No spark

1998 CHEVROLET ASTRO
66,000 MILES • 4.3L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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LIVINTHELIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
So, the previous owner hooked the battery up backwards, supposedly. The guy replaced a whole bunch of stuff distributor, coil, wires, bought a spare ECU, and crank position sensor. Yet no spark. Also, the radio clock won't turn off, and you can't turn on the radio, it just displays time even with the keys out of the ignition. When cranking I think I smell fuel. I do know the fuel pump primes I can hear it. But I'm at a loss, I don't think it's the pass lock system as the security light turns off. Any help is appreciated, thanks.
Apr 12, 2022 at 8:13 PM
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LIVINTHELIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
Also, I say supposedly hooked it up backwards because I have the battery they used, and the negative can't even reach the positive if you tried your best.
Apr 12, 2022 at 8:17 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
Hi,

Chances are you smell fuel because it isn't being burned. By chance, can you let me know which electrical components are not working on the vehicle? For example, the blower motor doesn't work, or the headlamps won't turn on.

Next, I need you to confirm there is power to the ignition coil. At the coil, there will be a pink wire. With the key in the run position, see if power is present to that wire. See pic 1 below.

If there is power, let me know if you have a live data scan tool. If you do, connect it and go to engine RPMs. See if there is an RPM signal when the engine is cranking.

If there is no power, make sure the ECM 1 fuse is good under the hood. In addition to checking the fuse, confirm there is power to and from the fuse.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below. Pic 2 shows the location of the fuse.
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Apr 13, 2022 at 7:02 PM
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