88 Grand Am

I have a 88 Grand Am it will turn over but not start has a back fire noise when turning over have changed to coil packs, oxgen sensor am trying to avoid the ignition module but am running out of ideas pls help

usually when it back fires it means its out of time........ i had that problem on my 96 when the timing chain tensioner went out and i had to do a head. check for good fuel pressure and good spark. if they test ok, do a compression check.... keep us informed

we checked the timing, changed the spark plugs, changed the fuel filter, change both coil packs now somone told husband to check fuel pump does this make sense

even thought you have change the plugs and coil packs you may not have any spark. im assuming this is a 4 cyl? i would assume the "back fire" is the fuel under pressure, and the light spark causing it to partially ignite. if you have a bent valve the fuel isnt able to completly combust and it excapes through the bend. if the fuel pump was out, i dont think you would get a back fire. however its not a bad idea to cover the basics. ensure good fuel delivery and good spark. you can jump on any lead and change a part, but it may end up costing you more than you need to spend. go ahead and have the ignition module tested at your local auto parts store. could be your problem. its free to have it tested at most autozones and oreilly's.

ok now they think it might be the oil/air separator what is this and how much is it gonna cost me

i dont see why that would keep your car from starting. have you had the coil housing checked? the white plastic thing that hols the coils and attaches the wires? im thinking yall are spending too much on undiagnosed leads. step back and start over with the basics. double check your self. narrow the problem down to the fuel or the fire. its one or the other. if fuel pressure is good make sure your spark is comming through. iv enever heard of an air/oil seperator causing a no start. it shouldnt prevent you from cranking. unless youre getting oil in the combustion chamber then id say youve got a blown head gasket or cracked head...... get back after you verify wether its the fuel or the fire youre having a problem with........

we lifted up up the coil housing about an inch and it started and ran fine till we put the housing back down then it died again now tring to find out how much to replace the housing