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97 LS cranking, cranking but won't start!


caddiali
12-20-2008, 11:06 AM
Yes its about -15C now, put the key in and turn, sounds like it wants to start, but wont. All the IP lights and radio, dome lights all bright...Tried getting a boost, still not firing over! Had the gas pedal all the way to the floor.....I'm stumped! Drove the car fine yesterday.....

Any ideas from anybody is appreciated!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Mickey#1
12-20-2008, 11:55 AM
1st three things to check:

#1 Spark at each of the three front cylinders.

#2 Fuel at the fuel rail. There is a cap on the fuel rail that covers a schrader valve for a fuel pressure gauge. Check the fuel pressure if you have a gauge. If you don't have a gauge then press in the center of the valve & see if fuel sprays out or dribbles out. If it just dribbles out then turn the key to run a few times then check again. Edit - Position your hands so fuel can't spray in your face when pressing in the schrader valve.

#3 Check for fuel injector pulse. You can do this with a #194 light bulb if you don't have a noid light. Just pull the wires away from the base of the bulb & insert into one of the fuel injector wiring connectors. Watch carefully for the bulb to pulse while someone cranks the engine.

Let's add a fourth. #4 try starting with the MAF sensor unplugged.

Let us know what you find.

caddiali
12-23-2008, 07:38 PM
update: we got the car to finally crank over and start, after a boost from a tow truck. I'm guessing it needed a truck seeing that the battery is a car/truck battery and needed a big vehicle for the right boost.
But I noticed the tow truck driver would rub the booster cable ends together quickly before connecting them to the battery terminals..

anyway just wanted to post the update...thanks for advice and possibilities on why the car wouldn't start....Happy Holidays!

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