AGHHH! @#$! car won't start.Help!

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May 22, 2004 | 08:57 PM

eddieL98

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From: San Diego California

AGHHH! @#$! car won't start.Help!

this is not my day. the only thing i messed with today were the power door locks. car did act a bit funny this afternoon though. it stalled on me when I parked at pepboys today.
the car turns over perfectly. what is my first step in troubleshooting?
how do I check for spark?
how do I check for fuel?
and I'm hatting to ask but shouldn't the fuel pump make some kind of noise?

oops almost forgot. '90 L98 auto

[Modified by eddieL98, 8:12 PM 5/22/2004]

May 22, 2004 | 09:48 PM

ductape

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From: Charlestown IN

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Re: AGHHH! @#$! car won't start.Help! (eddieL98)

Well, I've got an '85, so it may be different. Turn on the key and listen for the fuel pump to run ~2 seconds. If your not sure, with the key on, motor not running, stick your fingernail in the schrader valve on the pass side fuel rail and see if it squirts gas in your eye. If there's no gas there, there's none in the cylinders. Next pull a wire off a plug and stick a scewdriver in the end, hold it close to a ground spot ie: exhaust manifold, have someone crank it over and see if you get a spark jumping. Watch out, it bites. Betcha one of these ain't happenin'. We'll go from there :yesnod:

May 22, 2004 | 10:33 PM

BADMUDE

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From: Columbia S.C.

Re: AGHHH! @#$! car won't start.Help! (ductape)

When you do check for fuel pressure....be sure to check it twice....somes it will spray fuel the first time and not the second...I guess what ever it had left in the lines.

May 23, 2004 | 12:53 AM

jfb

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From: Cincinnati, Oh USA

Re: AGHHH! @#$! car won't start.Help! (eddieL98)

Yes the fuel pump makes whirring noise when running and you can hear it!
First, check for spark with your timing light and at the same time check for correct timing while cranking. Or use a wire with clip leads and clip it onto ground, pull a plug wire and bring the other clip lead 1/2 inch from the metal clip inside the boot and watch for a nice fat spark when the engine in cranked.
Next, put a fuel pressure gauge on the shrader valve on the end of the fuel rail and turn the ignition on and see if you have correct fuel pressure and check that after the ign is off, that the fuel pressure holds. If it doesn't hold, and falls rapidly, then you likely have a leaky fuel injector. Next, clip a low power 12v lamp across an injector socket and observe that it flashes while the engine is being cranked. These tests will tell you if you have spark, and fuel delivery.

May 23, 2004 | 01:34 AM

eddieL98

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From: San Diego California

Re: AGHHH! @#$! car won't start.Help! (jfb)

I jumped the G terminal like the haynes said with battery power and i heard nothing. will check others items tomorrow i ran out of daylight .
thanks for the input. i'll check the spark and fuel pressure as well

May 23, 2004 | 09:04 AM

ductape

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From: Charlestown IN

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Re: AGHHH! @#$! car won't start.Help! (eddieL98)

If you find out it's the fuel pump, don't sweat it, it's an easy fix :yesnod:

May 23, 2004 | 03:35 PM

eddieL98

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From: San Diego California

Re: AGHHH! @#$! car won't start.Help! (ductape)

I have fire. I guess enough fuel dripped down to light the engine for 3 second. so now i know i have spark. bought a fuel pressure gauge will be testing to see if it's the pump or filter. bought both just in case.

update everything replace still no go. the instructions didn't say to prim the pump. does it need to be primed? if so i'll have to crack it open again. :confused:

[Modified by eddieL98, 5:07 PM 5/23/2004]

May 24, 2004 | 01:06 AM

skateparkdave

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Joined: May 2004

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From: Lufkin Texas

St. Jude Donor '05-'06

Re: AGHHH! @#$! car won't start.Help! (eddieL98)

If you dont have fuel pressure and dont hear pump when you turn key forward...there's a secondary fuse for the fuel pump that may be worth checking that alot of people dont know exists...it's located in a small 4 fuse block in dash on passenger side. Just remove carpeted panel above passengers foot area and crawl up in there upside down and if you dont see it move some harnesses and such a bit and you'll find it..the secondary fuel pump fuse is #1 on left of 4...yeah it's a pain in the butt to get at for a fuse..but you may have to...you also have a power door lock fuse in there..in case your haveing trouble there still..it's #3 from left..#2 is horns/theft and #4 is crank fuse for S.I.R. (air bag).. hope this helps if needed.. Good luck!
Oh yeah, just in case..just FYI... #1-secondary fuel pump =10 amp fuse. #2-Horns/theft=15amp fuse.#3- Power door locks=15amp fuse. #4-S.I.R. =10 amp fuse. :thumbs:

[Modified by skateparkdave, 12:16 AM 5/24/2004]