Not a Festiva but need help with my '97 Astro

[fastivaca]

I've been trying to get my '97 Astro to start. I've replaced the battery (the old one was on its last legs), checked out the coil and ignition module, fuel pump runs, engine turns over really well but it doesn't want to fire. :?

I'm going to check fuel pressure later today and replace the fuel filter. The check engine light has been coming on sporadically over the last few weeks but I don't have a tester to read the codes.

What makes this doubly frustrating is that my daughter and her fiance have the Festiva visiting his parents so I'm without wheels until I get the van started.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[kzbill]

Check ignition first cap rotor wires that sort of thing. but try to PM FB71 it is Sunday so may be tought to get anyone today.

[fastivaca]

Thanks for the response.. I forgot to mention that I replaced the distributor cap and rotor.

Is there any way of checking the codes without a tester?

[packrat427]

I have not worked for Chevrolet since 1990 , but I am not sure if you can do the key or paper clip ground in the connector to access the trouble code , by the # of flashes .

There was a break off point where that did not work any more .

Maybe search that accessing trouble codes for that year .

[jglutz]

^^ break off for GM was ~1992 when manuf's went to OBDI. Prior to that they had the ALDL (Assembly Line Data Link) all you had to do was ground pin A.
If the check engine line is not on, its not worth doing anyway.

Did your changing the cap and rotor between working and not working? Did the wires get mixed up? Is it possible to put the rotor on wrong? I know you said the fuel pump works...always a good idea to check the fuel inertia switch.

[FB71]

1996 was the official mandatory year for OBDII. Some GM and Ford products started in '94.

One of the nice things about OBDII was the mandatory data stream. So yes, a scan tool can help you diagnose the no-start condition. Also, DTC's can exsist even without the SES lamp on. But no, OBDII DTC's cannot be retreived without a scan tool.

Dumb question... did you remember to put the rotor back on?

[jglutz]

Dumb question... did you remember to put the rotor back on?

LOL...been there...done that

[scitzz]

I do not know how much of this you have done.....first, pull a plug, connect the plug wire to it, hold it close to a GOOD ground, have someone crank the car while you watch for spark. At the same time, look for fuel to spray out of the cylinder where the plug came out of. If you have spark, and fuel(let it crank for a few secs to be sure), then you can avoid checking alot of the other things, should help you narrow down your hunt. Remember, diagnose first, then buy parts, this will save LOTS of money!

[phantorn]

I don't believe any other manufacturers use an inertia switch besides Ford

[stefan]

timing belt?

check if the rotor rotates when you crank on it

[fastivaca]

Here's an update:

- rotor is in (BTW there's only one way it will go on)
- had the coil and ignition module checked and they're OK
- there is spark
- had no fuell pressure initially but changed out the fuel filter and there's a vast improvement but maybe not enough

Still no start.:?

I'm going to check the fuel pressure in the morning. I've been told by a recently retired GM service manager that these engines require a minimum of 55 psi to run. I'm hoping I don't have to replace the fuel pump as I would have to drop the gas tank to do so and it's almost $500.00 for the part :shock:

I'm still trying to line up a code reader too.

Thanks again for all your input, I really appreciate it.

[FB71]

timing belt?

check if the rotor rotates when you crank on it

I think it's a 4.3L v6 Vortec, chain driven cam.

I think Ian is on the right track... fuel issue.

[stefan]

timing belt?

check if the rotor rotates when you crank on it

I think it's a 4.3L v6 Vortec, chain driven cam.

I think Ian is on the right track... fuel issue.

oh, ok. diddnt realize.

had it been sitting for awhile? perhaps the injectors are clogged?

if it is low pressure, maybe there is a in tank filter that is clogged?
If it dose come down to the pump, i would go to a j/y before dropping that cash. for $500 you could pick up a cordless impact gun to make work in the yard easyier, and still have enough $$ left over for 10 used pumps

[packrat427]

GM pumps are expensive :x
especially the one with the sender attached .

Not sure about there , but here they cut a big hole in the bottom of the tank and drain the gas , makes it easier to get the pump . :lol:

I know prices are quite different here and there , but some parts stores carry the same A/C pump for $200.00 less , same part number ??

You may try one more thing to see if it makes a difference , take a rubber mallet and tap/beat on the bottom of the tank while someone is cranking it over , I have helped several get home with that trick . That may help figure it out if it starts .

[25Horseplay]

Fuel pump here at Autozone is just under $300. Maybe have one of us buy it and send it to you.