1996 Chevy Cavalier

You may have already done some of this but complete the testing and we'll see what we can conclude.


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.

[quote:12852ded01="Wrenchtech"]You may have already done some of this but complete the testing and we'll see what we can conclude.


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.[/quote:12852ded01]i dont think its a compression problem,it ran fine and just stalled and would not start back,the plugs came out of computer ,put them back in and nothing no spark and fuel pump is not kicking on

if anyone could please help me on this i would appreciate it,my sons 96 cavalier wont start,new fuel pump,fuses relays,ignition module,no fuel ,no spark to the plugs ,he was backing out of drive way and car stalled,noticed plugs to computer came unplugged,plugged them back up and nothing this is when trouble started PLEASE HELP ME!!!

You have already been given the help that you need to find your problem. We deal with facts and test results, not guesses or assumptions.
If you perform the tests and provide accurate results, we can give you likely causes.

i didnt say you did,if you dont know the answer to the question,dont try and act like you do,you are no where near answering my question

I'm sorry but we don't simply guess at things. We need facts and test results to make any conclusions. If you are unable to perform the necessary testing, then you may have to pay a shop to do it for you.