Engine turns over but won't fire

Tiny
JSTU60
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 GMC SONOMA
  • 28,800 MILES
2.2 liter 1998 Sonoma died on the road. It turns over but won't start it was running fine, but now it won't start. With nearly 300,000 miles on it. It was running pretty good, died while waiting for a stoplight. I pushed it off the road and it turns over fine but acts like it won't fire.
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Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 AT 2:32 PM

42 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,606 POSTS
Hello,

When you turn the key on without cranking the engine over do you hear the fuel pump in the tank turn on? Here is a gudiet hat will walk you through the steps on what to look for.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 AT 2:52 PM
Tiny
JSTU60
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I have been told that it will do me no good to scan for codes if the engine is not running. Should I check for spark by removing plug wire and then go from there?
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Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 AT 4:54 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,606 POSTS
If something failed it will be stored in the computer sensor wise. and yes check for spark it should be very big and blue, stick a screwdriver in it and don't put your hands on the wire because of shock.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system
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Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 AT 10:09 PM
Tiny
JSTU60
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Thank you for the response. I went out to the location where the location where it is stranded and it does have spark, however it is more of a yellow. The fuel sending unit does not make any noise when the ignition is engaged.I exchanged the fuel pump relay with a working one and the engine failed to start. I am assuming that the fuel pump has probably failed. Do you think this is the problem?
By the way the person that told me the code reader would do me no good is from Oreilley's Aoutoparts Seymour, Indiana.
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Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 AT 11:16 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,606 POSTS
To really see if it's a fuel pump you'll have to put a gauge on it, maybe Oreillys will have one to rent your fuel pressure should be 41-47 psi if below that then fix that an it will probably start. By the way best and easiest way to fix pump is if you have helpers around take the box off, there are only 8 bolts and a electrical connection to remove. You don't need to take it right off just slide it back so you can reach the pump in the tank, otherwise you have to drop the tank, much harder to do.
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Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 AT 11:41 PM
Tiny
JSTU60
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Once again Thanks. The truck belongs to a friend of mine who is dying from cancer, he was on his way to a lab in Bloomington, IN. No funds to tow or get to a regular tech. I called a few places and found an aftermarket pump for $175.I will have to install it in the parking lot where it is stranded. So you're saying slide the bed back and pull the old one out then drop in the new from the top and that should cure the problem? Do you think I should be able to do this in a parking lot and how long should it take? I will have to do it on Thanksgiving day.
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Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 AT 11:51 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,606 POSTS
You'll need help to lift the bed if you are going to do it that way. and the aftermarket pump may be just the pump and not the complete sending unit. if it's just the pump you have to take the old one apart and replace that. if its' a unit you just take the old one out and put the new unit in and hook everything up. you'll need a special tool to remove the fuel lines you may be able to do this in 2 hours , maybe sooner depending on your ability. to remove lines, push towards the pump, insert tool and remove line.

Here is a ugie that will walk you through the steps with diagrams below to show you on your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.
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Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011 AT 12:23 AM
Tiny
JSTU60
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I have the fuel pump powering up and I have replaced Fuel filter. I have spark and it still won't start. So I replace the fuel pump and it fired right up. Thanks for your help
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Sunday, November 27th, 2011 AT 8:05 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,606 POSTS
Glad you could get it fixed, that kind of problem can be tough. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Sunday, November 27th, 2011 AT 8:07 PM
Tiny
DAVIDWALTER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1998 GMC SONOMA
  • 4.3L
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
I am having trouble starting my truck I keep blowing a fuse under the hood in the fuse box (15 amp ECM B)
I noticed that it would blow as I was driving or standing and idling the truck after driving 1 km and changing 3 fuses every 1000 feet I decided to put in a 20 amp and that worked perfect. For a while. Now wants it warms up after 5 hours of driving and then I shot it off I cant start it anymore until the next day. But I notice that the 20 amp fuse does not blow anymore but if I take it out and put if back in it will start but shot down with in 3 seconds. I am thinking it could be my fuel pump what do you think? Or do I have a short somewhere?
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Saturday, January 12th, 2019 AT 1:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,606 POSTS
Ecm b fuse is an orange wire that powers pcm check for a short someplace or it may be a bad pcm as well. But have a pro check for the pcm problem
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Saturday, January 12th, 2019 AT 1:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAVIDWALTER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you for the reply. So it can't be the fuel pump is that correct?

I will Check the wire to see if there is a short. And will let you know.
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Saturday, January 12th, 2019 AT 1:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SHIRLEY T WILLIAMS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 GMC SONOMA
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 211,047 MILES
My truck starts easily, but will not go, and makes a grinding noise, what could be the problem?
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Saturday, January 12th, 2019 AT 1:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,938 POSTS
Hi there,

If the engine is running and you can't select forward or reverse, I would say with the grinding noise you mention, that your transmission of differential has suffered a major failure, I would be towing it to a work shop for an appraisal.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Saturday, January 12th, 2019 AT 1:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,606 POSTS
Drawing of wiring don't show what you want they are just straight line then they say where the connections are yours would go to junction box on firewall then to ignition switch. But you should check where it motor is hitting and fix mount if it' hasn't been already.
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Saturday, January 12th, 2019 AT 1:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAVIDWALTER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I Just ordered the motor mount. So I want to fix it, I will check to see if there is a wire that is pined.

Thanks David
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Saturday, January 12th, 2019 AT 1:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RBURROU1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 GMC SONOMA
1998 GMC Sonoma V8 Two Wheel Drive 160, 00 miles

The ignition "clicks", have power to battery, alternator, and starter (all new). Need to locate neutral/safety switch or ignition control panel, if any.
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Saturday, January 12th, 2019 AT 1:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
The wiring diagram below is part of your starter circuit.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/170934_sonoma_starter_circuit_1.jpg

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Saturday, January 12th, 2019 AT 1:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2CP-ARCHIVES
  • MEMBER
  • 4,544 POSTS
  • 1998 GMC SONOMA
  • 181,000 MILES
My truck will turn over but wont start
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Saturday, January 12th, 2019 AT 1:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Have a helper crank it while you visually check for spark at the spark plugs. If you have spark everywhere use a gage and check fuel pressure. To check for spark, you can use a spark tester or known good spark plug. Don't pull a spark plug out of engine. Your local autostore should sell a spark tester, doesnt cost much. Pull spark plug wire off engine spark plug, stick tester in plkug boot, ground tester to metal part of engine. Have helper crank, watch for spark at tester. Make sure the tester gap is open.
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Saturday, January 12th, 2019 AT 1:28 PM (Merged)

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