95 Ciera will not start after sitting for a couple weeks. It turns over but wont catch and fire.

Tiny
ALLISSWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 OLDSMOBILE CIERA
  • 100,000 MILES
I have a orange spark when I check the plugs. The fuel pump only comes on when I bypass the relay. But the car still will not start even when the pump comes on. Fuel comes out of the rails when I check there. It sounds like it is turning over normal, but just won't fire. Please help.
Thursday, October 13th, 2011 AT 9:57 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Okay, an orange spark is a weak one. It should be a blue snapping spark. Also, check to make sure the fuel pressure is within spec. Check to make sure the plugs, wires. Are good.
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Thursday, October 13th, 2011 AT 11:11 PM
Tiny
ALLISSWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
What would cause the weak spark?
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Thursday, October 13th, 2011 AT 11:18 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Coil, crank sensor.
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Thursday, October 13th, 2011 AT 11:28 PM
Tiny
ALLISSWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Ok, so I have 40lbs of fuel pressure at the rail, I have good spark off of the coil, but a weak orange spark at the plugs. Just changed all the plugs. Any thoughts?
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Sunday, October 16th, 2011 AT 2:08 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Did you check the distributor cap and rotor for corrosion?
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Sunday, October 16th, 2011 AT 2:33 AM
Tiny
ALLISSWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Can you please send me a link off where they are located?
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Sunday, October 16th, 2011 AT 2:50 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
I need to know what size the engine is. However, if you follow the spark plug wires, it will lead you to the distributor cap. Under the cap is the rotor button.
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Sunday, October 16th, 2011 AT 3:36 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Scratch that idea. I thought it was older. You have coil packs.
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Sunday, October 16th, 2011 AT 3:40 AM
Tiny
ALLISSWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Yes that is what I thought. I thought I also had a distributor cap. But no. I have a good spark at the coil pack that jumps 1 inch. But when I check the spark at the plug end it is only a weaker orange spark. With that good spark at the coil I would assume the coil is fine. Right? Do you think the plug wires are bad? What do I check next.
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Sunday, October 16th, 2011 AT 3:56 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
If the spark is a good hot blue snapping spark from the coil, that is what you want. The only other thing between the coils and the plugs are the wires.
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Sunday, October 16th, 2011 AT 4:15 AM

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