90 Festiva Won't Start

[JimFestiva]

Was working fine. I changed a headlight. Next time I started it about a day later, it does not start. I had a spare fuel pump relay, but that does not seem to be the problem. It turns over fine, but does not start. I am starting to go through the diagrams, but thought I would at least ask if anyone has any thoughts on where to check first.

[Bert]

Mine sputtered and sporadically died a few times over the past few days. I'm leaning toward faulty fuel pump (fuel filter is relatively new) myself. You can find yours via an access cover under the back seat. Move some carpet (easy if you're prepared to slit it) and undo some screws to get at the cover. Unplug a fuel line and then turn the key. And make sure you have a pail to catch the gas (providing the pump works)!

Other thing to look at is the timing belt. I spent forever trying to diagnose lack of spark last fall only to discover the belt had broken. Distributor sends signal to computer and then to coil; no turn, no signal, no spark.

Good luck.

[Flyin4stroke]

My first check would be for spark. Probably coil wire came loose while you were shuffling around under the hood. Check all the easy stuff first. It's usually something simple. Also check your main fuse get rid of the fuse able links.

[JimFestiva]

I checked the coil wire, but I is connected and won't work. BTW I had knocked it off not too long before I found it disconnected.

Do the fuel pumps normally fail, or is there any warning. It worked great one day, but when I went to start it a couple days later, no flow. Inline fuel filter is fine. I guess I will check the pump next. I just has the feel of a wiring issue since it started after I changed the headlight. Then again, it could just be a coincidence.

[Movin]

You have no spark at the coil wire and your fuel pump is not pumping
to the filter?? And it cranks fine?

Do like 4 stroke said and fix up your fusible links

[JimFestiva]

I've got spark. When I disconnect the line from the inlet side of the inline fuel filter, I have no fuel when trying to crank. It turns over, but never starts. I know it is not getting fuel because the inline filter housing, which is somewhat clear, is empty.

All of the fuseable links appear to be okay. The fuses appear to be okay also.

[FestYboy]

sounds wierd, but WHICH headlamp did you replace?

[JimFestiva]

Driver's side. It is probably coincidence, but some of the wiring from the previous owner is suspect. It appears that there is no main relay at all.

[FestYboy]

ok, first check the inertia switch, then jump the fuel pump test plug and see if you can get it to run. if neither of those work, verify power to the pump and go from there.