Just replaced the plug wires on my 1991 Olds Ciera awhile back and it fixed the miss in the engine. (Another thread)

New problem:

Just last night, I drove the car to band rehearsal with no problems. Got ready to leave and she won't fire.

It never was hard to start before, it has gas in it, and my friends did confirm that the fuel pump is operating by listening for it as I cranked the engine. (Fuel pump is in the tank right?)

I also checked all the wires to assure proper connection. To the best of my knowledge, the battery is good and never got weak as I tried many long, starting attempts.

It turns over like it is supposed to but will not start and will not attempt to. Just sounds like the engine is cranking without any fire. This sound is consistent.

To make it as simple as possible, what are some good troubleshooting starting points?

Thanks

Bad fuel pressure regulator or pump most likely. Probably not the filter since you claim the car was running good prior.

It could be an ignition issue like bad coils or bad plugs/wires but usually that will cause the engine to run real bad.

This just happened? Was it a cold day? Did you have your battery checked out? It's possible that there isn't enough amperage to start the car but just enough to crank it. Does it crank slowly or just like normal?

Try putting your battery on the charger, make sure it gets fully charged (if it can hold a full charge) and put it in and see what happens...worth a try anyways.

TOC Admin
Brando

Cranks normally and won't get slower. High beams are nice and bright.

And yes, it did just happen all of the sudden.

Always started up fine for the last seven years and then tonight, it just turns over.

Could be the fuel pump relay...but you say you actually heard the pump running in the tank?

TOC Admin
Brando

stupid answer but it is either a spark or fuel problem..
thats about all i know for sure..
well maybe not for sure..lol

check for a spark

I can't hear that good at all but my friends say that they heard it.

I'll check for spark first and then, I think I'll take the fuel line off on the engine side of the fuel filter and crank on it to make 100% sure that it is pumping fuel.

Any thing else it could be if I am getting spark and getting fuel?

Make sure you pull the fuel pump fuse out and crank the car for a while to alleviate any pressure that may possibly still be in the system.

TOC Admin
Brando

dont do that. replace the fpr first it is cheap. just because there is a noise does not mean it is working always.

is this a 3.1?

I believe I remember from his first topic that he has a 3300, the 3.1 wasn't available on the Cutlass Ciera in 91.

TOC Admin
Brando

Hi Oldsmowbill, hello all,


Fuel injection pump must be checked with a pressure gauge.

From your description, the problem is lack of spark.

Regards, Norm

It is a 3.3. What is, and where is the Fuel Pump Relay?



So, there is no good way to check it without a gauge?

The Fuel Pump Relay is located in the RH (Driver's side) front of engine compartment, on relay bracket.

Diagram

THIS is a relay.



TOC Admin
Brando

HiOldsmowbill, all,


Pumps for carbs can be checked by measuring flow, but injector pumps flow the same, but at much higher pressures.

I don't know exact numbers, but if your injection system needs 40# or more, and your pump only puts out 20#, how would you know without a gauge?

Did you check the spark yet?

Regards, Norm

Ok guys, first thing I did when I got back to the Olds was that I removed one spark plug, connected its wire back to it, laid the side of the plug against chassis ground, had an assist crank on the engine and I observed ZERO spark.

Checked coil fuse in the glove compartment and all was good.

I am assuming that I need to replace the coil pack?