ignition failure.

[The_White_Rose]

HELP!!!! i just rebuilt my motor twice! i have the 2.0 DOHC and i know that everything is put together on it right because the second time i rebuilt it i had a mechanic looking over my sholder. but that's not the problem i can't get it to start and i would like some suggestions on what it might be. i know it is either getting fuel or the right firing sequence and the sequencing should be taken care of by the comp and the sensors but the timing had some to do with it yet i know the timing is perfect like i said before when i rebuilt the thing i had a mechanic there with me. so i'm sure it's timed and all of my motor's components are perfect because i had most of them replaced. but i think i'm not getting fuel so what might be causing my problems there? the motor will turn over but it won't start up. i really don't know alot about cars but i've been learning through the whole process. and i have consulted a mechanic but i can't afford for him to come back over!!!! so any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Locke]

Be certain why it is not starting. Check for fuel and spark.

To check for fuel:
Use a fuel pressure gauge to check that the pump is running, regulator is functioning, and all lines are installed properly.
(if some some crazy reason you dont have or wont purchase a FP gauge, stick a key or something into the schrader valve to see if there is strong pressure)
Use a noid light to check that the injectors are getting a signal.

To check for spark:
Use a spark tester (or just the plug or wire + screwdriver) to check for spark.

Im thinking the most often forgotten thing by a person new to cars would be the crank sensor.

Recheck all sensor connections. We could point out a alot of things that could cause a no start. At least do these checks first, and come back with the results.

 

[The_White_Rose]

i checked my pressure alredy i should have said that earlier yet, when using the noid lights don't i have to have the car started first? or do i just set them in and turn the motor over?

with the spark plugs i already checked for voltage properly running through the car and i checked the plugs along with the wires (just bought a new set because the first one was cut) also i replaced my spark plugs about 6 month's ago prior to starting the project.


so do you know of anything else and how do i check my sensiors to see if i'm getting a proper signal to my motor telling which piston to fire?

like i said i'm new at this and after my first failed attempt i called in a pro but i only had enough cash for the first like 3 day's and that got me my motor pulled, pulled apart, new seals, the motor put back together, timed, and put back into the car.

so do you know of anything else that could cause the problem? my fuel pump is good because i already checked it also.

 

[The_White_Rose]

and i forgot to ask to see if i was right. the crank sensor is the one on the head right? i've been goig off of the compleat car manual. (don't know the proper name for it sorry) so i've been going through that and now i'm down to trying to find what the heck i'm doing wrong.

 

[VelocitàPaola]

The crank position sensor is on the back of the block, just to the right, and slightly above the oil filter housing.

The cam angle senor is on the head.

 

[The_White_Rose]

kk! thanks he's right i forgot all about that one! when i get back home i'll give it a shot and post back on it.

 

[VelocitàPaola]

Same thing happened to Xavier after his rebuild... the connector for the crank position sensor wasn't pushed in all the way, so his car wouldn't start.

 

[The_White_Rose]

do you have any advise about where i could go to learn more about car's i mean i'm going to go to callage for it but i can't start them until the next spring simester. so i'm out on my own basicly and i need a car . so any advise about where i could go?

 

[VelocitàPaola]

I don't know what to tell you... I never went to college to learn about cars, but here I am. Just read as much as possible, then after you're done reading, go outside and apply what you just learned.

 

[Locke]

Yes, alot of reading. Could probably start at http://www.howstuffworks.com. Probably wont learn much more than basic 4 stroke principle, but it would be a start if your uber-noob. Ask questions. Read some more.

When I was a teenager, I had my chiltons manual in the bathroom as a reader. Some of the older manuals go into the how and why of computer control, sensors, and their function. I havent noticed that information being in any newer manuals, but I havent read one in awhile.

Could also PM people that seem to have a good grasp of certain concepts.

To use a noid light, you need to crank the engine a few times.
Hope that crank sensor is all that is wrong. Good luck then.

 

[The_White_Rose]

do you know where i could get a set of noid lights i had a set about 2 month's ago but my motor was still in peaces and it belonged to my X-gf's dad so now i'm outta luck with em unless i can find a set to use. i mean i shouldn't need to buy them should i? can't i just check once and be done with it or should i go ahead and spend the cash and grab a set to use every once in a while?

 

[Locke]

I think I got mine at AutoZone or Advance Auto, years ago. Only need one, and only cost a few bucks (i dunno, maybe ~$10)

You need them to determine if the injectors are getting a signal (and in turn, the ecu) unless you have a scope. I consider it a basic test when diagnosing a no-start (and some other problems too), and has been immensely useful. Your choice whether to purchase one or not.