No start/hard start

Tiny
JEREMY LAFAVE
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 CHEVROLET 1500
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
I replaced my distributor cap and rotor a couple months ago and truck hasn’t started since. I noticed the top of the distributor was rusty but was told that shouldn’t cause it to not start. Starter is new, but when trying to turn over it feels like it doesn’t even attempt to create a spark. Any ideas where I should start on this issue? Plugs and wires or ignition coil? Thanks in advance.
Friday, April 10th, 2020 AT 9:09 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good afternoon,

Do you have a test light to do some testing?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

We need to do some testing at the ignition coil to see if the coil or module is the issue.

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

Can you hear the fuel pump run when you turn on the key?

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

Roy
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Friday, April 10th, 2020 AT 1:39 PM
Tiny
JEREMY LAFAVE
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  • 5 POSTS
Thanks for the response. I do not have a test light but can look into getting one. The fuel pump does kick on, easily noticeable as it has a high pitch sound when it goes on.

To give better history on repairs and replaced parts:

In the past 3-4 years:
- Fuel tank/pump, filler neck
- Starter
- Battery
- Spark plugs and wires
-Distributor Cap and Rotor
- Fuel filter
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Friday, April 10th, 2020 AT 2:37 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, you can get a test light at a parts store for under $10.00.

:Let me know when you get it and we can do some testing.

Roy
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Friday, April 10th, 2020 AT 2:40 PM
Tiny
JEREMY LAFAVE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Sorry it took so long to get back. With all that is going on in the world I tried ordering the test light and ended up taking a month for it to arrive. If you would like to setup a list of tasks that I would follow would be appreciated. Thanks!
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Saturday, May 9th, 2020 AT 6:48 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, check the white/black wire at the ignition. Turn the key to on and test to see if the light comes on.

If it does, go to the other side and the light should on as well. Then have someone crank the engine and the test light should flash while cranking.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Roy
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Sunday, May 10th, 2020 AT 2:51 AM
Tiny
JEREMY LAFAVE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Again, sorry it has taken so long to reply. With all that is going on right now, I was furloughed for a month. I was able to have someone help me look at everything under the hood and found I had no spark go to the ignition module. I was told to start with replacing spark plugs. Thanks for your help with this.
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Thursday, July 9th, 2020 AT 8:04 PM
Tiny
4DRTOM
  • MECHANIC
  • 467 POSTS
Hi, this is Tom reading your post this was running fine until you changed the cap and rotor? If so the problem most likely is right there on the distributor. It would be very unusual to have something fail from just changing the cap and rotor. Double check the rotor is seated correctly check the plug wires are in the right order, it's probably something right where you worked. I would double check everything at and around the distributor.
Keep us posted.
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Thursday, July 9th, 2020 AT 9:07 PM
Tiny
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Did you do the test I requested for the coil?

Roy
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Friday, July 10th, 2020 AT 3:13 AM
Tiny
JEREMY LAFAVE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The truck has not started properly for a year. During the cold weather the starter blew trying to crank on it so much. It turns over and wants to start, but something is not allowing it to.

I had a friend check a couple areas for spark but did not use the test light. I honestly don’t know where this test would be performed.
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Friday, July 10th, 2020 AT 8:16 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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This is done at the ignition coil.

Please read my response on how to test it. You need a test light and a second person to help.

This was my response.

Okay, check the white/black wire at the ignition. Turn the key to on and test to see if the light comes on.

If it does, go to the other side and the light should on as well. Then have someone crank the engine and the test light should flash while cranking.

Roy
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Friday, July 10th, 2020 AT 8:27 AM
Tiny
4DRTOM
  • MECHANIC
  • 467 POSTS
Hello,

The easiest way to test spark is to pull a plug wire stick an insulated screw driver in the end of the wire and hold it next to a metal spot on the engine. Then have someone turn the key and a spark should jump from the screwdriver shaft to the engine. If no spark on a plug wire then go to the ignition coil wire, the center one and do the same thing.
Tom
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Friday, July 10th, 2020 AT 8:29 AM

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