Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 183
IL
08-13-03, 06:31 PM
#1

My 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix 2.8 V6cranks but wont start. I checked for spark at the spark plug wire and dont have any. It sounds like the fuel pump kicks in fine when the key is turned to ON and there is gasoline spewing out from the "fuel injector service port" when the needle is pressed in.
Whats the best way to troubleshoot a no-spark condition on these cars? Is it most likely the coil (there are 3), the module or the crankshaft position sensor? Thanks!!
Whats the best way to troubleshoot a no-spark condition on these cars? Is it most likely the coil (there are 3), the module or the crankshaft position sensor? Thanks!!
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Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,538
08-13-03, 08:18 PM
#2
most likely cause would be crank position sensor, but you should check and make sure you are getting power to your ignition module first this is the 2 wire connector on the drivers side of the module you should have power at one terminal with the key on and ground at the other terminal.
the coils realy isnt even a possibility cause there is no way all 3 coils would of went bad at once.
the coils realy isnt even a possibility cause there is no way all 3 coils would of went bad at once.
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 183
IL
08-13-03, 09:27 PM
#3
I cant even find the crank sensor... I guess I have to keep looking. The manual says its pretty easy to replace though. Any ideas?
I pulled one of the coils already cause i wanted to test the module... 2 more to go; its real tight getting to the bottom screws though so i might have to drop the starter?? this is ridiculous!!
I might just replace the crank sensor for $20 and see what happens... ahhhhh.
any comments or ideas would be appreciated!!
I pulled one of the coils already cause i wanted to test the module... 2 more to go; its real tight getting to the bottom screws though so i might have to drop the starter?? this is ridiculous!!
I might just replace the crank sensor for $20 and see what happens... ahhhhh.
any comments or ideas would be appreciated!!
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,538
Posts: n/a
08-14-03, 03:35 AM
#5
Joe_F
Original poster: Whoa nelley.
STOP! Don't change parts. You must TEST them first to damn them as being bad first.
If autolibrary doesn't have the test specs you need, then Alldata will for $25 annually.
STOP! Don't change parts. You must TEST them first to damn them as being bad first.
If autolibrary doesn't have the test specs you need, then Alldata will for $25 annually.
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 183
IL
Posts: n/a
08-14-03, 11:28 AM
#7
Joe_F
Ya, again, using autolibrary or Alldata, follow their procedure. Usually it involves the part being within a certain resistance value range.
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,538
08-14-03, 05:29 PM
#9
there probably is a resistance for the crank sensor but i didnt see it listed on auto library, a shop would use a lab scope to check for a signal but this is an expensive piece of equipment, another thing you might check is for oil inside the connector of the crank sensor which would mean the sensor is junk and should be replaced, also if you remove the sensor any cracking in the plastic casing and it should get a new one, cracks will allow oil into the sensor.
you might also check the wiring running from the crank sensor to the module for rubbed through spots that would ground out the signal causing a no start all though not a common problem ive seen a few.
you might also check the wiring running from the crank sensor to the module for rubbed through spots that would ground out the signal causing a no start all though not a common problem ive seen a few.
Posts: n/a
08-15-03, 01:45 AM
#10
Joe_F
Davo is correct. AL has the procedure, I checked yesterday before the power went out
.

Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 183
IL
08-15-03, 05:14 AM
#11
Thanks, guys... i put in a new crank sensor and it fired right up!
While I was at it, I replaced the spark plugs, wires and air filter. I just have to dress the plug wires neatly now and replace the fuel filter too.
While I was at it, I replaced the spark plugs, wires and air filter. I just have to dress the plug wires neatly now and replace the fuel filter too.
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 472
08-15-03, 09:29 AM
#13
It would have been useful to know if the injectors where being pulsed, if they were or weren't it woulda whittled down the possabilities..