ok with my car is not starting (just cranks and cranks). i know that i am getting fuel to the rail. how do i test to see whether or not my injectors are firing and if my plugs are getting any spark? the car worked fine last saturday before i tore it apart btw

 

i dont need to check my dme relay as i am getting fuel to the rail, correct?

 

If the car was working fine before, I'd look at the simplest stuff first. Like is the coil wired correctly or in my case is the wire connected from the coil to the dist cap. By the way, did you install the rotor? stuff like that

 

yes, the rotor is installed. the dist. cap is wired correctly, with #1 at 4:00, #2 at 2:00, #3 at 8:00 and #4 at 10:00.

oh yeah, i am also using new spark plug wires, but the wire at the center of the cap is still the old one. im using the wires from paragon, so i know theyre the correct kind. how do i change the wire that goes to the center of the cap? i follow it to the left but theres this cover that i cant get off, the snap comes apart but then wont slide off.

in addition, the fan thermoswitch is broken (just to the left of the throttle body) and therefore unplugged. would this do anything? i cant imagine because since the engine is cold the circuit going through it would be open right now anyway

 

To check for spark, pull one of the spark plugs, PLACE it, NOT HOLD, on the engine so as to ground it, have an assistant crank the motor, you should see spark.

 

On mine I had to loosen the headlight motor, rotate that up and then I could get to the coil. That cover snaps off, keep it as it protects the coil from dirt and whatnot.

 

ok i had the plug sitting so that the metal tip of the spark plug touched the intake manifold. when attempting to start, no spark. so i put it about 1/16" above the intake manifold so maybe it would arc, no such arc. any more ideas?

 

If you are still getting spark (which is unlikely as you mentioned the wire to the cap is old) then you can check the injectors just by listening to them. Take a long ratchet extension or any long, thin piece of metal and stick one end on the injector and the other end on your ear, that is of course if you don't have a stethoscope.

 

ok i also changed the coil-dist cap wire, so all my wires are new. still no spark. could i have forgotten to plug something in? what piece, and where is it located?

also, how do i diagnose whether or not the coil is working?

in addition, i also have the factory alarm. but ive never used it as my key does not work in it. my key also doesnt work in the pass. door. hmmmm

would that broken fan thermoswitch keep the car from running?

maybe the speed reference sensor? whers this located? maybe i didnt get it plugged back in.....

 

anyone?

 

The reference sensor would keep you from getting a spark.
Check the orientation of the connections as follows:

1. Speed sensor is the one closest to the firewall and should be plugged into a connector labeled "DG"

2. Reference sensor (controls ignition/fuel on startup) is farthest from firewall and plugged to "BG"

Those "tags" are on my 86/NA so I ***-u-me they are on yours as well.
Also (from Keith) check the O2 sensor connection (its right there with the Speed/Ref sensor conections at the rear of the intake in a metal bracket.

 

Try this, disconnect the negative battery cable for a moment and put back on. Take your drivers key and put in thr door lock and turn the key back and forth to see if the contacts have a little corrosion. Then see if the car starts. Worth a try. I read about this same problem on a 928 forum and it worked. Also check the alarm relay. Dal

 

Check your other post, What is this thingy...

 

yeah i checked the connectors and theyre correct. the o2 sensor is connected, and i tried the jiggling of the lock thing. everything checks out but it still isnt working

 

im still trying to figure out whether or not my coil works- how do i try this?