Cranks but does not start?

Tiny
DANNY JOHNSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 ACURA MDX
  • 4WD
  • 208,000 MILES
The car worked fine until today.
It will crank but won't start. I did some research and tried holding the PGM-FI in hand while the engine cranks and didn't hear or feel a click. All the fuses seem fine.
I also previously had and still have the SRS light on. Not sure if that indicates anything related.

I opened the PGM-FI case and don't see any issues with the soldering on it.
Thursday, September 22nd, 2022 AT 12:00 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,328 POSTS
Hi,

In most cases, this is the result of either a fuel issue or an ignition issue. Let's start with that to narrow things down.

Here is what I need you to try. See if the engine starts for a couple of seconds using starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, we'll know its fuel related. If there is no change, then we need to check for an ignition spark to the plugs.

Here is a link that explains how to test for spark:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Try this and let me know the results. Also, if you have a scan tool, see if there are any diagnostic trouble codes stored that may point us in the right direction.

Take care,

Joe

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Thursday, September 22nd, 2022 AT 9:25 PM
Tiny
DANNY JOHNSON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I checked and don't see a spark between the plug wire and a wire attached to the battery ground.
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Monday, September 26th, 2022 AT 10:11 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,328 POSTS
Hi Danny, the first suspect when a no spark condition is present is the crankshaft position sensor. Replacement requires the timing belt cover to be removed, so we need to check a bit more to confirm.

The easiest thing to do is check for an RPM signal using a live data scan tool. I don't know if you have one or access to one. If you do, try that and let me know the result.

If you don't have a scan tool, check the tachometer to see if it moves a little when cranking.

Take a look at this link. You may find it of interest. Also, I attached a pic below showing the crankshaft position sensor's location.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

Also, if you can record it cranking and upload it for me to hear, that may be very helpful. We could even have a broken timing belt.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, September 26th, 2022 AT 6:19 PM
Tiny
DANNY JOHNSON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
The tachometer needle doesn't move when the engine cranks. I tried to upload an MP3 sound file, but the site doesn't allow that file format. When I try a video, it keeps stopping during upload. I think it's too big.
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Tuesday, September 27th, 2022 AT 8:32 AM
Tiny
DANNY JOHNSON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Looks like it finally uploaded.
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Tuesday, September 27th, 2022 AT 8:42 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,328 POSTS
Hi,

I listened to the recording, and the timing sounds good. If the tachometer isn't moving, my first suspect is the crankshaft position sensor. Take a look at this link. It explains symptoms and causes related to sensor issues.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

If you look below, I attached the directions specific to this vehicle for replacement. I suspect this is the cause, but I can't be 100% sure. If you feel the same after reviewing the article, I would replace it.

Let me know your thoughts or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Tuesday, September 27th, 2022 AT 6:10 PM
Tiny
DANNY JOHNSON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I tried another test. I removed the air filter and bought some carb spray. The car started and ran for a few seconds so it seems to be related to the fuel delivery system.

What would you suggest I look for on that path?
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Monday, October 3rd, 2022 AT 11:36 AM
Tiny
DANNY JOHNSON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
FYI, it seemed to run smoothly when it did start. No misfire or rough running.
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Monday, October 3rd, 2022 AT 11:37 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,328 POSTS
Hi,

I agree. Its fuel related. What I would do is first check to see if there is any fuel pressure at the fuel rail.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

If there is no pressure, we need to check if there is power to the fuel pump along with a ground.

If you look below, I attached the directions to check for power and ground. It requires a little work on the carpet (cutting it). Do not cut it out completely. Only make it into a flap that you can open and close. Use a new blade in a utility knife. Also, there is wiring under the carpet, so you need to be really careful not to cut into them.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

See pics below.
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Monday, October 3rd, 2022 AT 9:10 PM

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