No Start, No Spark?

boostaddct · #1 11-30-2005, 09:41 AM

I just got done doing a head gasket job on my 97 Malibu 3.1 and now it won't start. Here is exactly what I replaced;
-all gaskets included in a head set, new plugs and wires, O2 sensor, fuel filter, PCV valve, air filter, oil and filter, trans fluid and filter, coolant flush and fill.

It did run before I pulled it apart but the head gasket was blown and it was smoking pretty badly, but occasionally it did not want to start.

I checked all the harness connections and everything is plugged in. The battery was pretty old and didnt really hold a charge so I replaced that, but obviously that didnt help it.

So here is the deal, it cranks but I have no spark at any of the plugs. Here is what I have done so far: I tested the coil packs and they are fine and I replaced the ignition control module. There are no blown fuses in the underhood box and the interior fuse panels.

Here are some other possible things I think might be wrong, but give me your input/advice.
1. Cam position sensor bad
2. Crank position sensor bad
3. Relay is bad
4. Passlock system-I dont think it is this though because the light does not flash and I thought this system cut fuel, not spark.

What else might cause me to have no spark? I would really like to get this solved as winter is here and I dont want to drive my Lexus when the snow falls so I have to get this car running. Are there any other ideas on what I can test or what else might be wrong. It sounds like it is cranking normal, but no spark!!This is so frustrating. I think it is just some fluke that something just went out at the same time I did the head gaskets. I dont see anything I would have done that would affect the spark. BTW I do have fuel. Thanks

bcopeland · #2 12-02-2005, 05:59 PM

The ignition key and that might be it. My son had that problem in his 99 Grand Am twice! It is the same car - different body.

maxwedge · #3 12-02-2005, 06:33 PM

Get a scanner on it and see if you get a cranking rpm reading, power to the icm, pcm and injectors I am assuming here?

boostaddct · #4 12-02-2005, 06:54 PM

There is power at the ICM, and the injectors are working, it smells like gas alot when I am cranking it over. I will check power at the ECM, I dont have a scanner though so I can't check RPMs. Couldnt I just watch the tach while I crank and it should hop up because I am cranking it? Does anyone know where any other fuses are or which relays control spark.

It looks like I have found that it is not: It is not the passlock system, not the coil packs, not the plugs or wires, not the icm, and not the battery...What is the next step????

aaaroadside · #5 12-05-2005, 12:43 AM

the mail fuse box it under the hood on the right,black box. then there is one in the i think its in the car interior maybee on the side of the dashin the jamb. pull every fuse and check them.they can actually get corrosion on the contacts and there will be no continuity,and pulling them helps get contact, i would try that

boostaddct · #6 12-05-2005, 08:48 AM

Does anyone have a diagram of the fuse box that will show me which relays are which? And can anyone explain how to test the relays to determine if they are good? When I am testing the ICM, I have power at the plug on the passenger side of the ICM, but on the two driver's side plugs I do not have any power, is that normal? This is so frustrating!!! I am replacing the cam angle sensor tonight.

maxwedge · #7 12-05-2005, 08:57 AM

Cam sensor is not the problem, could be the crank sensor though, all guess work here.

boostaddct · #8 12-05-2005, 10:14 AM

Why do you say its not the cam sensor? I figure it has to be something with what sends the signal to the icm and all I can figure is the Cam angle and Crank angle sensor. The cam sensor seems easier to replace, but if it is a complete waste of my time I won't bother. I just dont understand why either one of these would just go all of the sudden.....the car ran ok before the head gasket job and now it has no spark. All the harnesses are connected, and I am almost positive that they are connected correctly, I dont see where I could reverse or plug the wrong ones into each other. I just can't believe this right now, it is way too frustrating!!!

maxwedge · #9 12-05-2005, 04:28 PM

Itrwill run without the cam sensor, might be a little hard to start. Get a scanner on it and look for cranking rpms, as I said before, if none suspect crank sensor assuming you have power to PCM and ICM.

raycorri · #10 12-09-2005, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boostaddct

Does anyone have a diagram of the fuse box that will show me which relays are which? And can anyone explain how to test the relays to determine if they are good? When I am testing the ICM, I have power at the plug on the passenger side of the ICM, but on the two driver's side plugs I do not have any power, is that normal? This is so frustrating!!! I am replacing the cam angle sensor tonight.

The covers on both fuse locations should have a diagram underneath each.

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