does not start

274,000 MILES • 1.7L • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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AMERICANMADE1983
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
The other day my mother was driving her car and it started slowly accelerating until it finally cut out on the side of the road. I came and got her. Before we called a tow truck driver, I checked for obvious signs of a problem. It turns over well, it just does not start. I tried to jump the vehicle, even though the lights seemed bright. I pulled the battery and took it down to have it tested. It tested good. We then had the vehicle towed back to my house. I removed the alternator and had it tested. It tested good. I removed the back seat to listen to the fuel pump. It sounded healthy and seems to kick off as it should.I have not check the fuel rail pressure or injectors. I did check the the ignition coils. All four tested good. The spark plugs all looked good, but the fourth cylinder spark plug had a lot of oil around it, like a bad seal. I then checked all the fuses. All of them were good, in both the engine compartment and cab of the vehicle. Where should I look next?
Thanks,
Bryan
Aug 8, 2017 at 11:47 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,540 POSTS
Hello,

Lets start with a compression test, this will tell us if the timing belt is still good. Here is a guide that will help you get the job done.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
Jan 2, 2021 at 2:21 AM
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