97 wont start turns over fine

[electriciane]

i have a 97 somone gave me has 177000 on it turns over fine but wont start and has fire so i was told they said they heard a loud pop and it wouldnt run again seems like when i crank it it will pop every now and then through the air filter not loud any ideas where to start first

[perna00]

i don't think the "pop" has anything to do with it cause i have a 96 and when ever i try to start it and it doesn't start right away i hear a noise through the intake also. I have a cold air intake so the noise is very noticable to me. About your problem, all i can say is make sure you're getting gas, air, and spark for a start.

[thecommi]

First.... i suppose you'd better get the hard part out of the way, go buy a Fuel pressure tester. or if you know someone... ask them to borrow it. Check the fuel pressure, you should be getting someware around 38-45PSI at the schrader valve located on the Fuel Rail at the top of the motor. (looks like a tire valve) The fuel pump may be bad, or the Fuel Pressure Regulator may be shotty, not delivering enough fuel into the engine. It would probably be a good idea with the amount of mileage on the vehicle to change the fuel filter, its not going to fix your problem of not starting, but it definatly wont hurt.Next check for Spark. easiest way to do this is pull one of the wires off the spark plug, use a long screwdriver and put the boot over the driver end. Hold the handle so that the shaft of the driver is hovering over some part of the engine, use the valve cover or the motor mount. Hold it about 1/2 inch up and have someone crank the thing over. Your spark should be a nice blue or white color, and it should be on a timed pattern........ spark................spark...............spark. If its kind of errattic then your problem may lie in the ignition system. This is also true if the spark color is Yellow or Orange. If you have GOOD spark...... and GOOD fuel pressure, you have to start looking into the sensory system. First thing would be to have someone test your Ignition module. Chances are you will have to bring the module in someware, if you dont know where its located, it sits directly underneith your Ignition coils. Here is a list of sensors that will cause a NO start situation:::::;
Crank Sensor
Cam Posistion sensor
Coolant Temp sensor
Oil Pressure Sensor
Ignition Module
and possibably your EGR valve.... i've seen it before but its rare.

Go to GM and get a Service manual (around 70$) on the car, i see somoene gave you this car..... now its time to spend some money on it. In this manual it will tell you how to test all these sensors by your self useign a Volt/Ohm meter (25$ at radioshack) an Invaluable tool you will use for everything. Keep in mind this only half of the procesure of checking out a motor.......make sure you check EVERYTHING listed here, its time consumeing and you will have to spend some money, but these are the same steps that a repair shop will do... and charge you 4x more than what you will end up spending doing it by yourself. Hope this helps you out alitle bit

[Overtime]

I have a 97 2.4l which also will not start. There is no spark. I have replaced both coils, ignition module, crankshaft sensor, and oil pressure sensor.

You mention Cam position sensor as a no start possible. Could it account for no spark? I am assuming I have no spark due to the plugs being wet with gas when I checked them. I can't test for spark as you suggested since the coils, 1.5 inch plug wires and ignition module bolt directly onto the top of the engine into the spark plugs (IDI)

[electriciane]

i checked the spark it is very good and im getting good fuel pressure i havnt had a chance to check sensors yet today when i tried to start it it did backfire out of the muffler once is there anyway i can check to see if the timming chain is broke without taking all the stuff off to get to the timming cover and also since its getting fire and fuel could the sensors still be bad any other ideas thankyou