Cav won't start

RPIERO

MEMBER
CHEVROLET CAVALIER

Chevy cavalier 1997 2.2l base 90k miles

Has been running fine for almost a year, parked up as normal last night. This morning it wouldn't start. The engine spins over fine. The check light normally lights up when switching on the ignition and goes out as soon as it starts. This morning the check light doesn't come on. There is no spark at the plug wires. The fuel pump buzzes for a couple of seconds on turning the key. The theft system light normally comes on and then extinguishes. Today it is staying on. The only work done recently was a new waterpump as the car was overheating in heavy traffic. The impeller blades were completely corroded away. The car has run fine for the weeks since that work was done so I don't think it's related.

I'm in Panama so cold weather is not an issue, it rarely gets below 70 or over 100f. However, finding a mechanic with a scanner is a different story. Don't want to have to pay for a tow to a main dealer and pay their prices. Any ideas on where to look for the fault in the ignition system will be appreciated. Not used to cars with computers :)

Thanks

Richard Piero

3 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Start by inspecting and testing the crankshaft position sensor located at E see below

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Friday, November 9th, 2007 AT 7:55 PM

RPIERO

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Got underneath the car and can see various connectors around the coil packs. The only one I can identify is the oil pressure switch.

Can you tell me what items A B C are?, I guess one of those is the crank position sensor. are there any readings I can take (resistance/voltage) to check the sensors?

Also, as there is no spark, is there any test I can do with a multimeter on the wires coming into the coil packs to try to trace the fault?

I have taken off the shrouds under the wheelarch to check for corrosion or broken wires at the PCM but all looks to be OK.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Richard Piero