Replaced water pump now will not start?

110,000 MILES • 2.4L • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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EMPTYNESTMEL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I had the water pump and serpentine belt replaced and now it won’t start. replaced the battery, was sluggish to start then eventually would not start.
Swapped out battery, still nothing.
Sep 12, 2022 at 12:17 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,248 POSTS
Hi,

Usually, when there is a crank with no start condition, it is either a fuel-related issue or a loss of ignition spark. Since the water pump and belt were recently replaced, my first suspect is the crankshaft position sensor may have been damaged, partially disconnected, or the wiring may have been damaged.

Here is what I want you to do. First, if it is possible for you to record it cranking and upload it for me to hear, that may help me.

Next, I need you to see if it will start for a couple of seconds using starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, we know it is a fuel-related issue. If there is no change when using starting fluid, we need to check for ignition spark at the spark plugs.

Here is a link that explains how to check for spark:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

If there is an issue resulting from the crankshaft position sensor, it's likely you won't have spark. Also, pay attention to the tachometer when cranking the engine to see if it moves a little. If it doesn't, that is another indication the sensor may be the cause. I attached a pic below showing the sensor location. Inspect it to make sure there is nothing obvious. Note how close it is to where the work was done.

Let me know.

Joe


See pic below.
Sep 12, 2022 at 1:42 PM
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