Cranks/won't start

[RedBird65]

I have a 1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE that cranks but won't start. Just got this car last November. Noticed before that coolant level was low a few times (topped it off) and a couple days before it took a dump on me it was nearly empty. Now I noticed that when I turn the key on the security light comes on but it never did before. A friend who is a pretty good mechanic checked compression, fuel and spark which were all good. He did say the spark plugs were wet so he took them out to dry for 10-15 min but still no start. CEL had been on tried to hook up a scanner but nothing. I checked all the fuses on driver side all ok. Kind of stumped right now. Need some help please!

[Wes]

Everyone's definition of good mechanic can vary, so no offense to your friend, but did he check the fuel pressure with a gauge? If so, what was the prime psi? And did he check all 3 banks for spark, or just one?

[RedBird65]

He checked all three banks for spark but I am not sure if he checked the fuel pressure with a gauge. I will have to get to you on that.

[RedBird65]

We just removed one of the spark plugs and looks, and smells like fuel. Car is flooding.

[Wes]

Presence of fuel does not imply functional pressure. Not all pumps that fail will stop pumping all together, but sometimes at lower pressure than required by the fuel injection system to function. I would check it with a gauge before checking it off your list.

[RedBird65]

Update: Got obdII data link to work and pulled 2 codes: P0133 and P0305. Replaced O2 Sensor and #5 ignition coil. Still will not start. Don't have a fuel pressure cage. Any ideas?

[RedBird65]

Can a bad ignition module create problems in ignition coils? After replacing #5 still wouln't start recheck all coils and found two with no spark (#2 and #5 on same coil).

[need info]

With a helper turn key on listen for fuel pump to prime for about 10 sec. If not beat on bottom of tank with stick or rubber hammer. If u hear it come then fuel pump is bad . Behind back seat in trunk is access panel.

[RedBird65]

Can hear fuel pump turn on. Replacing ignition module and #2 and #5 ignition coils. Ordered my parts on Rock Auto.

[Wes]

Again, a fuel pump can "work" without supplying the correct pressure for the engine to actually run. Hearing, and seeing fuel does NOT confirm the pump is good. Testing>part swapping.

[RedBird65]

Ok, so we changed the ICM and replaced ignition coil for #2 and #5. Still cranks but won't start. Still looking for a fuel pressure gauge. My mechanic friend does not believe it is the fuel pump since we can hear it turn on and when trying to start engine it floods. Going to replace the crankshaft position sensor tomorrow morning. Hopefully this is the problem.

Also, we notice some water around the UIM. Could this be why it won't start? Just thought I'd ask. Tried to find something on here but nothing. Thanks.

[RedBird65]

Stuck with Bonny cranking but not starting! Checked fuel pressure with gauge and it is withing specs. Cleared codes as stated above by replacing O2 Sensor, ICM, #2 & #5 ignition coil and just replaced the Crankshaft Position Sensor. Also did the VATS bypass today and still will not start. Now it backfires when trying to start. Any ideas on what to check or replace next? Really need this car to run. I have a to start a new job soon.

[Wes]

Interesting. Spark, fuel, and compression verified, maybe it is the cps you were looking to replace.

[RedBird65]

Already replaced CPS. Still not starting just cranking with a backfire now. Any other ideas? Could it be the ECU or Timing chain slipped or something. Please someone give me somewhere to start again.

[Archon]

Have you done anything with the MAF? If not, try disconnecting that and see if things improve. If you have someone you can swap one with, that would be better.

[RedBird65]

Yes, that was the first thing we tried. I will try it again.