My wifes 98 sl2 won't start. I replaced the crank pos sensor, plugs and wires, ects(ordered the plug for it). I disconnected the plug wires at the coils and there was archs between posts. I pulled the valve cover and timing chain is in good shape. What do you guys think? Is it the ignition control module or the ecm? She had no prior problems until last week she went to start the car and here we are.

 

Well, you have covered all the easy parts, but a bit more information is needed. Are you able to get any diagnostic codes out of the OBD-II ?? Also, have you checked for fuel pressure/availability at the fuel rail ?? By chance, is the security lamp on ??

Oh, when you replaced the plugs, I hoped you used OEM type/style, and not platinum ...

 

Used Autolite std style plugs. When you crank the car it smells like fuel. Haven't had a scan tool on it yet, since I don't have one and the car is currently a boat anchor. I'll check and see if the security light is on. I'll have to call my buddy and have him come out and scan it.

 

I would check for compression fuel and spark if you have all of these it should at least back fire. If you have all of these I would believe that you have a timing problem.

 

Its has to be a electrical problem if it just happened at drop of a dime. Compession problems happen over time. Even if it had a broken ring it would still start. It has 170k on it so it does burn some oil, but nothing major. Still haven't had it scanned yet, my buddy is to busy. Timing chain is entact, so the issue is electrical. Are the ignition modules prone to failure? When they fail, is it total failure or is it intermidentate? Got the ects harness today, still have to install. Both wires are white on the harness. Are the wires polarity sensitive or doesn't it matter? All I can fiqure is that the ignition module is bad. Just hate to spend $130 and thats not the problem.

 

The ECTS is not polarized, so you should be good to go in that respect. It's nothing more than a resistive sensor inside a protective metal probe.

 

Archer, thanks for the info once again. Where would you go from here? When I crank the car it seems like the timing is off, it has spark and smells of fuel when you turn it it over. Is there any possiblity that it would be a bad map sensor? I'm not a newbie to spinnin wrenches but this one is a hard one.