So I was driving through a turn doing pretty normal speed, decided to accelerate the car up to maybe 4-5k once the car straightened up and all of a sudden the car died on me. I came to a halt at the intersection. When the key turned, the starter was going but it wouldn't ignite (start) the engine, just kept firing dry. A few things I preliminarily think happened. Either my alternator went to **** or something happened to the spark plugs. I tried disconnecting the battery a few times but got the same results, even the same when I got home. I eventually just settled for a tow, since I was sitting at a left turn . Anybody know what I can check or replace or have the same problems so maybe I can spare having to take it to a mechanic.

Thanks, Tom.

 

Can you hear the fuel pump when the key is in the on position?

 

First check if the battery has charge, do you have any lights in the car? If the battery is not charged, get it tested. If battery is bad then replace, if good then it's the alternator or you have a short somewhere.

If battery has charge still, then you have an electrical disconnect or ignition problem. Check for loose connectors, or exposed contacts that can touch things (I've seen a car do what you described from a strut bar flexing under hard cornering and touching an exposed hot wire from a bad stereo install ... ).

If there are no wiring problems, then it's the ignition - check sparkplugs and coils.
Good luck!

 

The lights and everything in the car were working so it seems the battery has a charge if that is what you meant. Everything turns on as normal, its just when you turn the key all you get is the igniting firing and nothing starting. Alternater then?

 

That is my guess. Get it tested.

 

Make sure you check all the fuses!

 

So, just replace the fuses in the fusebox?

 

You'll be able to tell if they are bad or not. Check interior cabin ones and underhood ones.

 

If the car "cranks" when you try to start it, then the battery & alternator are fine. Your engine needs three things to fire: air, fuel, and spark.

Fuel: if you have a fuel pressure gauge, make sure there's pressure with the key in IGN position (or listen for the fuel pump whine).

Air: I'd say is the least likely problem, but just in case check nothing is blocking your intake (I've heard of a guy who sucked in a small bird and clogged his intake scoop).

Spark: like others said, check fuses, electrical connections, spark plugs, plug wires, and coils.

 

do you remember how much gas you had in the car when you took that turn ? Gas pumps do not for the most part burn out that fast but it could happen if the gas shifts and the pump sucks dry for a few seconds - VERY rare but can and has happen .

Just something else for you to look into ..


..

 

Thats crazy

 

I had about 3/4's of a tank, so I doubt it was the pump sucking dry. How do you figure that the alternater will be fine. The car sputteres as if you killed the car, all electrical connections seem fine at this point, yet it won't start the car.

 

do you know what the voltage is from the battery? even if it doesnt have enough power then it definately will not get the engine to start but all electronics will work fine

 

Check your fuses first of all.


Ive blown a fuel pump fuse before and had the same issue. It did the same exact thing your discribing.

 

When I turned on the car, I can't hear the fuel pump or anything sound off, all I hear is the electronic beeping. I opened in the underhood fuse box and nothing looks severe, how will i know if the fuse is blown?