My car has been sitting all winter. I did start the car and went around the block about a month ago. Today, I went to start my LT1 Swapped Fiero and it would not turn on. I have fuel pressure but I don't think I have spark. To confirm, I took a spark plug wire off the front cycler, a screw driver and wire with alligator clips to find spark. I had no one to help out so, I filmed it on my phone. I jammed the screw drive into the spark plug wire, clip one end of the wire to it and ran the other end near the shock tower to film the spark. Cranked the engine over a few time and reviewed the video ... NO SPARK.
I am not sure how to go about trouble shooting.
What fuses or reply so I check? Any advice would be greatly appreciated
I jammed the screw drive into the spark plug wire, clip one end of the wire to it and ran the other end near the shock tower to film the spark. Cranked the engine over a few time and reviewed the video ... NO SPARK.
How "near"? A healthy spark should have no problem snapping across a 1/4" gap to ground. Perhaps try using the engine block/head as ground instead of the shock tower.
How "near"? A healthy spark should have no problem snapping across a 1/4" gap to ground. Perhaps try using the engine block/head as ground instead of the shock tower.
I just realized I have a spark plug gap tool.. I have to try again tomorrow.
⚠️ Warning: Can "fry" coil(s) & more if spark tests are done wrong.
Video for spark is often not a good test because how most digi cam's work. IOW maybe have spark but camera can't see for many reasons. go watch https://www.youtube.com/@TarylFixesAll etc to see many times they see spark but camera shows nothing.
Get a tester that replaces a plug or inline w/ a plug. If can't/won't get a helper to see, also Buy a "remote starter switch" so you can see & bump the starter too. That goes to Battery + & solenoid.
HEI or DIS ICM doesn't have a fuse. HEI Coil may or not have a fuse link buried in wire harness & depending how the swap is wired may still have this.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
Being an LT1 check for spark off of the ignition coil. If it's a stock LT1 ignition system that is a standard GM HEI coil pretty much the same you will find on a 2.8L. If you have spark there, you likely have an issue with the Optispark distributer, those are a known failure point. They are not fun to work at, very susceptible to moisture, especially if one has a failing water pump.
There is a plethora of information about Optispark diagnoses online, it makes 2.8L ignition module look bullet proof.
Being an LT1 check for spark off of the ignition coil. If it's a stock LT1 ignition system that is a standard GM HEI coil pretty much the same you will find on a 2.8L. If you have spark there, you likely have an issue with the Optispark distributer, those are a known failure point. They are not fun to work at, very susceptible to moisture, especially if one has a failing water pump.
There is a plethora of information about Optispark diagnoses online, it makes 2.8L ignition module look bullet proof.
I hope it's not the optispark. I had it rebuilt MSD bullet Optispark by MSD, when I got the car. It has less than 1000 miles on it. I'll keep you posted as time permits.
I've only checked one plug.. but the engine does not turnover . So, I am assuming none have spark.
Ill have to check ...
No Spark can be any number of things... best to work backwards at that point, could be anything from a bad ignition coil, to a bad ignition control module, to something else on the distributor like a bad pick-up coil or who knows what. I can't remember... did you say whether or not you had any computer codes?
A bit of troubleshooting yesterday. It looks like I do have spark. I was able to confirm this using a spark plug spark tool. Although, I think the spark was weak, but the battery was a bit low too. I also have 40 PSI of fuel pressure. Not sure where to go from here.
Any advise would be appreciate.
[This message has been edited by str8maxn (edited 05-14-2024).]
Need clarification here. Does the engine not turn at all? Or it turns over but does not start?
I assume you don't have a service manual for an LT-1 Camaro/Firebird. Do a google search and download a service manual for the year of the engine. Then follow the troubleshooting chart available in the manual.
Edited to add: See example from 96 Service manual:
[This message has been edited by cyrus88 (edited 05-14-2024).]
Need clarification here. Does the engine not turn at all? Or it turns over but does not start?
I assume you don't have a service manual for an LT-1 Camaro/Firebird. Do a google search and download a service manual for the year of the engine. Then follow the troubleshooting chart available in the manual.
Edited to add: See example from 96 Service manual:
Cranks but doesn't turn over. Ran fine a month ago. I don't have a service manual. Does have an ODB1 port but I don't have a tool to scan.
[This message has been edited by str8maxn (edited 05-14-2024).]
Since it does not start, there are trouble codes present. The manual may tell you how to read the trouble codes without a scantool. Get a cheap code reader for OBD-I and save yourself the trouble of troubleshooting in the dark.
Since it does not start, there are trouble codes present. The manual may tell you how to read the trouble codes without a scantool. Get a cheap code reader for OBD-I and save yourself the trouble of troubleshooting in the dark.
**** !! Typed an entire post and it got deleted before I could send. Anyway....
Get the FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL. There is an PDF version for 50 bucks. 200 bucks fir printed...YIKES! You'll have to search your year On the Motor Bookstore site. I just used 1997 as an example. In my experience Haynes and others are total crap for more advanced troubleshooting.
And yes. You will need a scanner. Unless you are an engine whisperer.
The 1997 factory service manual will be of no help to you because it's for OBD-II.
Search for the factory manual for the year of your engine.
Yes. In my post I said this is an example to get him a source for a manual. He'll have to search for his year. No idea what year of engine through this thread.
Without a scantool it is hard to know what is going on with the engine.
But let's try the easy stuff first.
First shot in the dark: perhaps you have a few leaky injectors and the engine is getting fuel flooded. So, hold the throttle wide open and crank it to see if it starts.
Second shot: You replaced some spark plug wires and got the firing order wrong and forgot that you had done it. Check the firing order.
Slightly more complicated stuff. First shot: The rotor on the opti rotated and now it's firing in the wrong order. Time to remove and inspect it.
Second shot: Problem with one or more sensors (MAF sensor or Air intake and, or ECT temp sensors, cam position, etc).
If you don't want to go round and round chasing guesses, my suggestion would be to take it to a mechanic, or invest in the tools needed to work on it yourself.
Edit to add: this is assuming there is nothing mechanically wrong with engine (broken camshaft, etc.).
[This message has been edited by cyrus88 (edited 06-06-2024).]
First shot in the dark: perhaps you have a few leaky injectors and the engine is getting fuel flooded. So, hold the throttle wide open and crank it to see if it starts.
