he said that when he tries to fire it up it always takes 3 tries and it starts on the third, and that it will run for a couple seconds and die.........he said the last time he tried it ran for about 10 seconds and then backfired and died.........what could be wrong.......he said that he has given it a complete tune up and changed almost everything but the TPS on the fuel system.......he also changed the computer........anyone have any idea's?

thanks

 

Pick-up coil is my thought. Thats the exact symptoms I had when mine went bad. Just in case you don't know what that is, the pickup coil is under the distributor cap. Its the circular thing around the shaft just under the rotor. Not to be mistaken with the ignition coil.

 

To replace that one needs remove the distributor.
The shaft is removed to extract that pick up coil item on the shaft.
While out, rebuild distributor.
It's a bloody simple project.
While the unit is apart, have the ignition control module checked at almost any auto parts store.
AND also obtain PERMATEX DIELECTRIC GREASE for using on the ICM base when placed back in the distributor.
I've had three module failures (last one at 75 MPH) within a year plus time frame.
Would like to believe no more ICM failures.
If the pick up coil has never been replaced, yep, it's due.

 

Has he tried checking the fuel pump?

 

Lesson learned as my Ignition Control Module died at 75 MPH.
A car that backfires means lack of strong or any spark, if it ran prior to backfire.
A car with poor fuel pressure doesn't make that happen.
I've had both failures happen.
THE ICM died last week.
My car backfired as it coasted
When the pump failed, it would start (IF LUCKY), run rough, then MAYBE run smooth or again die.
IF ya backfire, it seems to STRONGLY indicate ignition failing problems.

 

I've had two ICMs go out, never backfired ever. Doesn't mean it's not possible, but just shows that it won't always be the symptom.

However, I am inclined to agree that it is more than likely something to do with the fuel, as a backfire usually means an abornally large amount of fuel is ignighted at the wrong time. In most cases.. causing the black cloudy back-fire.

I think it could be one of your fuel sensors, this could be anything from a failed MAP sensor, to a failed TPS.

USUALLY (not always) when an ICM fails, the car gets absolutely no power, and the engine will not even start. A pickup coil CAN and will cause bad or a stumbly idle if worn, but I don't think a pickup coil can cause a back-fire.


Does the car shoot out any codes?

Find the diagnostics terminal and cross the A-B terminals.

Get yourself a Haynes manual, it will discuss this in detail. It could possibly tell you EXACTLY what has gone wrong.

By the way, a good way to test your TPS is by simply disconnecting it. If you disconnect the TPS cable from the TPS while the car is running, if the idle improves, then it's the TPS that's bad (9 times out of 10).

 

Check the Cold Start Injector if he has one.

 

well he said he changed everything in the ignition system....including the pickup coil.......and he already replaced the fuel pump.......im gonna tell him bout the TPS thing cuz he said thats like the only thing he hasnt changed on the fuel system.............


and he already has a haynes and i think he said that the car isnt shooting any codes.......but i dont know...i'll tell him what you guys said
thanks for the info!

 

I've had two ICMs go out, never backfired ever. Doesn't mean it's not possible, but just shows that it won't always be the symptom.

GOOD POINT TOO.
As I was coasting in neutral to the side of the road, I figure why not try starting it?
That's when I believe it backfired.

In my instance when I had fuel pump problems, no backfire.
PUT A DISTRIBUTOR IN 180* out & it'll backfire, too!

 

I've had backfires on both ICM and pick-up coil failures.
I've also had ICM failures with no backfire.

 

ok here is what he wrote down for me to post