Has a crank no start issue?

Tiny
TOM FLOWERS
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 3.4L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
My car listed above has a crank no start issue. I've replaced crankshaft position sensor, starter, fuel filter, coil pack, even the fuse box and wire harness under the hood. I have 49 PSI at shader valve and test spark with the old fashion screwdriver in the plug wire and I have spark when I shoot it with starting fluid. It will run until it runs out of gas. It runs great as matter of fact but turn it off and back to crank no start up.
Sunday, May 18th, 2025 AT 4:34 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
It sounds like the fuel injectors are not opening, if you have a shorted injector, it will shut down the driver inside the PCM. I would remove one of the injector wires to check for 12 volts and a trigger signal while cranking.

Here is a guide to help you:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-fuel-injector

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Monday, May 19th, 2025 AT 11:42 AM
Tiny
TOM FLOWERS
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  • 7 POSTS
Everything checked out as it should. What else have you got? Every time I think I'm going to find out what wrong with my car I get let down. Hope you can help.
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Friday, May 23rd, 2025 AT 2:37 PM
Tiny
TOM FLOWERS
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Okay. Does this engine have 1 or 2 crankshaft position sensor or 1? I was just informed that the 3.4l has 2, the one behind the harmonic balancer and one on the side of the motor by the firewall, which communicates with the ignition control module, is that true? Not sure what I'm gonna do with that info but got to know.
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Friday, May 23rd, 2025 AT 7:42 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
To confirm, you say it runs on starting fluid correct? So the ignition system is working, also the injectors are getting pulse (ground and power 12 volts) correct? Yes this engine does have two crankshaft sensors.
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Sunday, May 25th, 2025 AT 10:58 AM
Tiny
TOM FLOWERS
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
A couple shots of starter fluid starter fluid and she comes to life. Now the cooler it is outside takes a little more. On a side note, my cooking fans won't come on thought they were fried until I hard wire straight to 12v they not fried. Keeping those 2 factors in mind I replaced the coolant temperature sensor and it changed nothing (wish I would have done that when I was messing with the injectors that was a pain in the you know what) now I did change throttle position sensor and now she'll starts back up soon after I turn her off but if I wait a few hours she needs that drink (a buddy recommended AA. He's a moron). Okay, behind the harmonic balancer is 1 CPS and the other is the one connected to the ignition control module correct? And where is the camshaft position sensor? Typing on this phone is making my thumbs sore, your turn.
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Monday, May 26th, 2025 AT 7:21 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Yes, one crankshaft sensor runs the ignition and the other the injector system, if you replaced one I would do the other. Here are the locations. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.
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Monday, May 26th, 2025 AT 12:44 PM
Tiny
TOM FLOWERS
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  • 7 POSTS
Thanks I'll keep you posted. By the way can you tell me where the cam position sensor is?
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Monday, May 26th, 2025 AT 1:11 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 54,137 POSTS
Np, here is the camshaft sensor location. Check out the images (below).
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Tuesday, May 27th, 2025 AT 9:44 AM
Tiny
TOM FLOWERS
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Is 46 PSI on my fuel enough to start this car.
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Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 AT 12:08 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Yep, that should work. I would go over this video to help you see why the engine will not start and run.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXLJbuAZ4CE&t=1s&pp=0gcJCbAJAYcqIYzv

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Thursday, May 29th, 2025 AT 10:34 AM

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