92C41STONE

Will the opti-spark cause a motor not to turn over on a '92? When I turn the key I hear a noise like the fuel pump kicking in & then try to start the car & it does not turn over. Any suggestions?

aminnich

That sounds like a typical VATS issue, definitely not the optispark.

onedef92

Is it a crank, no-start condition? Check your coil and ignition control module (ICM). A crank, no-start condition can be caused by either or both of them. Your can have the ICM tested at most auto parts stores.

toptechx6

Yes, of course. The Opti-spark is also responsible for global warming, the economic downturn and the war in the Middle East!

92C41STONE

What do I need to do to find out if it is the VATS?

92C41STONE

Thanks for the reponse

92C41STONE

The problem is, if I can't get it started, I can't get it to the auto parts store. Is there any other way to find out?

onedef92

You have to REMOVE the ICM to have it tested. Presumably you have another vehicle or means of getting there?

92C41STONE

Yes I do, & will get it tested. Thanks

onedef92

So it IS a crank, no-start condition and not a VATS issue? if the VATs is enabled, it won't allow the starter to activate.

aminnich

Yous said twice that it will NOT turn over. If it will not turn over then the starter is either junk or not activating. Of those two options VATS is the most likely, although there may be other causes. Clean the resistor pellet on the key (rubbing alcohol) and try it again. What is the battery voltage? Has this happened repeatedly or is this a first time problem?

92C41STONE

1st time.

aminnich

Is it turning over when you hit the key? Did you clean the key? What is the battery condition and voltage? Do the lights come on when you turn on the key? Do you hear any clicking? Anything else you can tell us?

92C41STONE

No, nothing happens. I have to wait to I get home to get the keys & get you any other info needed. Yes, dash lights up when I turn the key. No clicking. Before I actually turn the key to try to start it there is a noise like the fuel pump kicking on. That is all the information I have. Thanks for all your input. I am going to clean the key when I get home & try the other set to see if that works. I will let you know. Thanks again.

TerryD

Years ago, I(and a friend with a 93) experienced intermittant starter motor failure. We experienced the same initial probs you did(key on, whining sound, etc) but engine would not budge. I remember my friend getting up underneath the car and tapping the starter with a hammer and it fired up! I did the same thing and discovered the starter was going bad...sometimes starting/sometimes not. I'd check this out as a possible solution to your prob...good luck TD

Toy90

The "security" lamp will flash if it's a VATS issue. Otherwise it could be the starter solenoid contacts which are cheap to replace. Like the other posters said, check the voltage of the battery and go from there.

JAKE

The fuel pump being activated will sound like a humming sound and will come from the back of the car where the gas tank is because the pump's inside the gas tank. The humming sound will only last for 3 or 4 seconds, then stop. Have someone stand at the back of the car and, perhaps put their hand on the gas tank to feel for any vibration as you turn the key to "ON". If vibration is felt,it's the fuel pump being energized.

If what you're hearing is a clicking sound it's the sio=ound of the solenoid. That generally means bad battery, but can mean a bad starter too.

If you hear either one of those, it CAN'T be VATS. When VATS enables, it shuts down the fuel pump and the starter so you couldn't hear anything.

There's a big difference between NO START and NO CRANK. We need to know EXACTLY what's going on; be detailed in your responses so we can better help you.

Jake

West Point ROCKS!

aminnich

Jake, VATS does NOT disable the fuel pump. It diasbles the injectors and he should hear the pump run for about 2 seconds when turning the key on. You are right about the starter.

PLRX

cash for optis