I'm working on a 1989 Trans Am, 305 TPI that a buddy of mine just bought.
According to the previous owner it was running, then sat for about 3 months and now wont start.

the motor cranks, but wont start - even with starter fluid.
I've checked and I'm getting no spark on the plugs, or from the coil.

I've replaced the coil, and I've replaced the ignition module under the distributor cap.

I have 12v to the coil on the red wire, and the ignition fuse is fine.
ECM only shows a code 12 when jumpered to diagnostic mode

Where do i go next? Im thinking the pickup coil on the distributor (maybe just replace the entire distributor), but i dont want to pull that all apart if theres something else it could be.

Is there a way to test the pickup coil with the distributor still in the car?

 

Welcome to the forums, noticed this is your first post. Wealth of info here. Please update your profile so that you won't have to keep typing it out. Also use the search function extensively. I have learned stuff here that I wasn't even looking for. Check out #5 on this thread, may help out. Good luck.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/elec...ol-module.html

 

Do you know what the fuel pressure is? If it is low it won't start. If the idle air control is of unknown age replacing that is wise IMO. You can check to make sure the Throttle position sensor is in the correct voltage and in turn it should mean that the throttle blades are open the correct amount.

 

Would that effect spark for any reason? I've pulled a plug and checked, i have no spark on the coil or on the individual wires.

 

I'm sorry I missed the word "no" and just read have...spark

 

My ECM was giving me the "Everything's Good" Code 12 ... I had spark but no injector pulse ...
The 3 things to look at is the VATS system, the Pulse coil/pickup and the ECM under passenger side dash.

 

That was exactly what I needed, thanks so much!

Tested the pickup coil as per the instructions and it was shot. I went ahead and replaced the entire distributor, because the old one was really ratty anyway.

Got it in and she fired right up!