2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Cranks but will not start?

THACKER92

MEMBER
2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
2.4L
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL

Ok, 01 pt cruiser I had just left my house to run down the rd and the car just stalls on me after 5 mins of driving, had no problems previously that day. I had it towed to my grandfathers garage. While there we checked to see if we were gettimg fire to the spark plugs. Got nothing so we changed the coil pack still no spark. Did the key trick for codes an replaced the oil pressure sensor, ecm, cam sensor, crank sensor, when I fist got it at 97k miles I replaced the water pump, timeing belt and she ran great till now so I know its not out of time. Ive pretty checked everrything and still wont start or get spark to the plugs¿?

1 Reply

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,757 POSTS

It's time to stop throwing parts at it and do some testing.

All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.

Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.

2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.

3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.

4) If all of these things check good, then you would need to do a complete compression test.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.