This is a real stumper

[eclipsepunx]

Ok i just replaced the engine in my 95 GS and finally got everything together so I try to start the car. Turns over perfectly but no fire. Checked battery, fuses, ignition coil, plugs, plug wires.(plugs are actually new but checked anyway) Then I tested the harness to the distributor and it has no power. The harness has been spliced and had some crimps on it and I never noticed that before but then again it use to work so I pulled the crimps off and checked the actual wires just to make sure it was the wires and not the plastic harness itself or just a loose connection. Anyway i'm stumped. I have power to everything else. How do I go about checking this to get power back to it? Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[TwoLiterLaser]

Your '95 GS has a distributor?

 

[eclipsepunx]

ok the ignition coil...

 

[TwoLiterLaser]

Just because I did it on my Avenger... Is the crank sensor plugged in? It plugs in on the back of the block near the alternator. I am pretty sure the ECM will not power the coil if the crank sensor is not plugged in and functioning correctly.

 

[BrooklynBomber]

start at the battery and work your way in... check the grounding points and make sure there on and not lose... check your starter and make sure the wires are tight, all that jargin

 

[2gawdtsi]

also make sure the cam sensor isn't broken.
i had the same problem, and i was stumped also. It ended up being a bad CAS

 

[toxicity883]

Did you check your relays, i had the same problem with my 95 gs. Try putting the wiper relay(or another unnecessary relay) in place of your ecu/ignition relay

 

[eclipsepunx]

Well I went and looked and the CAS does have a crack where the harness plugs into it. Don't know if it is significant enough to make it not work but I will replace it anyway. Thanks for the ideas.

 

[TwoLiterLaser]

Did you check the crank sensor while you were out there? I am not kidding about no spark if the crank sensor is not plugged in.

 

[eclipsepunx]

is the crank sensor the one above the oil filter and under/ next to the alternator?

 

[TwoLiterLaser]

That would be it.

 

[eclipsepunx]

it is plugged in. Can I check it for power like with a volt meter? If I can and it doesn't have power then what? If it does should I replace the sensor? Thanks a lot man. I have dumped so much cash into this car this year. Wife is about over it.

 

[eclipsepunx]

this is the sensor we're talking about right?

http://images.am-autoparts.com/item/29571c3fb8.jpg

 

[2gawdtsi]

umm, im not sure, the CPS is located right at the crank, it should be a hall type sensor. you know what that is right?

 

[eclipsepunx]

Not sure..this is my first electrical problem

 

[92awddsm]

this is the sensor we're talking about right?

http://images.am-autoparts.com/item/29571c3fb8.jpg

Yes, thats the crank position sensor.

 

[eclipsepunx]

ok i was just messing with it an if I test the harness with the negative cable off the battery it has power. What could cause this? Bad ground? Bad wiring? I think it means it is something simple. Well I take that back it is a dsm. But man I think that is kind of a break through. now if someone just knows what that could mean....

 

[toxicity883]

Thats sounds like you have a reverse charge on your system, which usually only happens with a battery that was installed backwards

 

[TwoLiterLaser]

So ground wire off of battery and key on and you have power to the coil correct?

 

[eclipsepunx]

how the hell do you install a battery backwards? Like what does that mean? Did I install the cables backwards or did the company make it the wrong way?

 

[eclipsepunx]

So ground wire off of battery and key on and you have power to the coil correct?

correct

 

[TwoLiterLaser]

Anything else have power with the key on and the ground strap removed?

 

[eclipsepunx]

no power without negative on. well except harness

 

[TwoLiterLaser]

Is the ground near the tranny grounded? Is the ground near the timing components grounded? What does your ground strap look like for the battery? Is it crusty?

 

[eclipsepunx]

Ground near timing components? Harness looks good. Battery cables are like new. Just put a new cable thing(the thing you tighten on the battery) on both cables. Nice copper one on the positive side.