3800 Won't Fire (start)

It's a 98 Intrigue 3800 Series II. 139,000 km I just bought three days ago.

Have started it numerous times and taken test runs but this morning it would not fire up. Cranks fine but that's all. Prev owner said he had a starting problem once. It was something with the fuel pump sensor. Wait a few minutes and it starts. Said GM did not have an answer.

The first time it happened today after 15 min of driving. I did not hear the fuel pump so I yanked the FP relay to check it out. Put the relay back in and it fired.

Tonight I went out for 10 minutes. Parked the car and 5 minutes later, won't fire again. This time I check the spark. No spark.

Could not get it started after 1/2 an hour trying. It sits in a parking lot waiting for me.

Does the ignition switch allow the starter solenoid to kick in but not power to the Coils?

That is what I am suspecting.

I am getting a new fuel pump relay. Somehow I think there is more to this.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Will

Welcome to AF.

The ignition switch provides the 12 volts to the ignition circuits. Loss of spark can be caused by a loss of the 12 volts to the ignition control module or the crank position sensor. You can check for 12 volts at the connector to the ICM module. Also, check the fuses.

For suspected fuel supply problem check the fuel pressure at the front fuel injector rail. There is a Schrader valve by the fuel pressure regulator. Even though you are having problems getting it to run you can still check fuel pressure at fuel pump prime which is at ignition to ON.

Thank you for the tips. We decided to turn it into my mechanic. His answer agreed with yours. Crank Sensor or ICM. I just ran out of time. I don't have a Chilton or Haynes Manual for it yet, so I thought I better just let him find out what it is.

I used to clearly hear the fuel pump on the 85 Ciera. but I have never heard it on this vehicle. It has to be working ... 210 km since we bought it.

The Chilton manual is on order.

Looks like this is a great forum. I will drop by and contribute if I can.

Will know later this week. Thanks for a quick response. Much appreciated.

Will

It turned out to be the Crank Sensor. I saw the one that came out and it showed signs of burning.

So, it would fail only once in a while.

Thanks for the help. This looks like a great forum.

I'll be back.

Will