Changed valve cover gasket, now no spark.

[dreadpiratesteve]

Hi,

I've just did a couple things to the Bonne, new windshield wipers, new cabin air filter, new front passenger's side control arm, and new valve cover gasket. I say gasket because I was squeamish enough about doing the one, I dared not try doing the one in the back. As far as the removal, it wasn't graceful, I tried not to bump the valves but I couldn't figure out what to do with all the miscellaneous wires so I had to kind of lift it just high enough to where it cleared the valves, and move it sideways. I wiped the whole thing down really well with a disposable cloth and some brake fluid(on the cloth), and wiped the wall of the inside where the oil had been leaking. Again, had to maneuver it back on, I don't recall bumping the valves or anything. After that I changed the control arm. When I first tried to start it, I realized I forgot to plug the spark plugs back in, but when I plugged them back in there was no change. Lights all come on and radio and blower motor still work so I know it isn't the battery. What did I do?

[Bing]

I would carefully look over all of the plug together connections. Make sure that none of them got pulled apart. Also make sure the spark plug boots are seated firmly on the coil towers.

[00Beast]

Did you disconnect something like the ICM? You would have to bash the valves or rockers with a hammer to do something to affect them. The valve cover shouldn't really affect anything else...

[dreadpiratesteve]

I've looked all around the area next to the valve cover, couldn't find anything unplugged.

[dreadpiratesteve]

Did you disconnect something like the ICM? You would have to bash the valves or rockers with a hammer to do something to affect them. The valve cover shouldn't really affect anything else...

What's it look like? I checked all the plugs I saw in the direct vicinity of the cover so I probably checked it, but I don't know.

[00Beast]

It's the plug that's screwed into the plate below the coils.

Does it turn over?

[dreadpiratesteve]

No, there are no noises at all when you turn the key besides the fuel pump.

[00Beast]

Sounds like the issue of a red herring. It sounds like your starter died, or the wire broke or something.

[dreadpiratesteve]

Lovely. I did check the ICM and everything appears to be in order there. I had my brother start it while I listened to it, and there was a quiet clicking noise, but that's the only noise at all.

[00Beast]

So yeah, your starter is dead. Now you have another project, lol.

[dreadpiratesteve]

Well, I hope they're cheap used.

[redzmonte]

also check the battery, if a light or something was left on it could be charged enough to power up the car but not enough to engage teh starter.. try a jump/battery charger 1st. much easier then replacing the starter.

[01bonneSC]

Yeah test that battery before you replace the starter.

[Ken_W]

Try starting the car with jumper cables to another car. If it starts, let it run for a while (maybe go for a drive). It it's good after that, it was probably just a drained battery.

Did you do anything around the battery or fuses?

Ken_W

[dreadpiratesteve]

According to the parts store the starter checks out. Therefore it is good. My dad has sworn up and down it isn't the battery because the headlights don't dim when you start the car. The battery is practically brand new BTW. I've had problems with the cables before to where the positive terminal bolt was stripped causing a brownout, but the bolt and battery were replaced and there have not been problems since.

[dreadpiratesteve]

we confirmed that the starter is not getting any power. Hooked the battery to a charger but for now we could really use a wiring diagram to figure out where our break is.

boy oh boy do I love electrical issues

[Mechanical Mike]

PM me with an email address & I can send you a wiring diagram. Which starter wire doesn't have power?
If it's the small wire then you may have a security system problem.

PS - Try wiggling the shifter around & also try starting in neutral.

[dreadpiratesteve]

that is what we are beginning to think. Now that it is in question I feel I should mention I have no key fob. Hopefully that helps one way or another.

[00Beast]

That doesn't matter in the least.

[dreadpiratesteve]

Does the security system engage/disengage without the remote locks?