Engine cranks but won't start

Likely causes

1. Fuel pump25%
   Garage price: Fuel pump £190 – £530
2. Crankshaft sensor20%

   The engine cuts out when hot and restarts once cooled down: the classic signature.

   Garage price: Crankshaft position sensor £60 – £210
3. Glow plugs15%
   Garage price: Glow plugs £105 – £355
4. Timing belt due15%
   Garage price: Timing belt kit with water pump £315 – £780Garage price: Wet timing belt (PureTech) £575 – £1,315
5. Dirty or faulty injector10%
   Garage price: Diesel injector £245 – £650
6. Worn spark plugs10%
   Garage price: Spark plugs £55 – £190Fix it: Replace your spark plugs
7. Clogged fuel filter5%
   Garage price: Full manufacturer service £160 – £375

What you can check yourself

1. With ignition on, listen under the rear seat: the pump should hum for two seconds.
2. Check the fuel gauge: a nearly empty tank on a slope is enough to lose prime.
3. If the engine spins faster than usual on the starter, the timing belt may have snapped. Do not keep trying.

Fault codes often linked