Car will not start

2003 DODGE STRATUS
185,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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VIPER75
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The engine cranks, I have spark, I replace the fuel pump, checked the timing, then hardwired the pump (bypassing any relays and fuses). I still cannot get it to start.

I hear one pop when it starts cranking, then nothing.

I cannot seem to find where the relay(s) is for the pump or if the auto shutdown has anything to do with it.

The information I have found so far does not have my specific fuse box.

I have tested the fuses and relays that I have found, they appear to work.

I've included a picture of my fuse box.
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Mar 21, 2020 at 6:58 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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Good afternoon,

The first thing I would do is check the compression. You have have the valve timing that is off not allowing it to start.

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

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

Roy
Mar 21, 2020 at 7:19 AM
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VIPER75
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I should add that the car was running when we pulled it into the garage.
Here's an outline of what we have done:

1. pulled off accessory belts, crank pulley, timing covers.
2. removed passenger side engine mount.
3. removed timing belts, checking for oil leaks at the seals: crank, balance shaft and camshaft. could not remove balance shaft or camshaft pulleys, so we cleaned up and put new belts on.
4. checked TDC several times, then tried to start. Car would not start. Replaced crankshaft sensor.
5. Still no start.
6. We could not hear the fuel pump turn on with key at "on" position. Searched for pump relay and fuse for hours. No luck.
7. Tested for voltage at the fuel pump harness, ran hot wire to pump, nothing. (found out after we bought new pump that we had tested the wrong wires - sending unit instead of pump motor.)
8. New pump was already getting installed into the module when error was discovered.
9. fuel pump would still not turn on with key in "on" position. Kept searching for relay and fuse. Nothing.
10. ran hot/direct wires to pump with toggle switch, able to have someone flip switch as I cranked the engine.
11. checked plug 1 for fuel, and we got fuel.
12. checked for spark on 1 and 3 before running direct wire to pump. got spark.
13. Also checked all fuses and i think we got all the relays in the PDC.

Also, a code reader cannot communicate with the computer, may be wiring in the connector.. have yet to investigate.

Tomorrow, I will check the compression.
Mar 21, 2020 at 10:10 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
Keep us updated.

Roy
Mar 21, 2020 at 10:23 AM
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