toyota 86. Even if the CEL isn't on, check for pending or stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the crankshaft position sensor (CKP), camshaft position sensor (CMP), ignition coils, or immobilizer system. Live data can also be useful to see if the ECU is detecting engine RPM during cranking.
• Fuel System Check (briefly): While the focus is on spark, a quick check to ensure the fuel pump primes (a faint whirring sound from the rear of the car when the key is turned to ON) can help rule out a complete fuel system failure, reinforcing the no-spark diagnosis.
• Visual Inspection: Look for obvious damage to ignition coils, wiring harnesses leading to the coils, or the main ignition fuse in the fuse box.

Common causes (most likely first)

Several components can lead to your 2018 Toyota 86 cranking but having no spark, usually related to how the engine's computer controls ignition:

• Faulty Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP): This is often the primary culprit. The CKP sensor tells the Engine Control Unit (ECU) the exact position and speed of the crankshaft. Without this crucial input, the ECU cannot accurately time the spark and often prevents it entirely to protect the engine.
• Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP): Similar to the CKP, the CMP sensor provides information about the camshaft's position, which is vital for sequential fuel injection and spark timing. A bad CMP can also lead to a no-spark condition, especially if the ECU uses both for synchronization.
• Defective Ignition Coils: Each cylinder on your 2018 Toyota 86 has its own ignition coil. If multiple coils or the main power supply to the coils fails, you'll experience a widespread no-spark issue.
• Blown Ignition System Fuse or Relay: A dedicated fuse or relay powers the ignition system. If it blows, no power reaches the coils, resulting in no spark.
• Damaged Wiring or Connectors: Frayed, corroded, or disconnected wiring to the CKP, CMP, or ignition coils can interrupt signals or power, preventing spark.
• Immobilizer System Malfunction: The vehicle's anti-theft system (immobilizer) can prevent the engine from starting by cutting off fuel and/or spark. If the key isn't recognized, the immobilizer will activate.
• Faulty Engine Control Unit (ECU): While less common, a damaged or malfunctioning ECU can fail to send the necessary signals to trigger spark, even if all sensors are working correctly.

Related guides on this vehicle

• Engine Cranks But Won't Start No Fuel Pressure 2018 Toyota Rav4
• 1997 Toyota Avalon Won't Start After Sitting for Days
• AC Not Cold Enough 2018 Toyota Rav4: Fix Warm Air

Step-by-step diagnosis and fixes

Diagnosing and fixing a no-spark condition on your 2018 Toyota 86 typically follows a logical progression:

1. Check Fuses and Relays: Begin by inspecting all fuses related to the ignition system, engine control, and fuel pump in both the under-hood and cabin fuse boxes. Also, check the main ignition relay if applicable. Replace any blown fuses.
2. Perform a Spark Test: As described above, use a spark tester on at least one cylinder to confirm the absence of spark. If you have an inline tester, check all cylinders if possible.
3. Inspect Crankshaft and Camshaft Position Sensors: Visually inspect the CKP and CMP sensors and their wiring for any signs of damage or corrosion. If you have a scan tool, check live data for RPM readings during cranking. If the ECU reports 0 RPM while cranking, the CKP sensor or its circuit is likely at fault. For more diagnostic guides, explore our repair articles.
4. Test Ignition Coil Power and Ground: Using a multimeter, check for 12V power and a good ground at the electrical connector for the ignition coils while the key is in the ON position or during cranking. If power or ground is missing, trace the wiring back to the fuse box or ECU.
5. Test Ignition Coils: If power and ground are present, the coils themselves might be faulty. Some coils can be tested with a multimeter for resistance, but swapping a known good coil (if available) or testing with a specialized coil tester is more definitive.
6. Check Immobilizer System: Look for a flashing security light on your dashboard. If it's flashing rapidly or staying on, the immobilizer might be preventing the car from starting. Consult your owner's manual for immobilizer system troubleshooting.
7. Inspect ECU Connectors and Wiring: Ensure all connectors to the ECU are securely seated and free of corrosion. Check for any signs of rodent damage to the wiring harness.

Repair options and cost factors

Repairing a no-spark condition on your 2018 Toyota 86 depends on the identified cause:

• Crankshaft or Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement: This is a relatively straightforward repair, often involving removing one or two bolts and disconnecting an electrical connector. Parts are typically affordable.
• Ignition Coil Replacement: If one or more coils are bad, they can be replaced individually. It's often recommended to replace all coils if they are original and high mileage, but you can start with the faulty ones. Browse our vehicle guides for model-specific information.
• Fuse or Relay Replacement: This is the simplest and cheapest fix, assuming the underlying cause for the blown fuse (e.g., a short circuit) is also addressed.
• Wiring Repair: Damaged wiring can be repaired by splicing in new wire sections or replacing the entire harness if damage is extensive.
• Immobilizer System Service: If the immobilizer is the issue, it may require professional diagnosis and reprogramming by a Toyota dealership or a specialized automotive locksmith.
• ECU Replacement or Repair: This is the most expensive and complex repair. ECUs often need to be programmed to the specific vehicle, a task usually performed by a dealership.

The primary cost factors will be the price of replacement parts and the labor involved. Sensors and coils are generally more accessible, while ECU or immobilizer issues can incur significant diagnostic and repair costs due to specialized equipment and expertise required.

When to see a professional

While many diagnostic steps can be performed by a DIY enthusiast, there are times when consulting a professional technician for your 2018 Toyota 86 is advisable:

• Complex Electrical Diagnostics: If you've checked the basic components (fuses, sensors, coils) and still have no spark, the issue might lie deeper within the wiring harness or the ECU, requiring advanced diagnostic tools like oscilloscopes and specialized scan tools.
• Immobilizer System Issues: Immobilizer system faults often require dealer-level diagnostic equipment to reprogram keys or modules.
• Intermittent Problems: If the no-spark condition is intermittent, it can be challenging to diagnose without professional experience and equipment to catch the fault when it occurs.
• Lack of Tools or Experience: If you don't have the necessary tools (multimeter, spark tester, scan tool) or feel uncomfortable performing electrical tests, a professional can ensure a safe and accurate diagnosis. You can find additional specific repair information in our comprehensive collection of automotive repair guides.

Frequently asked questions

Why would my 2018 Toyota 86 crank but have no spark?

This condition typically arises when the Engine Control Unit (ECU) isn't receiving critical information, such as engine position from the crankshaft or camshaft sensors, or if there's a fault in the ignition system's power supply or components. Without precise timing data or power, the ECU cannot command the ignition coils to fire, preventing the engine from starting.

Can a bad crankshaft sensor cause no spark on a Toyota 86?

Yes, a faulty crankshaft position sensor (CKP) is one of the most common reasons for a no-spark condition in a 2018 Toyota 86. The CKP sensor provides the ECU with the engine's exact rotational position and speed, which is absolutely essential for timing the spark and fuel injection. If this sensor fails, the ECU won't know when to fire the spark plugs.

How can I check for spark on my 2018 Toyota 86?

The safest and most reliable method to check for spark is using an inline spark tester, which connects between an ignition coil and its spark plug. When the engine is cranked, a light inside the tester will flash if spark is present. Alternatively, you can carefully remove a spark plug, reattach its coil, and ground the plug's metal body against the engine block while someone cranks the engine, watching for a visible spark across the gap.

Sources and further reading

Consult your 2018 Toyota 86 owner's manual for vehicle-specific information and recommended service intervals. Online technical service bulletins (TSBs) and professional repair databases can also provide insights into known issues and diagnostic procedures for this specific model.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for OEM service procedures. Always consult your vehicle's service manual and use a qualified technician for safety-critical work.

Explore related guides on ClearTheCode

• Browse OBD-II codes
• All repair guides