1999 Chevrolet Prizm engine problem

JRZAK79

MEMBER
1999 CHEVROLET PRIZM
2.4L
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
258,000 MILES

I was driving the car faster than normal when I accidentally shifted down and since that happened it wont start. As if it is not getting fuel, I cant even hear fuel pump kick on. Any suggestions on why its not starting? It has been a great running car up to this point. Thank you for your time

3 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Is the engine/transaxle froze up? Can you turn the crank by hand? Are you saying it cranks good but won't start or it won't even crank. Cranking is starter action.

If no starter motor action, I'd have to check the starter circuits. If it cranks good but won't start, then, have a helper crank it while you visually check for spark at the spark plugs. If spark everywhere, check proper fuel pressure.

Check for applicable trouble codes, you would need an obd2 code reader to check codes. You will have to do some testing and give test results before I can help you.

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Saturday, December 28th, 2013 AT 11:51 AM

JRZAK79

MEMBER
7 POSTS

Thank you for taking time to answer my question. The motor is not seized it cranks over good. It just wont fire up it wont even spit and sputter as if its not getting gas. I went through the 3 basic areas of an engine. 1 - power 2- spark 3- fuel. So my new question is driving like as if I was in a racecar then shifting down by accident which had the car at very high rpms, could that have messed with the fuel pressure or fuel system what so ever? It has power and spark and it turns over great. Just wont start or act like it wants to start

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Saturday, December 28th, 2013 AT 12:02 PM

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

The info I have is for the 1.8L engine. Note the fuel pump wiring. The efi relay sends voltage to several systems including the circuit opening relay. The circuit opening relay sends voltage to fuel pump.

For the efi relay, check those fuses listed, also check fuse circuits for voltage, use a test lamp. For the circuit opening relay, the pcm controls the ground for that relay. It's possible an issue with pcm? Hard for me to tell from here. It doesn't hurt to check wiring circuits mentioned.

Any applicable trouble codes may or may not point in the right direction?

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