After replacing the timing belt there is no spark to the plugs?

Tiny
SORRYDOG
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 HONDA ACCORD
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 245,000 MILES
Timing belt broke while care was idling. I replaced it and now I get no spark to the plugs. The cams' timing marks were spot on and the crank shaft mark was TDC on a compression stroke. Is there something I need to reset or what to get the car to fire at the plugs?
Saturday, August 14th, 2021 AT 5:51 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

When you did the work, did you reconnect all connectors, specifically the crankshaft position sensor, cam sensor, and so on?

If not then the PCM is not getting the crank signal and it will not start.

Do you have a live data scan tool that can read live data? If you do, see if there is an RPM signal when cranking the engine. If you don't, pay attention to the tachometer to see if it moves a bit when cranking. It should increase when cranking the engine. If so, the the crank is fine.

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

We should perform a spark check as well and then test fuel pressure to find out if we have the basics.

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

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

Once we know if we have fuel and spark we can make next moves but that would most likely being compression just to make sure the timing is not only on the marks but building compression.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Saturday, August 14th, 2021 AT 10:35 PM
Tiny
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When I turn the key over to crank the car to tachometer moves up to about 500 RPMs.
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Sunday, August 15th, 2021 AT 8:00 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

I need you to do me a favor. I need you to record the engine cranking so I can hear it. The 3.5L is an interference engine. If the timing belt broke (at idle or any speed) there is a chance there is internal damage done to the engine. When you said the RPM's go near 500 when cranking, that leads me to believe there is no compression and it is spinning faster than normal. If you record it cranking, I should be able to tell.

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, August 15th, 2021 AT 8:10 PM
Tiny
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I don't have a compression checker but I can take a small bottle and screw down into the spark plug hole and crank the car over and it'll blow that bottle off of the motor so there is compression just I don't think as much as it should be.
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Monday, August 16th, 2021 AT 2:36 PM
Tiny
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Okay, I reinstalled the timing belt. This time the tachometer does not move. Do I need to reinstall it again?
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Monday, August 16th, 2021 AT 6:01 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Are you certain the timing is correct? I hear a jump in the starter which sounds like low compression, at least in one of the cylinders.

As far as a compression gauge, most parts stores will lend one to you. However, if you don't have spark, we need to get that working first.

Since you noticed the tach, start by checking to make sure the crankshaft position sensor isn't damaged or disconnected.

The sensor is on the rear of the engine. See pic below.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Monday, August 16th, 2021 AT 7:58 PM
Tiny
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I noticed last night that the shifter is locked in park. I used the shift interlock to unlock it. But after putting it back in park it became locked again. Would the factory alarm have anything to do with any of this?
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Tuesday, August 17th, 2021 AT 9:53 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

The antitheft won't cause it. The shift lock actuator is powered via the brake light switch. Check to see if the brake lights are working. If they aren't, check the fuse.

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, August 17th, 2021 AT 4:26 PM

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