2001 Saturn SL2 car not getting any fire but has new batter

DAMIANB08

MEMBER
2001 SATURN SL2

Electrical problem
2001 Saturn SL2 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual

Our car has been working great until the other day. I drove into town the car was running great. I went into a store and when I came back out the car wouldn't start. I tried starting it numerous times, the engine wasn't turning over but all my dashboard lights and radio were coming on. After waiting a few minutes I turned the key one more time & the car fired up with no problem. I went home and then got a ride with a friend to town to buy a new battery. After the new battery was installed the car started up with no problems and was driven all day with no issues. Later that evening I went to go to town and the car would not start! Same problem as before, the engine not turning over but all the dashboard lights and radio turned on. What could this be, obviuosly it's not the battery!
PS. The car has brand new plug wires as well.

3 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

When it refuses to start do below to determine if its fuel or spark problem

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors- Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it