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Will not start

Tiny
DAVID NIKEL
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 OLDSMOBILE CIERA
  • 3.3L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 197,000 MILES
I have spark, gas, and air, but it won't start. Did this for a day so I changed the spark plugs and wires as it was time to do so, it ran for a day and then stopped. It doesn't have any codes showing up. I've even tried starting with brake clean which has not done anything.

Mileage is in km so is approximately 120,000 miles.
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Friday, February 12th, 2021 AT 6:36 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

If it won't start with starting fluid, chances are there is no spark to the plugs, we lost compression or timing. Can you do me a favor? Record it cranking and upload it for me to hear. Hopefully, I will be able to determine if there is a compression or timing issue

Here is a link that explains the most common causes of a crank no start. Take a look through it and see if anything helps.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

I realize you indicated there is spark. Make sure it is a good hot blue snapping spark. If it is white or orange, it may not be hot enough to ignite the fuel.

Let me know.

Take care and God Bless,

Joe
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Friday, February 12th, 2021 AT 8:05 PM
Tiny
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https://linksharing.samsungcloud.com/iY1JR6nJ31ZL
The spark was strong and blue, the coil for 1/4 seemed to be a little weaker but still strong enough. I got my hands on a compression tester so I will give that a go
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Saturday, February 13th, 2021 AT 9:27 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Listening to it crank, it doesn't sound like compression, but it would be a good idea to check. To me, it sounds like a fuel related issue. You mentioned it wouldn't start with brake cleaner. Have you tried starting fluid? Also, have you checked fuel pressure?

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, February 13th, 2021 AT 6:47 PM
Tiny
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I've checked for pressure but I haven't check the injectors. I haven't tried a specific starting fluid. I talked to some local guys and they say the ignition modules go bad and then the ignition timing is off. They also told me they use brake fluid to rule out fuel in non starts.
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Saturday, February 13th, 2021 AT 9:17 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Brake fluid? I'm not sure what that would be used for. What I would suggest is to reconfirm ignition spark to the plugs. As far as the ignition module, it is under the coils. Here are directions for replacement.

The attached pic correlates with the directions.

______________________________

1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera V6-3300 3.3L MFI VIN N
Ignition Module Replacement
Vehicle Powertrain Management Relays and Modules - Powertrain Management Relays and Modules - Ignition System Ignition Control Module Service and Repair Procedures Ignition Module Replacement
IGNITION MODULE REPLACEMENT
Dielectric Grease Application

pic 1

REMOVAL
1. Disconnect negative battery cable.
2. Disconnect DIS electrical connectors.
3. Disconnect spark plug wires. (Note proper relationship of wires to coils).
4. Remove DIS assembly to block bolts (3).
5. Remove DIS assembly from engine.

INSTALLATION
1. Install DIS assembly to engine.
2. Install DIS assembly to block bolts (3). Torque to 20-30 Nm (15-22 lbs ft).
3. Connect spark plug wires to proper coils.
4. Connect DIS electrical connectors.
5. Connect negative battery cable.

_______________________________________________________

I hope this helps you. Please let me know if you have other questions. I believe some of the parts stores have the ability to test the module, so you may want to have it checked before replacement.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, February 14th, 2021 AT 4:31 PM
Tiny
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After changing the unit I have gotten it to run for a second or two 2 times, but it still doesn't run.
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Tuesday, February 16th, 2021 AT 5:31 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

If you still have a good spark, then it sounds fuel-related. See if it starts with starting fluid. If it doesn't, here is a link that explains how to test fuel injectors. You indicated the fuel pressure is good. See if there is a signal to the injectors.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-fuel-injector

Please reconfirm spark. Also, have you replaced the crankshaft position sensor?

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, February 16th, 2021 AT 6:32 PM
Tiny
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Coil 1/4 no longer have spark after replacing the module. I will test my injectors tomorrow. I ruled out the crank position sensor assuming if it was faulty it would throw a code and when I checked nothing came up. If this is not the case I will also look into it.
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Tuesday, February 16th, 2021 AT 8:11 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

The crank sensor may not set a code. Take a look through this link:

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

If you aren't getting spark, that needs fixed regardless of fuel.

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 AT 3:17 PM

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