problem starting my other car

[goku87]

My cavalier won't seem to start. The battery voltage is good so it turns over when you turn on the ignition, but it wont actually start. If I pump the gas ever so slightly it sounds like it is about to start and then goes back to just the starter cranking. A shot in the dark, new spark plugs maybe?

[nemelek]

Could be the plugs. I had a Sentra that the plugs would foul up when the engine got flooded. Try some starting fluid in the air cleaner. Try some HEET in the gas tank.

[Bob_VT]

If it's fuel injected .... pumping the gas will have no effect.

You moght have condensation in the gas line or water in the fuel. Yes a container of HEET into the fuel tank and maybe you will have to get it warmer to start it.

[GeneW]

Originally Posted by goku87

My cavalier won't seem to start. The battery voltage is good so it turns over when you turn on the ignition, but it wont actually start. If I pump the gas ever so slightly it sounds like it is about to start and then goes back to just the starter cranking. A shot in the dark, new spark plugs maybe?

Basics....

0. Turn the key to the "on" position. Do you see the check engine light? If so this implies that the ECU may be in good shape. If not your ECU could be out or the check engine light bulb may be shot. I do not know if there is an interlink with the starter relay and ECU. Probably not.

1. Do you have gas in the tank? Do not rely upon the gas gage. Open the gas filler tube and have an assistant rock the car from side to side. Unless the tank is absolutely full or empty you should hear sloshing. If not you may have run out of gas with a defective gage.

2. While you have the gas cap off have an assistant turn the key to "on". You probably (but not necessarily) should hear the gas pump turn on. It makes a distinctive whine that you will hear coming up the filler tube.

Please note that some GM products have a pressure sensor to protect against engine fires. IF this sensor malfunctions the ECU will think that the gas line is damaged and will shut off the pump. The ignition system also will not work.

3. Expose the throttle body. Buy some gasoline in a container. Pour about 100 milliliters into the throttle body. Do not pour the gasoline into the filter box or soak the filter.

Alternately buy some starter gas (ethyl ether) and spray it into the tube that links the filter box with the throttle body.

Attempt to start the engine. The motor should at least make an attempt to run, run roughly but still run. Assuming of course that the ECU works and is permitting the ignition system to work. If not you'll smell gasoline out of the tailpipe.

If the car does not make any attempt to start you may have ignition system problems or an ECU issue. Either will require some diagnostic stuff.

Spark Plugs? All four being shot? Doubt it. You could pull one of the plugs and see if it is fouled with gasoline or some other fluid.


If you do not have a shop manual for this vehicle but intend to work on it I would recommend that you purchase one. I have such a manual for my Caprice, and it is loaded with troubleshooting guides, trees and many useful features.

www.helminc.com

Gene