QuestionQUESTION: I have a 2003 accent with 1.6 eng that won’t start on its own. Coil packs will not fire when I try and start it. I can give it a shot of starting fluid and it starts right up. After the starting fluid the coil packs will fire but not a bright blue. I have changed the fuel pump, MAP sensor and crank shaft sensor. All fuses look to be good. Battery is charged and the charging system is putting out 14v.
ANSWER: Hi, Russ. Install a fuel pressure gauge and check the fuel pressure at the fuel rail when cranking the engine.
The fact that the engine runs on starting fluid implies that fuel is not being injected into the cylinders and that the coils are firing. How did you determine they weren't firing?
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QUESTION: After the starting fluid it does run fine on its own and am able to drive it. Will even restart if it is within 30 to 45 minutes. After that I have to use the starting fluid again. As for the coil packs I took a lead off one and using a screwdriver and the lead to make contact. No arc when cranking eng. With eng running the arc is a dim orange.
AnswerSince the engine stays running, it's a rather safe bet that you not only have sufficient spark, but that you also have sufficient fuel pressure.
At this point, I think you should be looking at things that have a large effect on the fuel mixture, such as the coolant temperature sensor. If the coolant temperature sensor reads a very cold temperature, your engine may flood when you try to start it. Unfortunately, you'll need a scan tool to make this check.
I've also seen a similar issue once on a car that had bad fuel. It would have great difficulty starting when cold, but would run okay when it warmed up a little.
