ok so i've been doing a little research. The car just got back together from a rebuild, and we are trying to start it now but not getting spark. I installed a COP so we tested the stock coils on it just to double check and it still doesn't seem to be getting spark. the crank sensor is on and I cleaned it so I don't think it's that. The car cranks fine but won't turn over for the first time.

I read where the cam sensor end can be switched causing issues but would that prevent it from starting all together? Going through my head I can't think of anything at all that would hinder it from getting spark.

I'm gonna do more research tonight but if anyone has some good key areas to check or troubleshooting to perform feel free to share as it would be much appreciated.

thanks all!

 

Was a base map put in the car? If so immobilizer transfered over?

 

Sorry its an aem ems and the ecu ran it great before the build.

 

checked the sensors and grounds and everything seems to be getting 12v including the injectors so it looks like everything is good except the coils. Checked all the fuses under the hood and they all looked good but haven't checked the fuses next to the steering column. Is there an ignition fuse that might be under there that could be blown perhaps?

quick ? even w/out the CAS working... Wouldn't the coils still be getting the 12volts to the plugs from the battery? Were yours still getting a 12v source from the battery but just wouldn't spark?

 

dang. 111 people and not one suggestion? This I might try the stock ECU

 

I've got a problem with a car that, following an engine installation, cranks but has no spark or fuel as well although there is pressure to the rail. The things I've checked already are the engine and interior fuses, sensor connections and ecu harness. Here's my top three list of other potential items that could be causing the problem.

1. Immobilizer not communicating properly with ecu -- this doesn't seem to be your problem as you're running an AEM, but I don't understand quite if the ECU and immobilizer are a paired set. I'm not sure that the ECU I now have for this car is the original.

2. Crank and Cam Position Sensors -- perhaps these sensors have gone bad. Anybody know of diagnostic tests?

3. Some latent wiring issue -- very difficult to track down without a lot of effort and IMO an unlikely cause

 

yeah, well before the build my car was already on the AEM and it ran fine so I don't think the immobilizer is the issue in my case at all.

However, I am getting worried that it may be the crank sensor because that will be a ***** to get to and replace. It was gunked up like crazy when I removed it and it was still working. So I cleaned it and when the motor went back together, I reinstalled it. I know the plate that goes under the crank is correct cause I installed it backwards the first time.

I think I'm going to install my stock ECU this weekend to see if that will give the car spark because that will either tell me if possibly it can be the ECU or something more. I still have to check the spark plugs though to see if fuel is getting into the chamber.

over all, I think cam/crank sensors could very well be the likely cause.

 

It would be nice to know if there is a diagnostic procedure for the crank position sensor. Someone mentioned that this is in the service manual and it involves checking the resistance between two terminals on the connector in the engine bay but I haven't been able to find it.

Swapping out the sensor isn't that big of a job really. Just a little more involved than changing the accessory belt as you have to remove the lower timing belt cover completely.

 

yeah I've heard that as well. But I guess I'll see.

 

The only way to properly test the crank sensor is with an o-scope... it sucks but it is what it is... cam sensor is an easy swap and most try that first...

 

but cam sensor doesn't control fuel and spark. Guess I gotta figure out if my car is getting fuel to the chamber or not.

 

***update***

Car wasn't geting fuel which leads me to the ecu (EMS) or crank sensor. Tried the stock ECU and still no resolution. So I finally gave in and started in on the crank sensor. Turns out it was backwards. The right way it goes in doesn't look right but it definitely is so that the tone ring an pass through the middle of the crank sensor. Fixed the no fuel/spark issue.