No spark

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

My first suspect is the crankshaft position sensor. If it came disconnected or has gone bad, you will lose spark. The easiest way to check it is by using a live data scanner and checking to see if there is an RPM signal when cranking.

Here are two links. One discusses symptoms of a bad sensor, and the second discusses how, in general, one is replaced.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/camshaft-angle-sensor-replacement

Here is a link the discusses the most common reasons for a crank no start condition:

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

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If you determine the sensor is bad, here are the directions for replacement specific to your vehicle. The attached pictures correlate with these directions.

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ROCEDURES
Fig. 9 Crankshaft Position Sensor
See Pic 1

REMOVAL
1. Remove speed control servo from driver's side strut tower.
2. Remove crankshaft position sensor retaining bolt Fig. 9.
3. Pull crankshaft position sensor straight up out of the trans-axle housing.
4. Disconnect crankshaft position sensor electrical connector from the wiring harness connector.

INSTALLATION - ADJUSTABLE
Some vehicles may be equipped with an adjustable crankshaft position sensor. This can be identified by an elongated mounting hole in the sensor.

Fig. 10 Crankshaft Position Sensor And Spacer
See pic 2

If the removed sensor is to be reinstalled, clean off the old spacer on the sensor face. A NEW SPACER must be attached to the sensor face before installation. If the sensor is being replaced, confirm that the paper spacer is attached to the face of the new sensor Fig. 10.

1. Install sensor in trans-axle and push sensor down until contact is made with the drive plate. While holding the sensor in this position, install and tighten the retaining bolt to 12 Nm (105 in lb) torque.
2. Connect crankshaft position sensor electrical connector to the wiring harness connector.
3. Attach connector to heater tube bracket.
4. Install speed control servo. Tighten nuts to 9 Nm (80 in lb) torque.

INSTALLATION - NON-ADJUSTABLE
1. Install sensor in trans-axle.
2. Install and tighten the retaining bolt to 12 Nm (105 in lb) torque.
3. Connect crankshaft position sensor electrical connector to the wiring harness connector.
4. Attach connector to heater tube bracket.
5. Install speed control servo. Tighten nuts to 9 Nm (80 in lb) torque.

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Let me know if this helps. Also, this engine does have a timing belt. When cranking to start, does it sound normal, like it is turning faster than normal, uneven?

I hope something here is helpful. Let me know if you have questions.

Take care,
Joe

Looking from the side, I cannot tell what is cracked. I attached a picture of an ignition rotor and two of the components in the distributor. Let me know if you can identify the part with these pictures.

Joe

That appears to be nothing more than a dust cover or insulator to prevent arcing within the distributor.

A bad crankshaft position sensor will prevent spark. Let me know what you find.

Joe

Welcome back,

Angie, you said the light was flashing. Was it the check engine light? That indicates a misfire. Also, and I have a feeling I am going to make a fool of myself, but what is a halifax switch? Did you check for trouble codes since the light was flashing?

Since it ran until you hit the brakes, I want you to try something. (I have a feeling you have a loose connection at some point. Disconnect the battery once you get both terminals off, zip tie them together and let them like that for about ten minutes. Then reconnect and see if it starts. This discharges all the capacitors. If it is a sensor that shut it down, it may restart.

Let me know.

Joe