1987 Pontiac Firebird Wont start now

DAIMYO77

MEMBER
1987 PONTIAC FIREBIRD
V8
2WD
MANUAL
85,000 MILES

Hi,
Everything was fine two days ago, but I ran the gas too low getting home. Yesterday went outside to start the car, it would start but would die immediately after. Assumed it was not having enough gas, so went to store and got about 1 1/2 gallons in tank. It was still doing same thing. Start, then die. I pumped the gas trying to get it to start, no luck. Popped the hood, pulled the throttle a few times (Fuel injection system). Now it wont start at all, It just turns over but never actually starts now. HELP!

3 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Welcome to the forum. How long since a tune-up? If it cranks good but won't start, have a helper crank it, while you check for spark at the plugs. If you have spark everywhere, use a gage and check pressure.

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Tuesday, January 5th, 2010 AT 11:51 AM

DAIMYO77

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for the response jdl! It is due for a good tune up I admit, as for checking for spark, easier said than done, since the tpi fuel injection sits over where I can access the spark plugs. Also, I dont get why its fine yesterday, no warning signs, then bam this problem.

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Tuesday, January 5th, 2010 AT 12:03 PM

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

If you have a digital multimeter, that will give an inductive reading by touching the plug wire. You don't take the wire loose or penetrate the insulation, you just touch it. Not a conclusive test, but the meter should react if any voltage on the plug wire. Usually the inductive reading is less than a volt, .5 or.9, something like that.

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Tuesday, January 5th, 2010 AT 12:52 PM