Summary:
- 1996 Eagle Vision
- Turn over but won't start
- Couldn't find spark
- Couldn't find fuel in cylinder
- No relevant error codes on EMC
- Read on for more details...
I'm pretty much brand new to vehicle repair, so this will probably be fairly easy. I am also fairly experienced with a multimeter and computer repair. Have a 1996 Eagle Vision Esi 3.5 liter with 146k miles that won't start. The engine spins fine when you try to start it, nothing.
I have been trying things for a while. I think I have concluded that there is no spark. (I removed the spark plug from the hole and connected it to it's cable, and grounded the side to a nice bare spot on the engine at night, and saw no cool sparks. I did this with multiple different spark plugs, and obviously while trying to start the engine).
I think the fuel injectors are also having issues, because I used my multimeter on both of the wires and couldn't find any significant voltage on either when the key was turned. I do know there is fuel in the fuel injector supply line, but I don't think it's making it to the cylinder. After attempting to start for like 5 seconds, I rather quickly removed a spark plug, and it was dry, although the cylinder smelled a bit like fuel. (I'm told they always do). I have uncovered the fuel pump and listened to it while the vehicle was attempted to be started, and it made a sound that I would assume is normal operation, and I also head a bit of liquid moving, so I assume it is working fine.
I did get an OBD2 reader, and the only code I got was related to exhaust, which I'm pretty sure has nothing to do with the engine not starting, because the catalac converter is missing and the check engine light was on before it stopped working.
I am suspicious of the timing belt because another form thread had similar issues and it was their problem. I am also suspicious of the crank and maybe the cam sensors, but I can't find them. I also should mention that anytime the key is on, the rpm meter goes to about 250 and stays there as long as the key is turned. Even if the starter is turning the engine at probably well above 250rpm, the meter stays the same (this further makes me suspicious of the crank sensor, I'm assuming it's in charge of rpm)
How did this happen? The car was driving normally, and was parked with nothing notable about when it was turned off. A few minutes later when I tried to start it, it started doing this. It has been a bit unpredictable about starting lately, It has had 2 periods(each lasting a few days or so) of time when it randomly wouldn't even turn the starter motor on when asked to do so. One of these times was fixed the same time the battery cables were, the other magically went away.
Ok so this IS my first time trying to repair a car. There are so many thing wrong that I can't help but think it is something rather simple(like a wire) that is causing many problems. I don't think the rpm meter, spark plugs, and fuel injectors all just spontaneously broke. So is there something obvious that is wrong with it? Or what would you suggest doing next? My dad (yea he is the one that broke it) plans on replacing the spark plugs and the fuel filter because these items have had a history of causing issues in this vehicle, which I don't think will hurt, but I don't think will fix it. It need that maintenance anyways, but it really needs the fix that will actually fix it.
Thank you for any information you can provide!
