Auto Parts: 2002 hyundai accent, crankshaft position sensor, spark plug wires


Question
having trouble starting ,not firing,could this be the distributor cap? Or moisture somewhere?

Answer
    This engine, like most modern cars sold in America, does not have a distributor cap nor even a distributor.  It has two dual-terminal coils which fire alternately.  The ignition system consists of a crankshaft sensor (to time the spark), the computer (to alter the timing to suit the circumstances), the ignition amplifier (which fires the coils), the coils, the spark plug wires, and the spark plugs themselves.  If you are certain that there is no spark, which you would determine by pulling a wire and holding it near a ground while you crank the engine looking for a spark, then the most likely culprit is the crankshaft sensor.  They live in a rough environment and it's amazing that they last as long as they do.  When you check for spark, check a wire connected to one coil and then the other.  Although both coils are sold as a unit, there are actually two of them as can be seen just by looking.  If one coil works and the other doesn't, then replace the coils.  Modern coils can still get cracks in their towers and allow moisture to affect them, but replacement is the only sensible method of repair.  If there is no spark from either coil you could try replacing the crankshaft position sensor.  It only costs about $45 and is pretty easy to change.  After that, you will have to go to a pro and get the ECM scanned to see why you have no spark.  Just because there are no trouble codes doesn't mean there is no trouble.  There are several safety modes in which the computer will shut off the spark to prevent the engine running and one of them may be invoked.  Start at the plug, work your way back, and you will find the problem.