1996 Blazer wont start

[ninjaix]

I have a 96 blazer that wont start. It turns well and it will actually start but it also turns right off without fully running. I have recently changed the fuel filter (today) but that didn't solve anything. I can hear the fuel pump after I try to start it but again the blazer starts then dies right then. I imagine the engine is not getting the fuel to keep it running but am not really to sure where to start. Any help would be great.

[ricksza]

Was it running good before this started happening?
Does it keep running if the key is held in the start position? If so, possible ignition switch.

If that's not the case, you will need to check what you're missing. Are you losing spark or fuel. Just because the pump is running doesn't mean that you have fuel pressure, check it with a gauge (60-66psi with pump running). Does it hold after the pump stops?
Use a spark tester to see if you have spark on a of the cylinders.

If you have pressure and spark, you might at that time check for injector pulse and computer codes.

[ninjaix]

No, it does not run if I leave the key in the start position after it turns on. I also tried to prime the fuel pump by turning the key to the on position (but not starting) 3-4 times so that it can build up pressure but that did do anything either. As for the spark I was under the impression that if the car actually started that the spark was fine mainly due to the fact that a spark would have to be present in order to ignite the engine.

[BlazerLT]

Take a voltmeter and check the voltage on your battery when the engine is not running.

[tyaquint]

u check ur amps, may be ur alternator.

[BlazerLT]

Voltage is easier to check.

[chcknugget]

This happened to me recently. Turned out my positive battery terminal had wiggled loose. I'd check the voltage and give that a try.

[ninjaix]

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

Voltage is easier to check.

I checked out the voltage and it read above 12.4 (12.15) so that checked out fine. I did just recently notice that when I try and start it now it has a really weak turn (almost like the starter is going Out) I can't be for sure but I do know that it does not sound like it should on a normal start to clearify it sounds slow and drawn out also like the battery was dying, but it never does and again the voltage checked out fine.

[ninjaix]

Originally Posted by ricksza

Was it running good before this started happening?
Does it keep running if the key is held in the start position? If so, possible ignition switch.

If that's not the case, you will need to check what you're missing. Are you losing spark or fuel. Just because the pump is running doesn't mean that you have fuel pressure, check it with a gauge (60-66psi with pump running). Does it hold after the pump stops?
Use a spark tester to see if you have spark on a of the cylinders.

If you have pressure and spark, you might at that time check for injector pulse and computer codes.

Also how would I check the preaure coming from the fuel pump.

[chcknugget]

Originally Posted by ninjaix

I checked out the voltage and it read above 12.4 (12.15) so that checked out fine. I did just recently notice that when I try and start it now it has a really weak turn (almost like the starter is going Out) I can't be for sure but I do know that it does not sound like it should on a normal start to clearify it sounds slow and drawn out also like the battery was dying, but it never does and again the voltage checked out fine.

Though it sounds like this might not be your problem, please make sure your battery terminals are good and tight. My battery terminals were fine (12.4V) until I tried cranking it, then everything turned off. If I waited a few minutes, the terminal would somehow reconnect, so the voltage at the terminals always read 12.4.

[ricksza]

To check the fuel pressure, there's a schrader valve on the rear side of the upper intake on the driver's side. That's where the gauge screws on.

Just checking the voltage doesn't do any good. You can have 12 volts but low amps. Hook 8 d-cell batteries together, you'll have 12 volts but low amps. You have to check the voltage while it's cranking. It should stay above 10.5 volts. If it's below that, either the battery is weak, poor connections, or the starter is drawing too many amps.

[BlazerLT]

Originally Posted by ninjaix

I checked out the voltage and it read above 12.4 (12.15) so that checked out fine. I did just recently notice that when I try and start it now it has a really weak turn (almost like the starter is going Out) I can't be for sure but I do know that it does not sound like it should on a normal start to clearify it sounds slow and drawn out also like the battery was dying, but it never does and again the voltage checked out fine.

12.4V or 12.15 volts?

Either of them is too low.

A properly charged battery should be between 12.8-13.4 volts.

Charge your battery like I said before.

[ninjaix]

Got it fixed it turned out to be bad batery cables

[tyaquint]

good to hear its just an easy fix, but for future 12 volts to low, u should be at atleast 14. 12 is the lowest before its not enough.

t'