car died and wont start

[drewzx3]

I was on my way home yesterday and I was at a red light and all of a sudden it just died and would not start. Where do I need to start checking to get it back running?

 

[95strokerPSU]

What happens when you go to crank it? If you get nothing at all, I would check the battery voltage. Maybe your alt died and drained your battery. If the starter is engaging, then I would check for spark. Maybe your coil is shot.

 

[drewzx3]

Yes it does turn over. I was thinking about the fuel pump but I still hear it come on. How can I check for spark?

 

[95strokerPSU]

I believe you pull the wire going from the coil to the distributor off of the distributor but leave it attached to the coil. Then place it 1/2" away from a good ground and get someone to crank the car. This should create a spark, if not I would assume your coil is shot. I'm not 100% sure thats how you do it but I'm sure someone else will verify that soon.

 

[legalize420]

I believe you pull the wire going from the coil to the distributor off of the distributor but leave it attached to the coil. .

correct

 

[wytstang]

Sounds like the dreaded PIP stator failure.

 

[HISSIN50]

Use an old spark plug or spark tester (parts store tool aisle) so you dont get fooled (1/2" is quite a large gap. ). Too large an air gap would create an invalid test.

If you have no spark, check for injector pulsing. If you have the latter but not former, look at the ignition. If missing injector pulsing and spark, look at the PIP that Danny mentioned.

CHecking fuel pressure is probably wise too (pump running doesnt = proper pressure).

Good luck.

 

[95Vert]

I don't mean to be a dik, but does the car have gas? It could be that simple. If not, all the above suggestions are good.

 

[drewzx3]

Yes it has spark and I put more gas in it just to make sure the gauge wasnt off. I guess I am going to just change the fuel pump and if it doesnt work i'll go from there. When you try to crank it you can here it try but it just sounds like it isnt getting any gas.

 

[HISSIN50]

Yes it has spark and I put more gas in it just to make sure the gauge wasnt off. I guess I am going to just change the fuel pump and if it doesnt work i'll go from there. When you try to crank it you can here it try but it just sounds like it isnt getting any gas.

This can get expensive, introduce more variables and waste time. A few minutes of troubleshooting can really narrow things down.

What is FP (already asked)? Are plugs wet? Are injectors pulsing (already questioned)? Things like this will narrow it down. This all takes 10 minutes to test.

Good luck.

 

[drewzx3]

I got it fixed. It was the little plastic thing in the distrubuter. I am glad it was broken though because I got in a wreck friday night in my moms expedition and if I was in my car I probably wouldnt be here today. thanks for the help

 

[HISSIN50]

Well, that is one positive outlook you have. We are collectively glad to hear that you were in the big rig and sound to be alright.

 

[drewzx3]

thanks alot hissin

 

[95Vert]

Was it the rotor?
What happened with your accident, good to hear you're ok.

 

[drewzx3]

Its in the distributor. I can't talk about the accident right now but I would explain if I could.