420A engine cut out?

[arabia321]

just bought a 97 talon esi for $500, car is perfect except the engine does not start, owner before said it ran fine than got real low compression in 2nd cylinder, than the engine cut out and wont start, first off, what would be the main cause for low compression and is there something that shuts off the engine when something like this happens and can i just reset it, thanks!!!!!!!!!!

 

[alex99gst]

Low compression is mainly due to bad piston rings. There are a number of things that could be the problem if it doesn't start.

Here is a tech article on how to diagnose a no-start.

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=217951&highlight=how+to+diagnose