Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Today I replaced my thermostat since I was having trouble with my car overheating ( i never let it get much past 210). It didn't fix the problem but the car doesn't get hot on the highway so I drove it to work no problems at all with heat even in traffic.

I got to work, got out around 1.

Go to start the car, nope won't start. Battery kicks on, starter sounds like its trying, oil pressure goes up as I turn the key.

I held it down for a while trying to get it to start, but it wouldn't anyways. I normally can smell fuel when I've done that for a while (had opti problems recently). However I couldn't smell any fuel, even when I got right up to the engine compartment I couldn't smell any.

I figure I just need spark, air, and fuel. One of those must be missing.

Battery is good, starter seems good, I don't think the opti got wet because I didn't have any problems with it driving around town after I put the thermo in. Normally when you get the opti wet you see instant damages appear so I figure thats not it.

Any ideas?

- Z28WannaB

 

Any SES light going on? Did you check it for spark, or for fuel pressure? Sounds spark related for it to happen so suddenly...did you hear your fuel pump come on when you turned the key?

 

Release all the fuel pressure at the schrader valve. Then cycle power on for 2 seconds with out starting the car and then back off. Do this about 5 times. Then check the schrader valve for pressure. If you have pressure, start looking for a spark problem. If you don't have pressure, jump 12 volts directly to the fuel pump prime connector and see if you get pressure then. If you still don't have pressure, your pump is probably shot.

Pumps will go out like that. Went to lunch one day, left the restaurant, no start. Pounded on the fuel tank while someone cranked the engine and viola. Got er back, changed the pump. No more problems.

 

okay so I eliminated the pump thank god I had good pressure and I could hear it kick on. I think I've determined the opti is dead for the 2nd time in two week. Good thing its under warranty and I can change it out and under and hour now. What else could possibly be an issue?

Tommarow I am putting in another new opti, new coil, new coil wire. What else should I check or replace?

Optis are way too sensitive to water, it has made my car as reliable has a 1987 hyundai.

- Z28WannaB

 

Why don't you do some testing before you go and buy a bunch of parts to throw at it. For example, pull a plug and wire and check it for spark. Take the same plug and wire and put it in the coil and check it for spark. Scan it to see if there are any codes that may not light the SES.

I'm a little confused, if you replaced the opti 2 weeks ago, why are you replacing the wires now? Did you not replace them 2 weeks ago? If you feel the coil is bad and are replacing it now, why are you replacing the opti? You made no mention of the ICM. Sounds to me like you're just throwing a bunch of things on the wall and see what sticks.

If it turns out you don't have spark, a few easy checks with a voltmeter can go a long way to keep from having to spend money frivolously.

 

you might want to check to see if your engine is grounded if it isn't you might not get any electricity to your fuel injectors. Pull a spark plug see if it has spark. If it has spark put it back in flood it and see if the plug is wet. This should show you what you need to look for next.