Car won't start
All Forums
»
General Tech Help
»
Car won't start
Drey
10/16/2006 4:01:38 PM
Went to start my car this morning and it won't turn!! Just crank and crank and nothing. I've had zero problems coming up to this. Aways would start on the first try with no hesitation. Just woke up and won't start now. This is a 00 ZR2 Blazer 4x4 with around 70k in miles. I heard having to replace the distributor isn't uncommon. Any help or advise? THanks!@!
swartlkk
10/16/2006 4:18:25 PM
When you first turn the key to the RUN position, do you hear the fuel pump come on? If not, pop your hood and find the fuel pressure test port (behind the throttle body & air intake tube on the larger diameter fuel line). You should have to remove a cap, then with a screwdriver and a rag, see if you get fuel out of the test port. Then turn on the key again and see if you hear the fuel pump. Next thing to check would be the fuel pump fuse and relay. Check the fuse first, then swap the relay with say the horn relay or the wiper relay. Then hit your horn/wipers (which ever you switched it out for) to see if the relay is still good. If the relay and fuse are still ok, then move back to the tank. Being an '00, you should have the plastic tank. There should be a crecent shaped indentation on the bottom of the tank (IIRC). Hit that area with the tank with something broad enough as to not damage the tank, but still give a good shock to the tank itself. Try to start it again. If you make it all the way to this step and you are finally able to start it, you're fuel pump is on its way out and this will only buy a very small amount of time.
If you have fuel at the fuel pressure test port, then I would go to testing the fuel pressure to make sure that it is at the proper pressure (55-60psi).
Good luck and let us know what you have tried and what the results were so we can help you out further if necessary.
hillbillyinOhio
10/16/2006 4:18:43 PM
first, make sure that you have good connections on the batt. Then check for spark at a plug. if no spark, check cap and rotor. if you have spark, make sure that your fuel pump is kickin on.
20Blazer00
10/16/2006 4:19:25 PM
Are you getting fuel??? Sometimes the fuel pumps will just fail. If you turn on the key and listen back by the tank can you hear what sounds like a whining or whiring noise, this would be the fuel pump pressurizing the lines. It should sound for a 2-3seconds if it is working correctly. If not then one idea on hear is to smack the bottom of the tank to see if it will free up the motor, not hard enough to dent it but enough to vibrate it and the fuel to shake up the pump...I personally don't like the idea of banging on things but if it works then you know what your problem is...
Drey
10/16/2006 9:22:42 PM
My intuition is that my fuel is okay. How do I check for spark? Just unplug a plug from the distributor and see if there is spark? I replaced the fuel pump last year and I can still hear the fuel pump pressuising. All fuses and relays have tested out good.
20Blazer00
10/16/2006 10:17:21 PM
Well to check for spark I would go to your local auto parts store and find spark indicator tool. It plugs into the wire either between the cap and wire or at the spark plug and wire. This is better than just pulling a wire and getting the shock of your life....and hoping you see he spark before the wire moves and the spark goes away.
Chevy Lover
10/17/2006 2:19:31 AM
You could pull a spark plug wire off a plug, insert a phillips screwdriver into the wire and hold it so the shaft of the screwdriver is close to a ground (ie exhaust manifold), have someone crank the engine and watch for a spark.
But, 20Blazer00 has the better suggestion. If you use a spark tester, the spark travels thru a resistor and shows that the spark is actually strong enough.
Keep us up to date.
Drey
10/17/2006 2:54:30 PM
Okay, i went out to test for spark. All I had was a poket knife at the time so I stuck it in there and held it next to ground, and apparently the knife isn't very well insulated cause I got a pretty sweet shock. So, where does this put me? I banged on the fuel tank and nothing. Still just cranks and cranks. I know there's gas in the car. So whats next?
minijosh
10/17/2006 4:21:08 PM
I'd change the fuel filter under the drivers seat. I did it in my 97 Chevy and it made a huge difference. You might have a clog there if you have enough spark to make your fillings in your teeth get hot. That fuel filter is pressurized, however you spell it. Be prepared to release the pressure or just go rambo and twist away, no smoking!!!
ivannj
10/17/2006 4:40:38 PM
When you have the ignition and key on are all the likght on the cluster on? If not you got a fualt and will not turn you car on. Try replacing your coil, rotor and cap if you haven't. Good luck and keep us informed.
blazer_maniac
10/17/2006 7:02:10 PM
Drey, I haven't read yet as to whether or not you are getting the 2 second fuel pump prime when turning the key on. Your problem is fuel unless you jumped time. Check for that and report back. There's a fuse and a relay on the circuit that supplies 12 V to the pump. The coil of the relay is energized by the ECU.
Drey
10/18/2006 11:40:52 AM
Well, I replaced the fuel filter last year... but I went under there and smacked it around a little bit to free any potential clogs. I can feel the gas in there, but still no turn over. All electrical seems fine. I first thought it was a passlock issue, but with a passlock issue it will turn over and run for a second then die. The fuel pump definitely pressurizes with ign on. IS there a way to check for fuel in the engine bay? Am I looking at bad injectors? Possibly the fuel filter is completely clogged up? I love being one car down :) THANKS for all the help so far guys!
Gonzo7
10/27/2006 12:06:08 PM
I just went to my mechanic this morning with a problem similar to this one. Have checked everything electrical, and all applicable fuel parts with no avail. My mechanic took one look at it and listend to the starter turn over, and said it was the starter. I told him he was crazy and that the starter always turned over to which he said that "because the starter is connected to the ECM that controls fuel. If the starter does not turn over at a correct rmp the ECM will not supply fuel and therefore will not allow the truck to start." I'm going to replace the starter and see if it fixes it but, it did make sense when he told me that.
EkStreem G
10/27/2006 12:34:51 PM
^^^^ Wow....... next time you see your mechanic spit in his eye!! ^^^^
That does not make any sense, if the starter turns over then it's fine. Please do not replace your starter.
Can someone else please back me up on this one...
[ View Full Version Of This Page ]