I recently bought a 1989 5.0L V8 T-top Firebird as a KITT restoration project. I cant get it to start. I have replace the ignition coil, distributor cap, distributor rotor, ignition pickup coil and ignition reluctor. I have checked the fuel/fuel-pump, taken apart and cleaned the throttle body, and checked to make sure the injectors function. It cranks great and has an almost new battery. The fuel pump primes like it should. When I crank it sends no spark nor injects any fuel until I release the switch to the "on" position. So I assumed it must be the ignition switch, so to test the theory I found out which wire on the starter makes it crank and put twelve volts on that wire it cranked but had the same problem. Keep in mind I had the ignition switch in the "on" position. I have tried starting fluid still wont start. I think it is the Ignition control module or Engine computer. Any help is greatly appreciated. On more question, is there a crankshaft or camshaft position sensor on the V8 or are they only on the V6?

 

If you are not getting spark to the plugs and you haven't had the ignition control module ICM checked by Autozone or such that would be my first direction, Rule out the ICM first. That was my V6's problem when it cranked and didn't start. The fuel pumped primed and I also replaced the pickup coil but it didn't fire up until I changed the ICM. If the fuel pump is priming and you say you are not getting fuel you may want to also checked the fuel pressure, fuel filter as something may be plugged. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the help! I haven't checked the fuel pressure with a gauge because i cant find out where to check it. When cleaned the throttle body I felt the pressure coming from the pump and it felt pretty strong. I had forgotten I can take the Ignition control module to auto-zone, I will though cause I'm on a budget. I found it to be cheapest at Pepboys. I still need to know if there is a Crankshaft or Camshaft position sensor on the 305 5.0L V8?

 

And the problem is with both not getting fuel and the ignition coil isn't getting the signal to send spark until I stop cranking.

 

It doesn't have a cam or crank position sensor. It has a distributor.



Are there any DTC's stored?

 

Do the spark system tests yourself

http://easyautodiagnostics.com/gm_ic...n_module_1.php

None
The ECM gets it's reference pulses from the dizzy rotating , this shows that the engine is cranking over so the ECM fires the injectors

Quick test
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/post...560-post2.html

 

I checked when I bought the car but I need to check again. Thanks

 

It could be a bad dizzy too I had an old truck with the same problem.

 

The dizzy looks good, I'm pretty sure the problem is the ignition module. I'm leaving now to pick it up from Pepboys.

 

Can you please post your findings/solutions. I just picked up an 89 same exact car for KITT restoration too. I have spark and fuel but wont start. Car sat for 5 years. Drained all the gas, fixed a few things. I have to do compression test next but wanted to know what you found out with yours. Thanks.

 

do not buy a "cheap" ICM. get a BWD select one.