98 Saturn 1.9L won't start but will crank

redwoods · 02-24-2008, 02:56 AM

I have a 98 Saturn, I am not sure of the SL or SL2. It does not say it anywhere. It has a 1.9L engine.

I put half a tank of gas in it, drove it 3 miles to home and the next day, it would not start. It was 20-30degrees out and so I put it in the garage.

It warmed up and still would crank like it was ready to start, but did not start. I sprayed starting fluid into the air intake and it did nothing.

Could it be the crank position sensor or timing chain or engine coolant temp sensor?

I pulled the spark plug wires and on the left (pass. side) spark plug, there was oil on top of the plug, but after cleaning it out, it was not on the other side of the plug. The plug sparked when I put the wire on it and grounded it on the car.

Thanks,
Randy

RC1488 · 02-24-2008, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redwoods

I have a 98 Saturn, I am not sure of the SL or SL2. It does not say it anywhere. It has a 1.9L engine.

I put half a tank of gas in it, drove it 3 miles to home and the next day, it would not start. It was 20-30degrees out and so I put it in the garage.

It warmed up and still would crank like it was ready to start, but did not start. I sprayed starting fluid into the air intake and it did nothing.

Could it be the crank position sensor or timing chain or engine coolant temp sensor?

I pulled the spark plug wires and on the left (pass. side) spark plug, there was oil on top of the plug, but after cleaning it out, it was not on the other side of the plug. The plug sparked when I put the wire on it and grounded it on the car.

Thanks,
Randy

Follow this video. If you see spark then its a fuel issue. If no spark, change your CPS:
YouTube - Saturn Crankshaft Position Sensor(car not starting)

If there is spark, turn the key to RUN. Listen, as you should be able to hear the fuel pump prime for about 3 seconds. If you dont hear this humm, check your fuses and relays.

ALso, since Im sure youve been cranking the engine for a while now, your engine can now possibly be flooded. Holding down the pedal at WOT(wide Open Throttle) shuts off the injectors at start up.