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Author Topic: no spark, no fuel  (Read 3099 times)

JD1969

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no spark, no fuel
« on: August 29, 2010, 03:21:00 AM »
So I just scored a 1992 XR2. It ran a few years ago when parked (sat out in a field for a few years). So we got it home and there is no spark and no fuel. From my research it seems these cars will not send signal to the fuel pump if there is no spark. I hope it is not the ECU. I am stumped on what and how to check, plus I don't know where any of the modules are located on this car. This car will be raced in an upcoming 24 Hours of Lemons event. We know the history of the car as it was a friends moms, at one point the interior was totally removed and thrown out, it would never be a street car again, so don't hate us for turning it into a racer. Anyone near Chicago know anything about these cars?
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polarbeardr

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no spark, no fuel
« Reply #1 on: August 29, 2010, 10:22:00 AM »
I have a 1991 XR2 and, curiously, I have no spark, but have confirmed that fuel is being pumped to my injectors.  My coil tests good. I purchased a guaranteed "used" distributor. Still no spark.  For your sake, I hope it is not your ECU. I am wondering  if the timing is completely screwed up. In my case, my car was running very well, until I stopped without warning at a stop sign, it died, then would not restart. It turns over fine.  Anyway, no spark, but I am still getting fuel. Maybe not good news for you, but it suggests you might have another problem.  Dan
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JD1969

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no spark, no fuel
« Reply #2 on: August 29, 2010, 11:29:00 AM »
Mine was parked for a couple years and I know it ran when parked. Not sure why anything would o bad just sitting,at least electrical wise.
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polarbeardr

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no spark, no fuel
« Reply #3 on: August 29, 2010, 11:40:00 AM »
Mysteries can be bummers, can't they?  Have you checked the red "reset" button in the trunk?  It is a long shot and did not solve my problem, but what do you have to lose?  I read somewhere that if there is a sudden jolt to your car, the fuel pump shuts off and you must reset (depress) that red button.  If I figure out what's going on with my car, I'll let you know.  A long shot for me is the possibility that my timing belt is screwed up. So, I am going to check that.
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Rocketman

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no spark, no fuel
« Reply #4 on: August 29, 2010, 12:24:00 PM »
Are you positive you are getting fuel to the injectors? The fuel pump will only run when the engine is cranking, the pump switch is in the airflow meter. You can also jumper a terminal on the firewall to get the fuel pump to run when the key is on. (think it is a yellow connector with two wires)

As for the no-spark issue- the most common no-spark condition is the ignitor module in the distributor has failed. The other is a bad / disconnected ground near the thermostat housing. You will not see the tach jumping when cranking the engine.

If you are not getting spark you will not get fuel to the engine. If you have spark but not fuel, its usually something in the fuel system.

It could be the ECU. Check for water damage. (under the center console on the firewall) But that not really a big issue - I have plenty of spares.
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1.8L Turbo All Wheel Drive Capri... the "GTXR2"


polarbeardr

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no spark, no fuel
« Reply #5 on: August 29, 2010, 01:59:00 PM »
I misspoke about fuel flow to the injectors. I disconnected the fuel line at the fuel filter and  when cranking the engine, fuel went into a coffee can, so naively assumed that fuel was getting to the engine (and, my son smelled gas, when I was trying to start it). I was assuming that the "new" (used) distributor I installed yesterday was good, maybe it was not. So, my theory of a timing belt problem is far-fetched, at best and probably naive. It is odd that my car had been running so well, then died suddenly at a stop sign, and would not restart. It will turn over. That's all.  I appreciate your other diagnostic suggestions. It may be time to take my car to someone who really knows what they are doing.  I can often fix simple car issues and was much more successful many years ago working on cars without computers and complication electronic ignition systems.
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JD1969

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no spark, no fuel
« Reply #6 on: August 29, 2010, 02:04:00 PM »
Fixed it!!
There is a blue 10 gauge wire that goes into a green plug under the coolant overflow tank. The wire was really corroded, it fell apart when I touched it. I by passed the plug and it fired right up. I read about a guy on a 323 forum that had this issue. Thanks for the help guys. I will post up some pics once I get the cage in this thing.
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Rocketman

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no spark, no fuel
« Reply #7 on: August 29, 2010, 02:23:00 PM »
Sounds like the Neutral safety switch connector.
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1.8L Turbo All Wheel Drive Capri... the "GTXR2"


JD1969

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no spark, no fuel
« Reply #8 on: August 29, 2010, 02:29:00 PM »
Maybe?? I have no idea LOL. I do know that when I unplugged it with the key on the fan came on.
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bhazard

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no spark, no fuel
« Reply #9 on: August 30, 2010, 05:18:00 AM »
That was probably your fan switch wire on the thermostat housing...
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polarbeardr

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no spark, no fuel
« Reply #10 on: August 30, 2010, 05:20:00 AM »
Congratulations!  I commend you for not giving up. I haven't given up either, but feel like I am groping around in the dark. I had such high hopes that a new distributor would solve my problem.
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polarbeardr

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no spark, no fuel
« Reply #11 on: August 31, 2010, 12:03:00 PM »
Does anyone know where I might find a used, functional ECU for my 1991 Capri XR2?  My coil and fuel pump are working. I still am getting no spark to the plugs, despite installing a "new" distributor.  Thanks, Dan
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TMC

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no spark, no fuel
« Reply #12 on: September 13, 2010, 07:09:00 PM »
hey Dan,  Did you check that wire JD1969 described?
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