Hi, a friend has a 1990 lumina euro 3.1 FI w/110,000mi and what started as a simple alt replacement has turned into a true headache.
the lumina's battery was not getting charged. went to remove the alt and found the mounting bracket was very loose. removed alt took it down to auto zone and it tested fine. reinstalled alt, secured bracket, charged battery and the engine fired up and ran fine. was driving back to auto zone so they could test alt/battery in car and under load and the engine died on hwy. a quick test showed no spark.
towed car to mech and ecm code showed no spark/ign mod (sorry don't know exact code number) while replacing the ign module the mech found the crank sensor was broken with plug end hanging loose and sensor stuck in crank case. replaced cps and engine still will not start. mech said ign mod/cps are now fine but fuel sensor was not getting signal and he would trace the problem first thing next morning.
Well, next morning he announces he researched the problem online and the entire engine had to be replaced because when the crank sensor physically breaks that there is an internal problem with the engine and it would cost $2500.00 to do the job. I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed but I know a pile of BS when it's handed to me. The car is now sitting in my yard and I'm really not sure how to proceed. money for repairs is very tight and replacing car is not an option.
Sorry about the length of this post, am hoping the more info I offer the more informed your suggestions will be. Any help with this would be great - the Lumina is very clean inside and out and I think worth saving - Many Thanks.
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07-30-2010, 10:09 AM
1990 lumina won't start w/new cps/ign mod
