Cranks but will not run

2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING
187,135 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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CARRREPAIR
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  • 3 POSTS
Car worked fine, parked it, wouldn't start the next day. It will crank but not stay running.

Security light not illuminated when trying to start the car, so security system doesn't seem to be the issue.

All plugs and coils checked out for spark.

Tested for fuel pressure at test port.

Secondary air injection pump is working.

Checked timing, timing was good.

Checked all fuses, all good.

Checked all relays, all test good, no visible corrosion.

Tested crank position sensor, it was good.

Intake camshaft sensor signal voltage didn't change when it was passed in front of a piece of steel. Replaced intake camshaft sensor, after replacing it, car will briefly fire but not stay running. White smoke now coming out of the tailpipe. I'm about stumped now.

Planning to do a compression test next.

Any ideas?
Sep 24, 2019 at 4:51 PM
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KASEKENNY
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Hi,

Your progression is right on path. Clearly we need to ensure base engine and that is spark, fuel, and compression. White smoke would indicate coolant in the cylinders however, with all of the cranking that I imagine it has been doing and fuel is operating, the plugs may be fouled which is why it wants to start but doesn't fire.

You can do this at the same time, but when you remove the plugs to do the compression, replace them with new plugs. Then you will have all your compression readings and if they are good, you can try to fire it with new plugs.

Let me know what you find and we can go from there. Thanks
Sep 24, 2019 at 7:45 PM
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CARRREPAIR
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Hi,

I hadn't mentioned that I tried new plugs and coils as well, which didn't help. I'm fairly certain it's something with the head, but customers have decided to hold off on further diagnostics for now.

Thanks for the advice!
Sep 25, 2019 at 10:57 AM
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KASEKENNY
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Okay. Fair enough. With that information I would agree with the head being the likely issue. Please let us know if this ever gets resolved. That information will help others that visit the site with the same issue. Thanks
Sep 26, 2019 at 6:56 PM