1990 Corsica - Car doesn`t start at random

[buijon]

This started happening last week. The engine will turn over, but the car won`t start. There was no warning that this would happen, it just wouldn`t start when I tried leaving my friends house. 2 days later I drove to and from his house,my house, and work perfectly fine. Today I tried to start it and it is not starting again. Any ideas? Its a 6 cyllinder. Could the water leak issue that corsica`s have where it leaks onto the floor boards have cause an electrical short?

[jsgold]

Possible. I have heard of the computer getting wet and causing problems. Mine failed several years ago, but was not causing non starts. Was showing check engine lights all the time even though nothing was wrong. Usual problem with non start is crank sensor (cheap) and ignition module(NOT cheap). The crank sensor could be failing or the ignition module could be. Usually when damp or wet they show themselves. You can get the module tested free at most parts stores, but a bit of a pain to remove. I have a friend who had BOTH failing at the same time.

[buijon]

My dad checked ....mm...something when cranking the key, and there is no spark. What could be wrong?

[jsgold]

Most likely one of two things. Either the crank sensor is dead (cheap fix), OR Ignition module bad(80-100 bucks). The crank sensor is cheap, around 20 bucks usually, and is at the bottom of the front of your motor. It makes your car fire at a certain time and won't let your car fire at all if bad. The ignition module is a flat device that sits under the (3) coil packs you have. Your plug wires plug into the coil packs and they sit over the ignition module. can get it tested at most parts places like NAPA or Advance for free. have to remove the coil packs too, usually all together. Since it is possible that BOTH could be a problem at the same time best bet is buy the crank module, and try it first. If nothing then remove the coil pack/module assy and get it tested. If the fire is dead I do not know of anything else it could be, other than the computer, which I doubt is bad. Pick up a Haynes manual to guide you with this. Neither procedure is really hard though the ignition pack sits in a somewhat tight place.

[Johnson410]

I agree with Jsgold but I would test the module first because it can be checked for free then go to the crank if the module is good.

[xoboco]

Mine does this occaisionally as well. I give it several cranks and it usually works... Oh and the infamous corsica leak is fixed with some "Great Stuff" sealant all along the firewall of the car. Just pull up the carpet and wait for the rain you'll see where it's coming in and it's an easy fix from there.