1998 saturn SL2 won't start

[tgo909]

When I turn the key, the engine turns over, but won't start. Popping the clutch doesn't work either, which makes me think there is a fuel issue. The temperature has been high 30's or higher, so there shouldn't be any problem with the fule lines freezing. Battery and starter are fine. I haven't had any problems until now. Any thoughts?

[denisond3]

I think you need to check for fuel pressure (by opening the schrader valve that is located on the line coming to the fuel rail from the fuel pump) and that you have spark. To check for spark, pull a plug wire off, put a spare spark plug into the cap at the end of the plug wire, and lay the plug on something metal (you probably have the plastic cam cover). Then crank the motor and have someone look for a bright blue spark.
The schrader valve on the fuel line may be invisible unless you remove the big air inlet duct running to the throttle body. If the engine has been started in the last 24 hours - then pushing down on the valve stem of the schrader valve (it works just like a tire valve stem) should get you a squirt of fuel coming out.
If its fairly quiet where you are, you should be able to hear the fuel pump hummmm softly for about 2 seconds when you turn the ign. key on at first.
On our 98 SL2 it can get into a 'security mode', where the engine wont start unless you use the 'dongle' to unlock the doors first. There is a procedure for overcoming that, in case you dont have the 'dongle'. Its listed in the owners manual, and having to do it is a nuisance.

[RC1488]

Originally Posted by tgo909

When I turn the key, the engine turns over, but won't start. Popping the clutch doesn't work either, which makes me think there is a fuel issue. The temperature has been high 30's or higher, so there shouldn't be any problem with the fule lines freezing. Battery and starter are fine. I haven't had any problems until now. Any thoughts?

CPS is bad. do you have spark? see my posts on other threads for a video for checking for spark and a bad CPS