88 firebird trouble.......HELP

[Mike Hudson]

I have a 1988 firebird that won't start.I was driveing one day and it started to sound like it was out of gas,funny thing is,is that I have a full tank.well, when it started to act up I turned it off to check it out,I went to start it and it won't run.my engine will turn but it won't start.i know my timing is fine and I just bought and put on a new distributer cap and roter plus new spark plugs and wires, my fuel pump works and my belts still running.I also checked my ECM and it's fine.The engine is a V6 2.8, if you have some ideas on how to get my car running post it up for me,Thanks

[Bencrazy]

Are you positive the fuel pump works? First thing I would do is check for spark. Pull a plug wire off and put a plug in it, and crank it over, it should make a healthy spark.
If that checks out ok, check for fuel pressure. Find a fuel pressure gauge and check your pressure, im not sure what pressure should be on a V6 car, you'll have to check a manual.
If both spark and fuel check out, I would check timing.

Some things to check:
Spark at the plugs
Timing --> you'll need a manual for specs
Fuel pressure --> if not present or not enough, fuel pump is bad
Ignition module --> you can take this into AutoZone or any other parts place to have checked.
Check to make sure your injectors are firing (I'm assuming its FI, being an 88?). You should be able to check those with a multimeter.

That should be a good start for ya.

[LisaMarie]

I had a similar problem, not with my firebird, but our lincoln town car. Seemed like it was out of gas. You turn it over, it would fire, but would not run. (thought it was weird that the electric windows,and radio wouldnt work) both associated with the ignition being turned on. (headlights and such work without the ignition) Turned out to be the ignition switch, only a $20 part, but the labor was outrageous on it!

[Bencrazy]

Gas + spark (assuming timing is correct, which he stated was) = running engine.

It does not sound like an ignition switch at all. Even so, supposing it is, you could do it yourself but you will need a wheel puller for the steering wheel, if I remember correctly.

[LisaMarie]

Does your stereo work? Electric windows? Have you tried pouring a little gas or cleaner in the carb? If it doesnt fire that way, you should be able to rule out the fuel pump.
I didn't think the ignition was out on the lincoln either, because it was turning over fine, and it was firing. It just sounded like it wasnt getting gas. Spark plugs had good spark, full tank of gas, but even pouring gas in the carb, it would fire, but still seem like it wasnt getting gas. That's why I thought it was a fuel problem. (I assumed the reason the radio and windows wouldnt move was because of a fuse or something) But it all came down to that dang ignition. (although I thought the ignition had to do with it firing up)

[Bencrazy]

I can see what your saying Lisa. I'm not real keen on FI cars, but what I am saying is that if the FP is good, and assuming the injectors are spraying, and its getting spark, there is NO REASON the car should not run, unless there is mechanical damage,which I also doubt. Possibly, the computer is not booting because of no power via the ignition switch, which I would assume would not allow the injectors to fire, in effect. Make sure your injectors are spraying fuel. Maybe someone with FI could elaborate on a process to test injectors or to tell if they are working...