QuestionQUESTION: I have a 88 Nissan Sentra, That I replaced the head gasket on. Now there is no spark, and the "Check engine" light on the dash is not on, nor are the LED's in the ECM coming on, or flashing when I try to check if any codes are present. relay under the dash is buzzing, when I pull the "ING" fuse it stops. The car ran before.
The Car... A Nissan Sentra , MT 4spd, 1.6L FI no AC
Thanks for any help you can give
Bruce
ANSWER: Bruce,
First, check to see that all the wiring is connected to the right places. And, if a harness was not pinched or stretched in the head gasket replacement. It is a pretty simple setup since it is front wheel drive. Get a test light and start at the coil and check for voltage in both start and run mode having somone turn the key while you do the checking. Remember that they will have to press the clutch pedal to get power to the coil and starter. ALso, check to see if any of the fuses or fuse links are blown at the positive battery terminal. IF the battery grounded while the head gasket was being replaced it would blow one or more of these. The Ignition relay buzzing leads me to think there is a direct short to ground somewhere from the firewall to the coil or starter. Email me back if you need more.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks , the car sat for a long time, and the battery was very dead. The ignition amplifer was getting warm. Also I switched relays , one buzzed the other one did not. My fear is that I zapped the ECM , ($425)
AnswerBruce,
The ECM triggers the ignition to fire. But, the current to the coil should be there regardless of the health of the ECM. If you switched the relays did it correct the problem? If not, get a test light and start looking at the circuit feeding the coil.
