refuses to start

[BubbaKing]

Ok here is the deal. I have a 1991 Eclipse that is refusing to start. I know it is getting no spark but i cant figure out if it is the coil/distributor or the computer. When she was running i noticed an orange warning light came on but i have no idea what the light was for. It is located right next to the check engine light. like i said, it is orange with a pic in it i cant really describe besides it kind of looks like the capitol building in washington dc (i know very vauge). Any help would be greatly appreciated. I miss my baby.

 

[Newlogics]

Originally posted by BubbaKing
Ok here is the deal. I have a 1991 Eclipse that is refusing to start. I know it is getting no spark but i cant figure out if it is the coil/distributor or the computer. When she was running i noticed an orange warning light came on but i have no idea what the light was for. It is located right next to the check engine light. like i said, it is orange with a pic in it i cant really describe besides it kind of looks like the capitol building in washington dc (i know very vauge). Any help would be greatly appreciated. I miss my baby.

The orange light is coolant level. (in your over-flow tank)

Since there is no distributer in DSM, you can rule that out.
When you're trying to start it, listen to your ECU if it keeps 'clicking'. If it does, you have leaking caps.

Check plug to the power transistor (below coils). That plug is very sensitive to movement and tends to loose contact when shaken/rocked.

Check coil plug itself.

Check fuel pump. You may not be getting any fuel.

Finally, check all your fuses.

 

[BubbaKing]

thanks for the help. that light had been bugging me for a while and everywhere i looked i could not find what it ment. now how do i go about checking the items that you mentioned?

 

[Newlogics]

Originally posted by BubbaKing
thanks for the help. that light had been bugging me for a while and everywhere i looked i could not find what it ment. now how do i go about checking the items that you mentioned?

well, with ECU, just listen for clicks in your center console area under the dash.

For plugs, just check 'em with a gapper to be sure it's .28 (factory manual states it wrong at .34)

For coils, I'd suggest borrowing a set from someone or getting a spare at the junk and swapping to see if it'd cure the problem. Make sure not to get '90 coils. Only 91&up will work.

If you have a logger, then checking fuel pump relay is easy, otherwise have someone listen to the pump. You can tell if there is no activity.

To check the plug, simply try to plug it in tighter.



Before you do any of that, check if you're getting spark. Take one of your plug wires off the plug, connect it to the spare plug, touch any engine bay metal surface with plug threads and crank it. You should clearly see a spark. Repeat for all wires.

Oh, and make sure your plug wires are in order. I've see people connect them 1 - 1 2 - 2 3 - 3 4 - 4 and then wonder why it won't start.