QuestionI recently bought this car at an auction and the car would
not start. I pulled the codes at it pointed to the CPS. I
replaced the balancer belt (was broken) and the crank sensor
(was also broken from the belt), timing belt looked good.
All the timing marks were properly aligned. The car then
started but was only running on cylinder 1 and 4 and was
getting a primary coil code. I then replaced the 2-3 coil
and then it would not start at all. I then have replaced
both coils and the misfire sensor and checked all the fuses.
The car is getting fuel and the injectors are firing. I am
also showing cranking rpm on scanner and am no longer
getting any codes. The engine light does come on when you
first turn the key on like it should. I did have the car on
a battery charger when trying to start. What is the next
step the ECM if so where is it located and does it need to
be flashed by the dealer. TIA
AnswerHi, Doug.
Since the engine was running (albeit on two cylinders) with the old 2-3 coil in place, perhaps try putting that coil back to see whether the engine will start. It's possible you simply installed a defective new coil. While not common, it is possible to receive a defective new part.
You might also recheck the timing marks and verify the camshafts are still timed properly.
In addition, have you determined whether the coils are firing the plugs? This is an straightforward test. Simply pull the wire going to the coil in question off its spark plug and put a spare plug in the end of the wire. Lay the plug on the metal valve cover and observe whether it sparks when the engine is cranked.
Since you say the check engine lamp still operates during bulb check, I'd cast significant doubt that the problem lies with the ECM.
