96 Sunfire PLEASE HELP WON'T START

DARAVINGAS

MEMBER
1996 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
320,000 MILES

1996 Pontiac Sunfire won't start.
Replaced Ignition Module, spark plugs, knock sensor, crank sensor. Previous to replacing those items, the timing chain was replaced. Was running fine, stalled in parking lot and had to tow home. This car sat for 3 years before Fiance fixed all the above and was running fine (minus an occasional stalling at when idle) up until 3 weeks ago. What is the problem? What do we do next? Any advice would help. (Sunfire is 1996, 2.2, 320,000km) AND, the fuel pump is turning on. The engine tries to start. As in trying to turn over. New battery as well.

3 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

320,000 miles? Check engine compression, spark, and fuel pressure, one is missing!Here are some links to help with the testing.
Start with the basics, and work your way up, Last tune up was? Wires plugs ALL filters? If all that is ok, check for a stuck EGR, then test fuel pump pressure, If it won't restart, determine what's missing, the engine needs three things to run, Spark at all plugs, gas to all cylinders, and compression in all cylinders, tho an engine may run lacking one in one cylinder, it won't run very well!
https://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_video/test_fuel_injection_pressure.htm
Go here and checkout our video.
https://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_video/test_engine_ignition_system.htm
and this one!
https://www.2carpros.com/first_things/car_cranks_but_wont_start.htm
https://www.2carpros.com/dia/how_to_check_compression.htm
https://www.2carpros.com/dia/index.htm
If you smell gas, check your oil level too, gas can be washing the cylider walls and filling up the crankcase...not good, this can and will damage the engine! Most often on Fords, its the ignition module...

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Thursday, December 30th, 2010 AT 3:11 AM

DARAVINGAS

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for the reply.
Compression is good, fuel is good and filters are all new.
Last tune up was October 2010. How do you test the EGR without the engine running?
We do have fuel pressure.

Thanks again, I will write any updates and check back often for more replies/advice.

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Thursday, December 30th, 2010 AT 5:12 AM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Well without a running engine all you can check on an EGR is the vacuum diaphram is OK or not, use a hand held vacuum pump and pump it to open the egr, let it set this way for a minute, if the gauge doesnt drop, that's OK, if it drops, or wont pump up, the EGR should be replaced. Have you checked fo codes? Do you have spark at the coil? Plugs?

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Friday, December 31st, 2010 AT 4:48 PM