Can't figure out why my car won't start!

[ntex]

So your getting spark and fuel , timing is spot on,air intake is clean and clear, so if compression is sufficient(valves and rings functioning properly) should run.

 

[amberanger]

Spray a little starter fluid in it after it has sit for a while. Wet plugs may not fire gas as such and maybe not even starter fluid.
Throw in another set of plugs and try the SF. if no start its no spark..

 

[Jakefrost]

Is it possible that it's not getting enough gas? Like a clogged fuel filter?
Or maybe even watered down gas?

 

[2000StreetRod]

measure the fuel pressure

As I recall the Schrader valve on the fuel rail was not deleted until 2004 when the fuel pressure sensor replaced the fuel pressure damper. I suggest that you measure the fuel pressure. It should be around 65 psi. At least one member has found that 10 psi will squirt a good stream of fuel when the valve is depressed but is not enough pressure for the engine to start.

As I posted before, I suggest that you measure the compression - at least one cylinder on each bank.

 

[Panda1+]

Check the oil pressure sensor wire..If it has become disconnected or chafed through, it will shut the engine right down when the signal is lost to the computer..just a thought.

 

[Jakefrost]

Check the oil pressure sensor wire..If it has become disconnected or chafed through, it will shut the engine right down when the signal is lost to the computer..just a thought.

when i have the key on with the engine off the message center says low oil pressure but when i crank it i have oil pressure. could this still be an issue with the sensor?

 

[Panda1+]

That's because the sensor is reading zero pressure with the engine off. It appears from this that you have a good sensor and a good lead to the computer,as it registers pressure while the engine is cranking or on. Do you have a panel with the oil pressure gauge or just a light?

 

[Jakefrost]

That's because the sensor is reading zero pressure with the engine off. It appears from this that you have a good sensor and a good lead to the computer,as it registers pressure while the engine is cranking or on. Do you have a panel with the oil pressure gauge or just a light?

I have the panel with an oil pressure gauge.

 

[Jakefrost]

Also, I will be getting an fuel pressure tester ASAP to see if that is the issue I'm having. Hopefully this is the issue... This has been driving me insane the past couple of weeks/months.

Edit: I've been reading around and I've found that even 15-20 PSI low could make a no start condition. (Should be around 60-65 PSI)

 

[rwt101]

Compression test. Compression test.
Bob T

 

[Jakefrost]

I will be compression testing the same day that I fuel pressure test.

 

[Jakefrost]

Compression test. Compression test.
Bob T

Will be compression testing this weekend. Any general area on what compression for the 4.0 should be?

 

[rwt101]

150 to 175. I would have to look it up to give you an exact spec. But that should be close.
Bob T

 

[Jakefrost]

So, i just finally did a fuel pressure and a compression test and both are at spec. any other ideas? I'm literally about to blow this car up.

 

[2000StreetRod]

starting fluid aerosol

I suggest that you spray starting fluid into the intake manifold and see if the engine will start and run for a second or two. If it does, then you know you have a fuel problem: bad fuel, too rich, too lean, injector timing.

 

[Jakefrost]

that was done today after i fuel pressure tested. it did not start. watched spark while someone else cranked also.

 

[rwt101]

When you did the compression test did you do all cylinders?
Bob T

 

[Jakefrost]

yes i did. good compression all around.

 

[2000StreetRod]

excess fuel?

When you tried aerosol starting fluid was the main intake tube disconnected? Have you checked the air filter for blockage?

If you have good compression, good ignition and it won't start on aerosol starting fluid maybe there is excess fuel. When you tried flooring the accelerator did you switch the ignition on with the pedal released (PCM will read the TPS setting as closed throttle), then depress the accelerator all the way (signals the PCM to disable fuel injectors) and then crank the starter?

Your 2003 model should have a fuel pressure damper on the fuel rail.

There's a diaphragm in the damper that can rupture allowing fuel to be sucked by vacuum into the intake manifold. If you disconnect the vacuum hose to the fuel pressure damper fuel should not be present. You can test the diaphragm with a hand vacuum pump.