Help Electrical/Ignition problem

[djd99]

Howdy I have a 96 Sunfire with a 2.2 that just died going down the highway. However It did throw a camshaft position sensor code before it Passed. Ever since then It will crank but not even attemp to fire, although it did cough once. I sprayed starting fluid in the intake and still didn't attemp to fire so I guess I rulled out a gas issue. I check the spark and found a red weak spark. So for giggles I had a extra camshaft sensor laying around and swapped them out and still cranks but does not even attemp to fire. Does anyone no where or what I should attemp to do next. Shouldn't the spark be blue?

[djd99]

Also I forgot to mention the red spark is on all four so im assuming the coil packs are good.

[GTP Dad]

Sounds like the crank position sensor has gone bad. Sometimes the cam position sensor will throw a code but the crank sensor is bad. Change it out and you should cure the problem. If for some reason it doesn't the ignition module may be bad but the CPS is much cheaper to replace so do that first.

[maxwedge]

If youn scan it and see no cranking rpms, then suspect ICM or crank sensor, there is a diagnostic test for both of these in a good scanner or shop manual, using a digital ohmeter, reduces guess work.

[djd99]

Thanks for such a quick reply I pick up a cps tonight after work and will be throwing it in tomorro. I'll keep you informed Don

[dizel326]

does your car's lights (headlamps & gauge) flicker on and off. I need to know because my car does the same thing as yours does plus this & autozone told me it could be the crank shaft sensor.

[djd99]

Yes it does I did however replace the crankshaft position sensor and it still does the same thing.

[dizel326]

since you have a red spark you should check your computer module cause your controll module is responsible for your spark output (assuming your spark plugs and wires are ok) guaranteed it should be the problem. to make sure 100% take it off and bring it down to auto zone they test them for free,so does advance auto parts if available in your area Keep updates posted

[djd99]

Thank you to Everyone for all the great advice. However it's possible I may have a couple of problems with this engine. I pulled the valve cover and not 1 valve was moving so I investegated a little further and found a broken timing chain and the tensioner was also broken. I bought a new timing set with gears and a new tensioner and I'm now in the process of replacing this. I will let you all no how this turns out, is there anything else I should do while I have the whole front of the engine apart?

[hotbug1776]

yes put in a sport camshaft if you got the room to slip it in. makes for a nice power gain. and since you got the valve covers off, go for ratio rockers as well. you wont regret the added power and performance, unless you are more interested in it being a daily driver/gas sipper.