Engine does not fire when trying to start

BMAYNARD66

MEMBER
1994 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
312,000 MILES

After having a starter, ignition switch, and battery replaced 10 days ago, I got up on a cold Saturday in TN (It was a windy 34 degrees) and went shopping. After going to a store, I tried to start my car, but the engine would not fire. I had the car towed home. The next day in the early afternoon of a 70-degree day the car started. I thought it was okay, but later, about 6 pm, I tried to start it, but it would not fire. An older neighbor came down to my house and checked the air filter (It was filthy and hadn't been changed in at least 5 years I'm sorry to say) He gave me some starting fluid with instructions for use in case it would not start the next day. He also told me to check and maybe change the PCV valve if the firing problems persist. Is there anything else I might want to consider looking into here?

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,643 POSTS

This is typical when the fuel pump goes out which is common on these cars, to be sure try to crank the engine over while spraying starting fluid, if it runs, I would do the fuel pump. Here are two guides to help with the fuel pump replacement instructions for your car in the diagrams below:

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

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

Video of the job being done

https://youtu.be/Lhd0vd8pdBU

Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

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Monday, April 11th, 2022 AT 12:07 PM

BMAYNARD66

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I have considered this. How do you test for Fuel pump failure? One test I have seen is: Put the ignition switch in the "on" position and listen for a short hum. This is the fuel pump engaging for a 5 second duration prior to start. I heard nothing when I tried this. Are there other tests to verify fuel pump failure?

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Monday, April 11th, 2022 AT 2:53 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,643 POSTS

Yep, you can use a test light to probe the wiring harness at the tank, when you turn the key on the test light should come on for about 5 seconds.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

The color wire you want is gray, also I noticed it has an oil pressure switch the power wire for the pump runs through this can be a problem as well. Here is the wiring diagram so you can see how the system works. Try to bypass the oil sender to get the pump to work. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

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